1985 cutty questions

[chitown906]

So I purchased an 85 Cutty of a family friend and she's in desperate need of a trans , and a pick me up in the engine department since the 307 seems a bit under powered in my eyes . I was thinking about dropping a 350 into her with vortec heads and carb intake , and get headers and some further exhaust work done. Question 1 , would that be a pretty good start to making some decent power , for a budget , OR are there better routes out there. Im not expecting 400hp , i figure I should be in the 250-350 range once completed at the very least and I'd be happy with that .

For trans should I go with a 700R4 , or Turbo 350, OR 5spd, I would prefer 5spd but I really think it's going to be even more difficult than it's worth in a car I currently only have $100 into .

Also what are some good budget things I can do to improve the car both while im awaiting to find an engine and truthfully set myself up for what route im taking with this car, and those ideas that I can do later on to improve the car as a whole .

Thanks for all the help thus far


Chi_Town

 

[DoubleV]

Jesus H Christ, another Chevy 350 into an Olds Cutlass. Is that all anyone ever does around here? I swear there are more Chevy 350 questions posted in this section of the forum than in anywhere else.

Put in an OLDS 350 or 403. It will drop right in with no fuss and you can reuse all of your 307's accessories. For a transmission, a 2004r.

 

[shanghaismith]

Jesus H Christ, another Chevy 350 into an Olds Cutlass. Is that all anyone ever does around here? I swear there are more Chevy 350 questions posted in this section of the forum than in anywhere else.

Put in an OLDS 350 or 403. It will drop right in with no fuss and you can reuse all of your 307's accessories. For a transmission, a 2004r.

X2! If you use a 200 4r you can put in some 3.73 gears in the rear end. This will actually make the 307 feel quick. Also the 200 4r will work great with a 350 or 403 Olds engine. If you go with a 200 4r it should be beefed up for use with a more powerful engine, things like a hardend stator tube and sunshell , shift kit, wider band, and better/more clutch disc. The Olds engine swap is the easiest of all your options. Like Double V said, everything from the 307 can be used on the Olds 350/403, all the brackets will work perfect. With any other engine there will be much more work.

403 with 200 4r:

 

[mheath717]

Keep it OLDS powered!!! If you want a "vortec engine," trade it for a monte carlo. Or you can keep your cutlass, and put a bigger "rocket" in there.

 

[UgotBronx]

I AGREE! once i put my 3.73 gears she was finally able to get out of her own way on the on ramp to the highway.. you will feel better about putting more money into her once you do that.Till then I wouldn't change a thing

 

[Intragration]

I definitely agree with these guys, put an Oldsmobile engine in it. There are several 350s available locally right now on CL, or you could keep an eye out when your ready. They're harder to find than SBCs, but that's not saying much. They can easily be found. Small block is a direct fit, but for reference, I found a rebuilt 1970 455 with a rebuilt TH350 for $1,500 last year. I got to see it run and drive it before the guy pulled it. Gears are a good idea, they will help any engine.