There's a lot more base models out there than you think...

Some people have asked me about some of the "Rare" cars I've been talking about lately. Except their not that rare. Only the top of the line models had the "Top Dog" engines. There are a lot of Camaros and Chevelles out there with 250 hp 2 bbl 350 V8s.  In 1972 they went to Net hp ratings-the 350 4bbl that was rated at 300 hp in 1969-70 ( with 10.25:1 compression ) and 270 hp in 1971 ( with 8.5:1 compression ) was now rated at 175 hp. The '72 cars didn't "lose" 95hp; the engines were identical. The rating system changed. The 2 bbl 350 that was rated at 250 hp in 1970 was now rated at 165. Anyhow-unless you got a Z / 28 or an SS model-chances are your Camaro had one of those engines. Although they were available with everything from a 250 inch straight six to a 454, most Monte Carlos had 350 power, and most of them had 2 bbl carbs. Most Firebird and LeMans models had 350 2bbl motivation. The Formula 400, GTO and Trans-Am were the big dogs. Quite a few Firebird Esprits had 2bbl 400s. The same for Olds Cutlasses-if it wasn't a 442 or a W31-the most popular engine was a 350 with a 2bbl.  Fords were the same. There are a lot of '65-73 Mustangs with 2bbl 289s, 2bbl 302s, 2bbl 351Ws, and 2bbl 351Cs. I've seen a few 1967-70 models with 2bbl 390s!!  Ditto for '67-73 Cougars. Chrysler was the same way. I have seen quite a few 2bbl 383 and 400 Chargers and Satellites, and Sport Furys. Even AMC was that way. There are a lot of 2bbl 304,343 and 360 Javelins out there.  Like I said-this is an easy fix-$600 will buy you an Edelbrock Performer Intake and matching 4bbl carb for most engines and almost anybody can change a carb and intake with hand tools. You'll have a huge increase in performance and sometimes better gas mileage. If you "gotta have" a 396 Chevelle or a 440 Road Runner or 455 Olds 442 or whatever and can afford it, by all means get it. But don't write off a base model just because it has a base model engine. A 351 Ford or 350 Chevy has more speed equipment available for them than anything else on the planet. 383 Mopars and 400 Pontiacs can make just as much power as a 440 or 455, just at a higher rpm. Mastermind