Just got an '81 Camaro body and Ive never built an engine before. I dont know much about all the different brands of parts or tyoes of parts, so bear with me.

Id like to maybe save up for a weiand street blower, so I need to build the lower end of the engine good enough to take it. Ive got some questions about some of the parts. Id appreciate if youd look it over and tell me what will and will not work well. Theres just too many parts to choose from

Im trying to keep parts cost somewhat down since I dont have a huge disposable income.




Edelbrock intake
$120 http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=EDL%2D2101&autoview=sku

$156 http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=EDL%2D3701&autoview=sku

Whats the difference between EGR and non-EGR? Which one is better?





Edelbrock carb
$250 http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=EDL%2D1405&N=700+0&autoview=sku





Fram fuel filter
$42 http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=FRM%2DHPG1&N=700+0&autoview=sku




Holley 80gph fuel pump
$64
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=HLY%2D12%2D834&N=700+0&autoview=sku




K&N filter $40



Fuel system kit
$75



Mallory dual point distributor
$150
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MAA%2D2548201&N=700+0&autoview=sku





Accel 300+ race wires $80



Powermaster starter
$120
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=PWM%2D9100&autoview=sku





Generic Delco alternator $90



Optima red top battery $125



Scat crankshaft
$170-$180
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SCA%2D910442&autoview=sku
or
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SCA%2D910375&autoview=sku

Which one? Or would I need something stronger if I use a supercharger?




Sealed power bearings sets




Scat I-Beam connecting rods 5.7"
$290
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SCA%2D25700716&autoview=sku




Sealed Power brand pistons
Is flat top or domed better?

$216-$240

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=TRW%2D8KH631CP30&autoview=sku
or
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=TRW%2D8KH618CP30&autoview=sku




Melling 30% extra oil pump
$62
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MEL%2D10555&N=700+0&autoview=sku




Comp Cams K-Kit
$320
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=CCA%2DK12%2D210%2D2&autoview=sku



Comp Cams pushrods
$29
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=CCA%2D7812%2D16&autoview=sku




Comp Cams rockers
$146
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=CCA%2D1412%2D16&autoview=sku




Milodon valves ~$80



Comp timing chain cover
$134
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=CCA%2D208&autoview=sku




Fel-Pro gasket set
$40




Oil pan 1-piece gasket
$36
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SCE%2D211092&autoview=sku




Permatorque head gaskets
$17 each
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=FEL%2D7733PT2&autoview=sku



Weiand water pump
$93
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=WND%2D9208&N=700+0&autoview=sku




Proform chevy valve covers
$52
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=PRO%2D141%2D750&N=700+0&autoview=sku


Proform air cleaner
$62
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=PRO%2D141%2D752&N=700+0&autoview=sku


Proform breather cap
$10 ea.
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=PRO%2D141%2D754&N=700+0&autoview=sku

If you're on a budget, scratch these off you list since they are overkill for your needs, Holley fuel pump, stock will do, powermax starter, factory GM will do, Optima battery, don't use a high volume oil pump, again not needed.

The baby blowers are a little more forgiving with compression, but it is something you will have to consider, and that is lowering your compression, which will inversely affect your performance until you get a blower. A blower is also NOT cheap. Just make sure you use forged pistons.

One more thing, if you're starting from scratch, build a big block :)

Also if you want to save some cash. check out the swapmeet section. It may take some time, but you can get some good deals.

Small block parts (heads, intake, etc..) are cheaper to build (for your budget) easier to work on (weight and more room in the bay) and can provide more than enough power. There are people in here that have 8 and 9 sec. small blocks without Nitrous. How fast do you really need to get. Anyway, get a block and take it to your local engine shop to have it gone through. They can clean dip/clean it, put it new pistons, rings, bearings, crank, rods or whatever it needs, if it needs. So basically you can start off with a good foundation. For heads, I love aluminum but if you are on a budget the modified Vortecs are a nice option. Flat tappet cams are dirt cheap, I use hyd. roller so someone else can help you with the cam selection since I'm only familiar with hyd. rollers. Edelbrock RPM or AirGap intake, a good after market rocker arm, doesn't have to be a full roller. Stock fuel pump (Ebay or local Autoparts store), long style water pump (same place). HEI distributor (Ebay). MSD 50 ohm wires are only like $60. There are plenty of after market new parts on Ebay. Not all are junk, but watch out they are plenty that are. You can build a 400HP small block on a pretty good budget. But if you want one that rips 10 sec. You'll have to dig a litte deeper.
I'm a huge fan of big blocks too. Big time torque. But, your tranny, U-joints, rear end all have to be beefed up too, so your budget just went down the tubes. And i know this will stir them up.. but just because its a big block doesn't automatically win the race. Watch Pinks. Not the first or second race, but the last, all out, win or lose the car 3rd race. Plenty of small blocks have won that third race, with just motor, or BOTH sides using nitrous, (even and fair) staged at the same line. the 406 Datsun versus the Ford 460. Or Trevors Camaro versus the Big Block Nova. Etc...
Oh how they always underesimate the bright side.... ;)

Man it took a lot to put that post together didn't it. It adds up quick don't it. I added up just over $3000 and didn't see anything in there for heads, machine work on the block, or the blower. Your hearts in the right place, but your priorities are a little out of order. True you are going to need things like starters, batteries and such. But let's droip back 5 and figure out what it's all for.
Step 1: BUDGET???????????
Step 2: HP/ET goals (or is this even going to see the track)
Then let's see if the first step walks all over the second step.

I'm helping a friend build his first engine also. He has always been into cars but his heart is with bikes, but he wants to build a 383 stroker.He is going the route of using a GM block and a Scat recip. ass.He got a little sticker shock last week when my machine shop quoted him $850 to machine his block.I think he is looking for a better block to start with.He is using the Scat 9000 series....around 1000$ for his shortblock parts.He is going with the Edelbrock power package, heads,cam and lifters,intake, gaskets, and bolts.He will still need a carb and dizzy, oil system,headers, timimg cover,balancer, and flexplate.Plus all the other goodies.He will end up with 400 + horsepower that will be very street friendly and still run on pump gas.His budget is around 4500$ and I'm thinking he will meet it and still be very happy with what he has built.

Keep in my mind that if you are new to building an engine, then its either going to take you a long while to do it. (Asking questions..tinkering...asking more questions...running into obstacles...tinkering) or you can pay someone to build it... ( there goes your budget) ....or you can spend $3500 and get Year Ones crate engine. (400+ HP for about $3500) work done... drop it in and go!!!!

I dont know. So many people have told me so many different things. One guy said to build the lower block stong and replace the cranksshaft, cam, and other stuff just in case I plan on putting a supercharger on someday.
Others tell me to not worry about the upper part at all and just focus on building up the parts I cant get to without teraing the block apart, then some say to not worry about the lower and work on the upper. I just dont know what to do

Dont try to focus on one part of the motor, bottom or top end. You need to figure out what you are going to do first, complete rebuild or crate motor. Get your budget and whatever goals you are looking to achieve and go from there. Focusing on one part of the motor may get you into trouble later on. You really want an overall good motor, not just a good bottom end motor. I think I said all that right, oh well you get the point.

I plan on rebuilding it myself
I want a good, strong engine, and maybe use it to drag on the highway. Ive got a few friends that have mustangs and transams, and one with a new camaro SS.
I just want something that I know will be able to outperform and that I can have alot of fun with. I just want a better 350 than most people have

just curious, however arent our F body cars fricken heavy? even if we have 300- or 400hp to make up for it, alot of other vehicles r lighter and makes em easier to get up and go or am i wrong?

By the time you rebuild a 350 and make good power, you could have a crate motor. 454 crate motor would have plenty of power and with some upgrades could make great power for the price. Unless you really want to rebuild the motor yourself, crate motors are priced just right.

By the time you rebuild a 350 and make good power, you could have a crate motor. 454 crate motor would have plenty of power and with some upgrades could make great power for the price. Unless you really want to rebuild the motor yourself, crate motors are priced just right.Well, I was wanting to rebuild it since Ive never built an engine. Also, a 454 would kind of be a tight fit. I dont want to replace or chop the hood

Also, a 454 would kind of be a tight fit.
As you get older, you'll find if there's an option, a "tight fit" is better.

As you get older, you'll find if there's an option, a "tight fit" is better.Well, I also dont have the kind of money to build up a 454 :(

What's your budget? That's the 1st thing we and yourself needs to know.. What kinda funds are you working with.

Then what parts do you have now to work with?

Post back with that info and I can recommed parts to you based on your budget

Theres more to a quick or fast car than just one part of the engine or for that matter more to it than just the engine.

You need the driveline and suspension.. A tranny to hold the power, the right stall converter to match engine's needs, the right rear end gearing to match use and engine..

Then suspension and tires. If your twisting the chassis and spinning the tires a high HP engine may still loose to a stock one.. Traction can make or break your race.

As far as the engine.. For right now I say take a deep breath and think real world.. Sure the roots blower is nice but it's your 1st engine build, I would think your young, your funds are limited, etc.

Build a nice mild N/A powered small block 350 and enjoy it for a few years as you learn how to dail in timing and carbs.

Then once you learn more and have a bigger budget then you can upgrade for the blower.

I run a milder 355 in my third gen camaro and run 11.40's @ 118 mph in the 1/4 mile.

If you plan your build out right, you could get a high 12 to low 13 second time out of a mild, budget built 350

As you get older, you'll find if there's an option, a "tight fit" is better.

Why do I get the feeling we're not talking about cars anymore? ;)

Why do I get the feeling we're not talking about cars anymore? ;)No kidding. And I already know that :)


Anyway, the more I look at Performer RPM kits, the more I like them. Although I wont be able to buy the head, cam, lifters, and intake all at once I can most probably afford all but the heads right now. I guess I can make due with stock heads for now.
I think I may go with Speed Pro domed pistons, since I have to be practical and realize I wont be able to afford supercharger til I graduate, so higher compression will be best for me.
What about replacing rods? Is this important? I dont want to take any risk of breaking anything in the engine.

Still not sure if I want to replace the crank. How much HP are they rated (safe) to?

Still dont have an engine. I need to start calling around to local salvage yards and seeing if I can get a donor car cheap. Preferably with a 4 speed tranny.
Wouldnt mind finding another 81 camaro but in bad shape so I can take the drive shaft, radiator, and some other stuff off and maybe part the rest out

I should be able to clear the hood easily with an air gap intake, edelbrock carb, and a standard 14" air cleaner shouldnt I?