sbc daily driver engine set up

[G_Body_Enthusiast]

now that i have a pretty good idea in what i want from the engine i'm wondering about some things. firstly i'm concerned with year round reliability issues, like running in the winter, etc. i'm thinking i want to run an EGR as well as a pre heater pipe running to the air cleaner using a stock air cleaner and retaining the temp sensor in it. i want to be eco friendly and help keep emissions down so i'm also considering running catalytic convertors.

again this is for a daily driver so i'm not concerned about a little loss of power, i just want good running characteristics year round giving me a reliable engine making the car more fun to drive.

i'm just not sure what i should use on the engine and i'd like to get some opinions from others about this.

 

[DRIVEN]

Are you just making a broad statement or was there an actual question in there somewhere? :lol:

Assuming you're asking about specs, I would just suggest anything to optimize torque on a year-round driver. Dual plane manifold, short duration cam, small tube headers or stock manifolds, and higher compression all help. You might also keep an eye out for a used Holley ProJection system. Complete systems can be had for as low as $200 if you shop around. I've personally seen them double fuel economy over a (worn out) Q-jet. They also start cold or hot with no issues and have some tuneability.

 

[G_Body_Enthusiast]

i didnt want to ask a question just yet. i just wanted to discuss the general idea of how to set up the engine for year round use. EFI is out the window for now. i know it would make the engine run better but i'm not seeing 200 dollar EFI systems so the odds of me finding one is also out the window.

i'm wanting to discuss other things to use besides the cam and intake selection. i already plan on using a short duration dual pattern cam and dual plane intake but some come with and some without provisions for an EGR valve. and that's what i'm wanting to talk about. is using an EGR worth it? would it help the engine or hurt it? i figure it would help emissions but what about beyond that, would it help anything else? could i use a 305 CCC system with a 350? the cam would be in the same neighborhood as an emissions legal cam like one from edelbrock.

i guess i'm asking questions now!

 

[DRIVEN]

I guess the simple answer is all too obvious -- and boring. Completely stock. GM spent piles of money to design and test a package to perform OK in most conditions.
I can't comment on the CCC issue but I see no real negatives with running EGR.

 

[othtim]

i didnt want to ask a question just yet. i just wanted to discuss the general idea of how to set up the engine for year round use. EFI is out the window for now. i know it would make the engine run better but i'm not seeing 200 dollar EFI systems so the odds of me finding one is also out the window.

i'm wanting to discuss other things to use besides the cam and intake selection. i already plan on using a short duration dual pattern cam and dual plane intake but some come with and some without provisions for an EGR valve. and that's what i'm wanting to talk about. is using an EGR worth it? would it help the engine or hurt it? i figure it would help emissions but what about beyond that, would it help anything else? could i use a 305 CCC system with a 350? the cam would be in the same neighborhood as an emissions legal cam like one from edelbrock.

i guess i'm asking questions now!

Youre looking to get a Vortec motor? Just go grab the whole 350 long-block. Keep the stock cam, add headers and decent exhaust and intake. easy 330 crank HP. Get an edelbrock Performer manifold and get rid ofthe hot-air crossover, well, they come blocked off already... You won't need it for winter driving. I live in Edmonton, AB, Canada, and I dont need it, on either car or truck. Just keep the Thermac valve there and plumb it down near the exhaust. Electric choke is a must.