So we rebuilt the original heads on a 350 olds in a 71 Cutlass. As for engine performance what is the next best bang for your buck?

rebuild the carb
ignition improvements
???


Thanks

 

Timing Optimization
Compression (pistons)
Cam
Headers & Dual Exhaust

You won't get anything out of ignition changes for a stock-ish motor, unless you need a tune-up anyway.

- Eric

 

What is needed for Timing Optimization?

 

The '71 was set unusually retarded for emissions reasons.

Once you have the rest of your setup the way you want it (or before, if you want to do it twice), you need to use a timing kit (Crane's is good) to modify the advance springs and advance canister to get the timing where it works the best, and determine the best vacuum advance source, manifold or ported.

- Eric

 

Gears - I went from a 2.73 (maybe even a 2.56?) to a 3.23 that is still modest but its a night & day difference. The revs were upped on the highway but nothing that is not tolerable.

 

Should have milled some off the heads, to help compression.
replace timing chain
As what was said "Gears"

Gene

 

If the heads are still off you might want to consider a small camshaft upgrade. Just don't over cam it. A small rv (torque) cam along with tuning/exhaust/gears. Jmo, Ken