I've thought about that route also. The main reason for a sbc swap is I have a good block already. Plus the availability of aftermarket parts and budget. Plus I've built several sbc. I have no experience with an olds motor.
BUILD THREAD $1100 Olds 442
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Basically the same process. Build one V8, you've built em all. Of course every engine has it's quirks. On the plus side, ALL of the bracketry, carb, distributor, plugs, etc will swap onto an olds 350. Heck, I think there is a guy on here that did it with a 455. Olds motors are very stout and tourqey. Plus they're everywhere. Or you can do an olds 403, or 455. Or spiff up that 307.
If you're concerned about budget, if you can find a low mileage 350 olds, hone re ring bearings, gaskets, cam, etc and you're golden.
Wow, great deal on that car. Keep the pics coming.
I found your build thread after seeing the advice thread. While I still feel the car deserves a stock resto, I do like the idea of putting an Olds 350 in place of the 307. If done "correctly" no one could tell the difference at a glance. Just tuck the original longblock under the work bench in case these become the next GN.
Looks like you have a really great car to start with. Can't wait to see the progress.
Looks like you have a really great car to start with. Can't wait to see the progress.
The Olds 307 was a great motor but was really not meant to be a performance motor. I can still find mid 70's Olds 350's in great shape inside. They were GM's best built 350 in the 70's, at least till 76. The 77-80 are windowed main motors. Find a 73-76 Olds 350 block. If it is in good shape then 64 through 72 Olds 350 heads will boost compression. I used slightly milled 1970 #6 heads and .028" head gaskets from Rocket Racing, which are now on back order. Another option would be mill the 73-76 #8 heads slightly and open up the exhaust bowls, although a bowl hog, valve job and 2" or 2.072" intake valve is best with matching springs for whatever cam is chosen. Use either Speedpro flat tops, strong but antique. If the cylinders can be cleaned up with a hone, CP has a near flat top forged piston designed for the Olds 350 for that purpose. Less machine work and much lighter with a much better ring pack. Either piston will give 9 to 1 compression with #8 heads.
Normally I would say LS-all the things.
But, if you can swing it, it needs an Olds 455. Stock appearing with gobs of torque. Stock style wheels with good rubber (staggered with drag radials), big true duals, and a built 200-4R with a healthy lock-up converter.
I am extremely envious as I have always wanted a Euro-nosed 442.
But, if you can swing it, it needs an Olds 455. Stock appearing with gobs of torque. Stock style wheels with good rubber (staggered with drag radials), big true duals, and a built 200-4R with a healthy lock-up converter.
I am extremely envious as I have always wanted a Euro-nosed 442.
There is a new 4" stroker crank for the small block Olds. With a .100" overbore custom pistons that is a 382 ci Olds 307. Pretty much a small block version of the 400G motor.
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