Manifold, yes, cam, yes. Those 2 are also factors in HP. The torque converter however has no effect on HP, unless for some odd reason it like weighs more or less which makes it easier to spin that heavy thing, but overall, generally you dont change torque converters to add HP

Yeah,I guess I meant a Holeshot 2000 will probly get me off the line better-if that was the case.A little more application of TQ?

Changing torque converters can help in the sense that if you buy a good one (like Coan, JW, etc) they will be more effecient at transfering the power from the engine to the ground which is like adding horsepower. Although your not really adding horsepower your just freeing up some horsepower that was otherwise being wasted.

Do you have a stock rear gear? I can't see a higher stall converter doing you any good if you don't have some decent gears, bigger cam, better air and exhaust flow, etc. You have to think of the entire driveline as a combination. Not just individual pieces.

I'm actually putting the Holeshot 2000 in my Vette,its already got a cam that needs more converter.I know a converter does NOT add HP,it just makes it feel like extra TQ off the line.I will be addressing the Cutlass driveline later.Just trying to get some input from some of you that have already tackled the stuff I'm planning.Most of this is new to me,since most of my former rides came with more power to start with.I'm not sure what the rear gear is on my '78,since I havent had it that long.Its probly the stock setup,whatever that is.

my 85 3.8L has 125HP@4400rpm and 195ft-lbs@2000rpm

the torque rating seems about right but the HP rating seems a bit 2 low, i dont have anything to comfirm it though, anyone know?

I don't know because I have never had the car on a dyno since the engine was rebuilt (never had it on before either). My butt dyno says it's pretty good though

speedy266- the numbers you have are correct for the factory 3.8 in 1985 for your car.

dam only 125HP, no fun, i think i'll increase the compression ratio next time i rebuild it.