Rep Power: 719

Hey

i want to open a discusion about my 1978 impala. Im looking to change to a 4barrel carb and could use some advice. I want anyone knowledgeable about V8 to please jump in and discuss! The parts are so damn cheap for this engine i dont know where to begin. Supercharge or not? The kits start at only 1300! Also i need suspension help. This thing turns like a water bed!

 
Rep Power: 802

What engine does it have? I've built one mild street V8, but I've got a fair bit of knowledge. Changing to a 4 barrel, will generally involve changing the intake too, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to throw a set of headers on it. The stock manifolds were junk. Superchargers are relatively easy, and there are lots of kits available.

 
Rep Power: 719

thx for the response.

My engine is a 5L 305. A Supercharger seems like the best bang for your buck, although i dont know if that much power would ever go to use in im impala since its a monster boat with soft suspension. Also how well are carbed engines with superchargers?

besides the charger, a carb, header and cam would give some nice results im sure, not quite sure how much roughly but probably enough to satisfy my urge for some more power. Also what cfm would be ideal for an almost stock v8 650cfm?

 
Rep Power: 802

My first suggestion, is ditch the 5l. Unless you want to try and keep it original. The 350, or 5.7l small block, is what most of the parts are available for, and you'll never regret the extra torque. I had an 85 Gutlass, with the 5l, and I ditched the engine and tranny, in favour of a 350 CI, with a TH350 tranny, with shift kit. The engine, I think I used a 650 CFM holley, and a 270/278 cam, with a 390 lift. Gave a nice idle, and would easily spin the tires. Gas mileage, well, don't ask. But, if you've got a 78, I'm going to guess you're not too worried about mileage. That's not exactly a small car.
So, that would be my suggestion. 350 ci, with TH350 tranny, shift kitted, and a mild street cam. If you want to get more, well, you could always go with an aftermarket EFI setup, but they're not cheap. Both Edlebrock, and Holley make them.

 
Rep Power: 719

im not interested in ditching the engine because this one only has 70,000km on it and i want to keep it sort of original. Do you know any good sources online or in the GTA where i can search for a few parts? much appreciated

 
Rep Power: 802

Jegs is you best bet.

 
Rep Power: 719

any domestic swap meets!!?

 
Rep Power: 727

The engines of those days are so well built its not funny...Only things they get are oil changes, carb rebuilds, filters, and tune ups and they run forever...i had a customer turn 1,000,000 kms in an 84 caprice 305 2 bbl
If your going roots style s/c all you need really is a 4 bbl carb most likely and the kit...i would reccommend colder plugs upgraded ignition since the HEI doesnt put out much spark power higher up with the internal coil...Definate exhaust work needed...i say Hooker equal length to 3" collector 3" H pipe 2 dumbie Cats and IMCO performance mufflers to whatever you want with 3" piping all around...

As for suspension the sky is the limit its a 4 way coil spring suspension if you want to go crazy get a decent air bag suspension or upgraded Springs, shocks, and sway bars should really be all you need for a fun cruiser...But i say an added value would be an upgraded stall converter and fuel pump(cheap) and might as well consider a posi rear end

 
Rep Power: 667

I agree w 79 Camaro. Upgrade the springs & shocks and add some thick sway bars and you'll be fine. If you do some work to that motor you might want to think about traction bars later on.

Definitely get a locking diff. no sense in upgrading all that power and spinning only 1 wheel!

I've got a Holley 650cfm carb that I don't use anymore if you want. It's got elec. choke, vacuum sec. and was rebuilt with about 2 months of use on it....
If you want it make me a fair offer. I'm not looking to get rich on it...
As for intake, I can't help you, as I have a mustang...

 
Rep Power: 0

you've got a huge engine bay there. IF you have the bux you can fit anything you want. Any small block, 454, Big block crate motors .

East end Spring could help you with the rear suspension.

It depends on what you want to use the car for as far as the suspension.

Enjoy.