What is the best bang for my buck?
 

Hey all,

I have a 66 Chevelle Malibu with a 283 SBC, powerglide, and 12 bolt. I’m trying to decide what makes the most sense to upgrade to go faster. I’m
Not trying to set the world on fire, just trying to pick up 2 tenths or so. Below is what I have that I know of and wanted to get some thoughts here from people who have seen increased speed in their combos.

I went 11.80 this past weekend for reference at 800’ but 15mph head wind

Engine
283 SBC
520 cast number heads (brand new not sure who machined them)
Scorpion rocker arms 1.6/1.7
Comp cam push rods 8.000 .080
Bullet cam
Crower lifters
Dart block

Carb
4GC completely redone by DeanO

Transmission
Power glide
2.18 low gear
A1 7” converter

Rear end
12 bolt
5.86 gear (I think!)

Other items
Drum brakes
#3465 with me in it

Re: What is the best bang for my buck?
 

I’d attack weight, chiefly the brakes. TBM brakes can take weight off and decrease rolling resistance.

Re: What is the best bang for my buck?
 

That’s an easy one, swap the glide for a 3 speed …that will get you your first TENTH….

Re: What is the best bang for my buck?
 

M.J. is correct. A 200 Metric.


If this is a stocker, I didn't know high ratio rockers were legal.....


Not knowing who did what to the heads, it's hard to say what potential is there.....

Re: What is the best bang for my buck?
 

I should have prefaced. This is a SS/NA car.

I’ve heard 3 speed which was an obvious choice in my head however I’m not sure which direction of 3 speed to go these days. I had a pro trans in my sunfire and that was fast but it needed replacement parts every 30-40 runs it felt like. I’d love to get a turbo350 with a trans brake that would be sturdy enough for when I move classes next year into FGT.

Thanks for all the insight CR!

Re: What is the best bang for my buck?
 

Whether or not you need a 350 depends on what you intend to do later. Usually, a foot brake is faster than a trans brake. And the three speed trans brakes don't work as well as a PowerGlide brake.


Since you're talking about Super Stock, it makes a big difference who did the heads.

Re: What is the best bang for my buck?
 

Best BANG for the buck is a SS Hemi! When they go BOOM they make a big BANG! Lol

Re: What is the best bang for my buck?
 

Along with your bank account and your retirement fund?

Re: What is the best bang for my buck?
 

PJ, Don't overlook the chassis. The biggest gains in e.t. i made with my 283 LA Nova was when i aligned the front end, making major adjustments to caster and camber and having the rear end housing straightened and made sure it was perfectly aligned in the car.

Re: What is the best bang for my buck?
 

A paper bag!

Re: What is the best bang for my buck?
 

You are rated at 217 HP soft compared to the Novas, I would put in a 6.14 gear. What tire are you running, Radial? A three speed would also mean converter change and shifter. Unless you find used stuff it would be a lot of cash. What headers do you run? How close are you on weight?Small radials were 15 hun quicker than the bias tires good carb spacer

Re: What is the best bang for my buck?
 

Tom has some excellent ideas. A 30 x 9 radial might work with your combo …:):)

Re: What is the best bang for my buck?
 

PJ I use a 200 metric by Thomas Arnett and a ATI converter. The 3 speed would be a 10th or more faster. It has been reliable since I figured the issue I had last year.

Tom Flowers
3860 E/SA

Re: What is the best bang for my buck?
 

Hey PJ,
I would change to a 350 turbo and a ATI converter.
Swap out the brakes for some strange disc brakes.
Put ceramic wheel bearings in. That should get you
.2 better. Then I would start working on heads/cam.
It will take a bit but it will pay off.
Pops

Re: What is the best bang for my buck?
 

I run a different brand SS/MA;

According to my calculations if you are @ 217 HP
you only need to weigh 3205. Your car fits into
SS/NA you would run on a 3 tenths slower index (12.15)
and in fact would only weight 3425 which is less that you stated
you currently are weighing. For a dollar's worth of N stickers
at the hardware store you get those three tenth. However, I
would double check the weight on your cars as it seems that
it really should be about 3200 with you in it (My apologies if you
are 400 Lbs yourself) and weigh a couple hundred pounds like me.

We spend a lot of nights in the shop finding ways to get weigh
either out of or at least shifted back in our racecars.

Re: What is the best bang for my buck?
 

Yeah my legal min weight in N is 3425. I?ve always just kept it over to be safe. I haven?t messed with the 80 pounds I?m over right now but that?s my next step. I?m definitely looking for a 3 speed too, reverse pattern with clean neutral if anyone is selling shoot me a PM!