Need help on carb for '83 5.0
 

Just got a rebuild on my '83 5.0. Modest: cam, 3-angle valve grind, mated to long headers and dual 2 1/2 inch exhausts. I figure I have 250-300 hp. Carb was rejetted stock and now needs replacement. What should I get?? Intake manifold? I live in New Jersey and drive so its got to pass inspection. Also: what hood should I get to better feed the K&N with the new top element?

You need to be more specific. What's the compression? What are the lift and duration numbers on the cam? Which heads, and what's been done to them? If you have a stock carb/intake/heads and a mild cam, you are no where near the horsepower you think you are. List the specifics and we'll go from there.

Take care,
-Chris

I'm sure you're right on the hp - wishful thinking for sure since it dies when I stab the gas! Be posting the details asap.

thanks

I put the Edelbrock Performer intake, cam, and 600cfm 4-barrel package on my 79 pace car and it really woke it up, especially with dual exhaust. Those parts are all smog legal. If your cam is lumpier than stock but fairly mild, it should work well with the Performer intake. If you plan on changing your combo later, you may want to get a Holley instead of the Edelbrock as they seem to be a little easier to tune.
Definitely get some heads if you are serious about making power. There is no way you will make even close to 300hp with the stock heads that came on the 83 as they have pitifully small valves.

the 83 should have the same size valves as any later 5.0...

I just took the heads off of my 82, and the valves are the same as those in an E7TE. It's just that the ports were terrible on the early 80's heads - that and 67.5cc combustion chambers. If you think that the air bump in an E7TE's exhaust port is restrictive, look at these pre-87 heads.