I'm not a great mechanic but I have one who is. A couple of years ago I bought an 86 with a blown engine. It was replaced with a standard 350, not an L98 but it runs just fine. It just doesn't have any power. I finally decided to commit to upgrading the 350 short of installing a new cam. I've been told that putting in a cam will cause idling problems. So I'm considering good fuel injectors and new aluminum heads for starters. My mechanic says to start with the computer chip either getting a new one or reprogramming the existing one and that will help performance. I'm pretty sure I've already got a Hypertech chip in there. My question is do you re-program the chip first? Or make your upgrades and then re-program? Thanks for any advice.

Get your modifications done first. You re-tune after your mods. You can't tune then do the mods. Doesn't make sense.

That's what I thought. Kind of a no-brainer. Thanks.:patriot:

I'm not a great mechanic but I have one who is. A couple of years ago I bought an 86 with a blown engine. It was replaced with a standard 350, not an L98 but it runs just fine. It just doesn't have any power. I finally decided to commit to upgrading the 350 short of installing a new cam. I've been told that putting in a cam will cause idling problems. So I'm considering good fuel injectors and new aluminum heads for starters. My mechanic says to start with the computer chip either getting a new one or reprogramming the existing one and that will help performance. I'm pretty sure I've already got a Hypertech chip in there. My question is do you re-program the chip first? Or make your upgrades and then re-program? Thanks for any advice.

ok first of all, where are you getting your advice. Heads and injectors aren't going to do much for you without an intake and exhausts swap. Your stock heads are just fine if you're not doing a cam. Just saved you $1000. Stock heads are good to about 375 HP. Depending on what you have on there.

Same with injectors. You don't need new ones.

If you want to see something out of this motor, go to a new intake and free up the exhaust. Hold off on the heads until you decide to do a cam. Other than that try the freebie mods like eliminating the AIR pulley for example. Take out the frisbee, etc....

Don't go throwing money at heads or injectors until you get the motor to the point where it will make a difference. If you're going to spend money and time doing mods, do things that will make a difference.

:iagree:Good advice there.

i had a supertech chip in my vette when it was completly stock. i had it dynod before the chip was in and i was at 215 to the wheels. then with the chip in it was at 207 to the wheels. not a gain in any area of the chart. just get ur stock ecu flashed after u build the motor up. that way so u dont have to keep going back to get it flashed

:iagree:Good advice there.

Tune the stock engine ?

I would consider what kind of HP you're looking for and debate about a built engine that has the power already.