Driving hot rods should always be fun, especially when you're young. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work out that way. Many first-timer hot rods end up being powered by small-block engines that've been loaded with a 750 double-pumper carb, an open-plenum intake, a 280 solid-lifter cam and 21/4-inch headers, all pumping into a stock converter and a 2.79:1 geared rearend. If you have ever driven a car like this, you know the thing doesn't run well. This type of combination ends up in many first-timer hot rods because their owners don't know what to do first, second or even third in putting together a car that "works."
This article is for those whose cars fit this description. We asked everyone from car builders to warehouse parts suppliers in what order they would recommend modifying a car for performance. From this, we were able to put together the 10 Steps to Performance. So check out the suggestions, add the components as you get time, money or experience, and put together a car that most only dream about owning.