Not that I need more weekend work: Edelbrock?

[ccarley]

I'm considering some Edelbrock performer stuff for my Suburban.

A few things though: I live in California (that might be the biggest problem). I'm happy with the power right now, but it sure could use more when going uphill. I suppose more torque & HP, since I tend to use 3rd on the hills (700R4 trans). I do load it pretty good for camping too, since I go way out there, I need to bring everything including firewood. I'd say I need focus on Torque really over HP.

So, I'm considering an Edelbrock Performer TBI intake, Performer Plus cam, lifters, & new timing chain. Perhaps no change to the exhaust manifolds, but maybe some shorty headers in the future.

Has anyone in CA done this? How were the smog test results? Any need to futz with the TBI computer?

Thanks for any input.
Clay

 

[zombie1969]

As long as everything you do is cali compliant or certified emissions legal for you country I mean state you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[4X4HIGH]

The best thing that will help you is gears. What gears are in the rig now and what size tires? This will make the most difference based on what you're looking for than any other thing you can do to it.

 

[ccarley]

I haven't quite done the calculation yet, but (this is lame, I know) I counted the pinion teeth... and I think I have 3.73's, but that doesn't make too much sense. It drives pretty good right now.

It's got more power than my old Jeep Wagoneer did, which is really nice, but you know, I could always use some more reliable torque. The Wagoneer had tons of torque, but like no HP, and this small block has some nice HP, but I wish it had a bit more on the low end.

I think it's more than reasonable to take it out of OD when going up steep-er hills, no doubt, and we easily keep up with traffic, if not pass, on many hills out here right now.

The big thing that worries me is not only the compliance of the parts for CA, but the results of the tailpipe test later; we live in an area where the emissions standards are stricter... (that's why I had to sell my Jeep )

Thanks,
Clay

 

[4X4HIGH]

What size tire do you run on this vehicle? 3.73's are a pretty common gear found in the axles around here BUT if you've installed larger tires then that makes the final gearing worse and steeper gears would help you.