1978 cutlass supreme brougham motor swap

[CuttassG]

Hello folks how’s it going, I just got a deal on a 78 cutlass supreme brougham the engine has a rod knock I was hoping to get some info on rather to rebuild the v8 4.3L 260 motor or swap it out with maybe a Chevy 350 block OR WHAT OTHER MOTORS ARE CAPABLE FOR THE JOB if so what all would I need for the motor swap and transmission swap if needed AND ALSO where can I find engine parts online or in the California area area codes 916 to 559 and all in between please and thank you

 

[fleming442]

Nice Cutloose. Your 260 is probably an Olds engine; is the oil fill a vertical pipe behind the water pump? Sure it's a 6 not an 8? If so, a 403 would be your easiest an best bang for the buck. Then, there's the trans and rear gears to address.....
As an Olds die hard, I cannot and will not endorse a Chevy swap, though.

 

[1bad79]

Put a olds 350 or 403 in it if it has a olds engine now if you put a Chevy engine in it the car will reject the transplant and die

 

[pagrunt]

Stay Olds, move out of Cali & go 455.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Can he swap an Olds 350 or 403 legally in California? The Olds 350 was available in the 79 H/O in California too, I believe. The 350 was made up to 80, was in the 442 that year. The 403 was 77 to 79 but not available in the Cutlass after 77. The 260 is a tiny bore motor, over 200 hp would be very difficult, if not impossible. This may be the one time, cringe, a LS swap might be the easiest and most legal route. I believe Bernard Mondello is in California and may be able help you find an Olds V8 if the swap is possible.

 

[1bad79]

Oh crap I didn’t see he is in California, move out of that state and the possibilities are endless

 

[CuttassG]

Nice Cutloose. Your 260 is probably an Olds engine; is the oil fill a vertical pipe behind the water pump? Sure it's a 6 not an 8? If so, a 403 would be your easiest an best bang for the buck. Then, there's the trans and rear gears to address.....
As an Olds die hard, I cannot and will not endorse a Chevy swap, though.

Thanks for the reply, I’m convinced with the 403 motor I’m looking for one online at the moment.. so if I do get my hands on a 403 block would it be able to mate to my transmission I’m not sure what transmission I have but I know have the v8 4.3 litter 206 block and also would I need to change out the brackets as well?

 

[CuttassG]

Stay Olds, move out of Cali & go 455.

I’ll stay Olds bro, but California is where my death stone will be ahaha

 

[CuttassG]

Thanks to all of the reply’s I appreciate the info to the fullest

 

[TURNA]

Are you even allowed to do any of this to a car of that vintage in Cali?