Building a Hi-Po....suggestions?

[AzNick]

I had my 289 rebuilt in 1995 and the car has been sitting since then. I might have 400 miles on the engine. It was re-gasketed in 2009 and the C-4 was rebuilt at the same time.

Since the car is not running optimally and it is going for a paint and body work soon, I thought about having it redone. If I am going to have it redone, why not have it done with a little kick rather than the stock 225hp C-code.

Right now, as it sits, it has a mild towing cam from the '95 build, a Holley 600 sec vac, and an original '67 Shelby hi-rise aluminum intake.

Any suggestions on what you would do? I was thinking close to a Hi-Po K-Code/65 Shelby type of build.

 

[Starfury]

What are your goals for the car, and what budget are you working with? Is it a cruiser, daily driver, or a weekend strip monster?

The original K-code build is easily surpassed with modern technology. Pick up ARP main, rod, and head bolts at the very least. Get whatever rotating assembly you plan on using balanced. Convert to a roller cam for better performance without sacrificing driveability. Port-match the exhaust on the stock heads, or throw them away and pick up some good aftermarket heads.

The most important thing to remember is to match all of your build parts together for the same end goal. For example, if you pick a monster cam high compression pistons, you're going to need aftermarket heads to meet the increased flow requirements of the motor.

 

[Horseplay]

Compression is your best friend. Doing nothing more than raising your compression will give you good increase in power. After that, you need to help it breathe and that is when the dollars start to flow. You can have a good valve job done and a bit of bowl work on a set of good old heads that can support the power it seems you are looking to reach. Otherwise, open up the checkbook.