At first I just bought it off a divorcing guy to sell it back and make some quick bucks but the car is so clean and I like its looks so I'm actually thinking I might keep it. But I think it's not powerful enough, I've been reading around a bit and I'm willing to invest around 1000-1500 max in parts to upgrade the motor.

Actually the motor is a 350 with an aftermarket cam (the guy couldn't remember the exact model), aftermarket headers and flowmaster exhausts, stock rochester carb, stock turbo 400 tranny. Everything else on the car is 100 % original match number. On classified ads I found some 5.7 vortec heads with all the parts like valves etc and could get them for around 300$. From what I've read if I want to install those heads I most likely will have to buy a new intake like rpm performer, and a holley 600 carb. I know the carb is around 400, I'm not too sure about the intake but I guess it will be around 300, so right there I'm at 1000, that gives me 500 breathing room for other stuff.

My main question is, if I put vortec heads and those other parts, do I have to change the rotor and distributor or can I keep the same ones ? Because I'm thinking about those mods around june, but right now I wanted to change oil/spark plugs/wiring/rotor/distributor, but I won't change them if I have to buy a different kind again in a few months. Also, the motor is running fine with the cam right now, so does that mean it will run fine with vortec heads ?

Thanks for the input, looking forward to try that pony thing in the streets..!
PS: In the shifter compartment inside the car it reads as follow :
P
R
N
D
S
L
What is ''S'' ?

 

Also, with that kind of setup, would I later be able to change the crank for a 400 and make it a 383 stroker with little other mods or would it not be compatible ?

 

S is Second. But if you bought it off a divorcing guy with the intent to sell it back and now your thinking bout keeping it.... Kinda messed up of ya. Maybe I'm missing something, and if i am, I apologize.

 

i would definitely put the vortec heads on...just make sure they are actually vortec heads and not just 87-95 tbi heads....some people dont know the difference......the 062 vortec heads are slightly better than the 906 heads but both are great heads...the quickest way to spot them is they only have 8 intake bolts instead of 12 the 4 in the center are no longer there......make sure the intake you get fits vortec heads and a 600 cfm carb will be ok i think...your distibutor and everything else will fit fine......that setup will make good power and gobbs of torque on a 383....you just have to machine down the mains on the 400 crank to fit the 350 block, clearance the block and bore it .030 over and some new pistons your pretty much set...you colud prob get the 383 done for another 1500 or so.....good luck i hope this helps!!! And for the 383 u mite use a 650 or 700 carb