HP upgrades on 1980 301 non turbo
 

Whats the best bang for buck HP upgrades for a 1980 Trans Am 301 4.9L non turbo motor.

RE: HP upgrades on 1980 301 non turbo
 

You could do the usual power adders- cam, 4bbl carb. The problem withthe 265/301is thatthey arethe 'red-headed stepchildren' of Pontiac V-8s- they're low-deck, so none of the typical performance parts (manifolds, headers, etc.) fit, and they are not known for reliability as well.

I personally would loose it and swap in a built 400- you would notice the difference immediately.

Geno

RE: HP upgrades on 1980 301 non turbo
 

ive heardthe 301 that could possilby get in the 450hp range but is it really worth the time and money to try it?

RE: HP upgrades on 1980 301 non turbo
 

IMO it's a waste of money and time- the 301 is a thinwall casting, and at 450 hp it's a grenade. Get a no.491988 400 block and build your 450 hp Poncho- it will live a long life as long as you balance it and run forged pistons, rods, and put forged s/s valves in the heads.

Geno

Go to a junkyard, get a 455. hone it, put in new rings and bearing, lap the valves

I've heard it wasn't hard to break the crank without adding any power. I was told if you don't abuse it you can get up to about 200hp before things go wonky. thin castings coupled with a weak crank made them break easily. Now with a turbo block, crank, ported heads, a modified intake, and cam I've heard that 300hp is possible.