The "Other" 350s!

   The Small-block Chevy is probably the most successful production engine in racing and hot-rodding history, and rightfully so.  However from 1968-1977 GM produced millions of Buick Skylarks and Centurys, Olds Cutlasses, and Pontiac LeMans and Firebird models with their own 350 cubic inch V8s.  These engines are largely overlooked because either stock or modified, their larger 400 and 455 brothers make substantially more power but cost no more to build, and will swap in with little or no fabrication. However, if you have or want to buy one of these cars, don't despair. With very little work you can increase their performance greatly, or maybe have some fun while you build a stompin' 455. Here's some tips that will really "wake up" any BOP 350 powered vehichle. # 1 Induction. 95% of these cars had 2bbl carburation from the factory. For about $500 bucks you can buy an Edelbrock Performer intake and matching 4bbl carb. With this one single modification, the car will not only run substantially faster, but get better gas mileage as well. Pontiac owners on a budget have it easier because the factory iron Q-jet manifolds that came stock on 1967 and later 400s, 428s and 455s will also fit 350s. The 350 and 403 Olds manifolds interchange, but the 400/425/455 ones do not fit 350s. Ditto for Buicks. The factory made some 4bbl 350 Buicks, but unlike the Pontiacs, the intakes from the 430/455 series don't fit. If you can find a factory iron manifold at a junkyard or swap meet, that's great, but you have to remember that all of these engines have been out of production for more than 30 years, so used parts may be scarce. You may just have to bite the bullet and buy the Edelbrock setup. # 2 Exhaust. 99% of these cars had restrictive single-exhaust systems. Even if you can't afford or don't want headers, you can pick up 20-25 hp and a couple miles per gallon by adding a free-flowing dual exhaust system behind the stock manifolds.  # 3 Axle-ratio. Most of these cars had salt-flats gearing like 2.56:1 or 2.73:1. Installing 3.23 or 3.42 gears will greatly improve acceleration without adversely affecting fuel economy too much. Don't go wild and think 4.11s or 4.56s will be even better- They won't. These engines don't make power above 5,000 rpm, and don't have the heads,cam or valvetrain to rev to 6,500 or 7,000 that 4-series gears would require.  #4 Transmission. Most of these cars had Turbo 350 automatics. B&M, TransGo and other companies make shift improver kits and adjustable modulators that cost less than $50 and are easily installed. Set your full-throttle shift points between 4,400-5,200 rpm.  These mods will make the car feel like it has another 50 cubes under the hood, for very few bucks. I hear the question- what if someone did add aftermarket heads, cam, nitrous etc? My question is this-if you have that much money and need to go that fast, why wouldn't you build a 455 instead of a 350?  Mastermind