The 1980s were kind of a bittersweet time for the Monte Carlo SS. If you're a fan of rear-drive and G-Body styling, then the 1987 Monte probably represents one of the highest points in the car's history. If you're a fan of big engines and big power, the 305 this generation came with leaves something to be desired. But there is some hidden potential here -- it's just a bit harder to find.
During this generation, the Monte Carlo came with the L69, 305 small-block, notable mainly for its -- ahem -- unique induction system. Some have called the combination of the 650 cfm Rochester Quadrajet and computer controls an emissions-era crutch, if not downright weird. But this mongrel combination can work pretty well when augmented by the computer to provide some of the idle, economy, emissions and power benefits of fuel injection. Going by the "2 cfm-to-1 horsepower" rule of thumb for a good street engine, this carb should support roughly 325 naturally aspirated horsepower when modified for it.
In February of 2009, Chevy High Performance Magazine did a performance build on the L69's computer-controlled carburetor, modifying it by enlarging a few air and fuel passages, and replacing the float bowl's needle-style seat with a slotted window-style seat that flowed more fuel. At the end of the day, CHP picked up 18 horsepower and 13 foot-pounds of torque after modifying the carb.
