What is the best bang for my buck?

[SS3860]

Originally Posted by pjfouts

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

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

[poppaj]

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

[GTX JOHN]

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.

[pjfouts]

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!