[TXJosh]

I just bought a 1973 coupe with a 302 and i want some more kick out of it. what do you recomend for performance? this is my first project ever and have nobody to help me. any help at all would be appreciated.

[Tominator]

Aluminum heads should be first on your list.

[The Greek]

My advice is to upgrade the exhaust system to headers and dual exhaust. You will want a crossover pipe between the two exhausts just after the headers or approximately under the tail shaft of the trans. You can use a straight piece of pipe between the exhausts or go to an X-pipe. This will help the engine to breathe more effeciently.

You should notice a bit of improvement in performance. Your next step would be to open up the intake into the engine with an intake manifold that is of the dual plane variety. A performance carb for the manifold should be considered also.

These two items should help the stock engine to breathe better and in my opinion is the places to start. The engine internals, camshaft, heads, ignition, ect. can be added later, but the basics of more air/fuel in and better flow out will show results no matter what stage of engine mods have been made. The cost of these additions is really not through the roof and will provide for a good foundation as the engine mods progress.

[blue_08]

there are tons of upgrades that you can do with your ride. It would really depend on the budget you have and the choice of auto parts to be upgraded.

anyways, you may start upgrading your exhaust system. Also muffler, intakes, brakes, wheels, you may also add some new auto body parts, suspension and other performance parts.

Good luck and keep us posted regarding this project of yours. :

[.boB]

'73 is one of the first years for smog motors. Compression started to drop, and they used ugly things like a thermacter boss and EGR. First, fix those things.

New heads with a smaller chamber will make a huge differance. Match that to a good intake, Holley carb, and good exhaust and it will be a whole new car.