289 new heads

289
Edelbrock Performer 500 cfm carb
Performer Plus cam
Performer Manifold
Performer RPM Heads 60cc
K Code exhaust into 2.25 duals
MSD 6AL

197 hp 5600 rpm
225 ft lbs torque

30 hp gain over stock heads

set of headers would be worth quite a bit too.

Dont hold your breath about some headers, the last time I did some on an engine that was that weak, It only gained 10 HP at 6000. The more power you make, the more there is room for a gain.

JOE SHERMAN RACING ENGINES

Joe,

I am looking for low RPM torque for autocross. It is a handful even with the weak 225 ft lbs but any suggestions are welcome.

First off I would say switch to afr 165 heads, get a 600 annular booster carb
1 5/8 headers

Mike S

I'd say the performer plus cam is the the weak point in your combo and the performer intake, I'm sure those heads would make 30hp over stockers even with the stock cam, theres cams out there with 10-15 degs more duration/ tighter LCA and more lift that will keep the low end yet increase midrange and top end alot and have more area under the curve, the performer cam runs out of poop just when the heads are making power.......the edel 500 carb is not the greatest for autocross, I'd be running a demon like a 525-575 with annulars with an rpm int and some try-y headers, the 165's even t/wedge heads would probably run stronger, I would guess the regular performer heads would give you much more low end on a 289. The cam is a major "mismatch". I'd say if anything, more cam, mill the heads for more compression and better carb and headers. You can always add steeper gears and pump up mid and top end and you will go faster......way faster.