Since you now have an exhaust
capable of much better flow it is time to update your carb. The Stock
Q-jet is 100% perfect in rebuilt trim for any street build-up on stock engines
of up to 454cid!!! Do NOT let someone try to convince you that your carb
is junk, for it is a cheap and reliable carb. If you have an 1987-88
SS then you require a different electronic carb which severely limits your selection.
The Edlebrock/Carter Units are NOT certified Emissions Legal on the
Monte Carlo SS, and Holley stopped making thier version (#80073) a while ago.
Getting a quality performance rebuild on your stock carb is probably your best bet.
For HOT 305's use the CV Rods and the N Hangers, 350's like the AH rods, but the CV
Rods will work as well. The EdleBrock/Carter carbs run about $450, a Holley
runs about $250 but loses MPG to gain a little performance advantage, while a
performance rebuild on the Q-jet will run around $200. You make the call.
The Edlebrock Performer
intake manifold is completely emissions legal, and will add roughly 20+hp
to your stock engine. Be careful about which manifold you order!
1983-1986 SS's require EDL-3701 while the 1987-88 SS's use the EDL-3706.
There are also other good choices for intakes that are Emissions Legal.
Chevy High-Performance makes an emissions legal manifold (PN#10185063)
that has similarities to the Edlebrock RPM manifold which is not yet made
in Emission legal form. See your local GM dealer. Personally I like
the Edlebrock on the L-69 and the Chevy Performance intake on larger engines.
But it is a matter of preference. The Performer Sells for around
$150 while the GM unit sells for around
$180.
Adding a Camshaft at
this time will wake up performance by as much as 25+HP! Cam selection is
one of the most difficult things to do. You must match your cam to type of
driving style you intend to use your engine for. For this reason 3
similar cams are recommended. All are the Crane Compu-cam design which
will work with your ECM and keep the engine emissions legal. The #CC2030
is a mild cam good for a daily driver and moderate performance retaining
decent MPG, net roughly 15+hp. The #CC2040 is a favorite, and works
well giving a nice blend of power and drive ability, roughly 25+HP. The
CC2050 is as extreme as you can get in a cam and remain Emissions Legal,
it will net roughly 35+HP. Cost is around
$130
Next, replace
the old Stamped Steel rocker arms with a roller-tip design like the Crane
Cams design. (CRN-11806) which can add around 10+hp to your engine. These
rocker do not require you to switch to screw-in studs. As an alternative,
you may use the Crane Cams full-roller rockers with "tall" valve covers.
Note: On 1987-1988 SS's with the Center-bolt
valve covers Full-Roller rockers will hit the valve covers unless you
switch to the Moroso center bolt style (MOR-68036). The Full-roller
design requires the use of screw-in studs and guides plates. Cost is
around $250
Now that we are
making power and have improved engine flow, the ignition needs to be addressed.
One of the best Ignition systems is the MSD 6a ignition. It will
improve the starting, drive ability, and improve high RPM response, where
the stock ignition begins to falter. (usually above 4200 rpm)
Alternately, Accel makes a nice street system that is a direct plug-in
module. The main difference is the accel is digital, and has
a built-in rev-limiter, while the MSD is analog and uses modules to
control RPM in the MSD 6al unit. Cost on the MSD is around $180 (w/
coil), and the Accel is around $185 (w/coil).
If you do not have
the Posi-traction rear axles (VIN Code G80) then you will have serious traction
problems at this stage of power. The Auburn-Pro Posi-traction differential
(AUB-XXXX) is a perfect replacement and comes in the 7-5/8" size* of the stock
SS (85-88). This means you may retain the stock 3.73 gears* (85-88) or you may wish
to upgrade to a "street" gear if you plan on making a lot of power later
on. If you have the G80 option then you may still wish to change to
this differential since it has more clutches and is stronger. If you
decide not to upgrade your differential now, you will probably need to after
completing the Stage-3 level buildup. Cost is around $335
U-Joints are something that take plenty of abuse in high-horsepower cars, and most likely your SS has the originals still. It is a good idea to get them replaced now before something breaks and you pole-vault your car. Whatever style you choose as a replacement it is a good idea to get u-joints that have the zerx grease fittings rather than the sealed type. I Like the Spicer U-joints myself.
* Note: the 1983-84 SS came stock with a 7.5" differential and a 3.42 rear gears.
This Completes the STAGE 2 buildup of the 83-88 Monte Carlo SS
Using the Rebuilt Carb, Edlebrock Intake, Crane Cam, Crane Rockers, MSD Ignition, Auburn Differential.