442 engine swap

[hotrodoldsman]

I called a local speed shop/ machine shop and asked them about porting and bench flowing my heads. The guy told me if I insisted he could refer me to someone who could do it for me but he didn't recommend it. He said why put money into 40 year old technology. That I would never be able to Make them as good as the newer aluminum heads, that you cant damage to where there not fixable. He said it would cost me almost as much as buying the eddys. I have already done as much to the motor as I can except the heads. Headers, rpm intake, msd ignition system, comp cam, eddy carb and only at around 300 hp. So I have to do something with the heads. I don't like the idea of spending so much on heads but don't see another choice if I want more hp. I guess thats why people build chevy's theres more choices and cheaper

I think this is one of those topics that if you ask 5 difernt people you'll get 5 different opinions! But, the biggest factor is money, and if you are gonna spend it, spending it wisely is the goal right? You will definitly be happy with the edels(but do ask that and other speed shops about the combustion chamber CCs), like I said I mainly went this route because I didn't have any heads at all to even get them ported, but even if i had, it would have been a toss up. In a way I do/did think the same way as that machine/speed shop, if I had/bought a set of factory C iron heads and had them ported, my hurst might run exactly how it does now... and I'd be happy, but I couldn't take it any further. Where as now, if I want to go faster, I could always have my edels ported/flow benched for more power yet! :shock: Plus in your case, you could also sell that set of good #6 heads and make those edels even cheaper! 😀 Like I said though my only concern is the CCs, might be worth checking if dick miller or rocket racing offers heads pre-modified for small block use!


Anyway good luck!
Craig

 

[CHRIS.O]

I guess thats why people build chevy's theres more choices and cheaper

Pretty much. Nothing wrong with doing what your doing though. You will end up at your goal I am sure.

 

[hotrodoldsman]

I guess thats why people build chevy's theres more choices and cheaper

Yea well, lots of people do alot of things because they are easier... being easy don't make it right Just look at a hooker , no not a stripper, that takes dedication... a street walker takin the easy way :shock: , thats just not right.

 

[ksmitty]

thanks guys for your help and opinions, It will come down to money somehow I'm sure. I Will try and find out an exact cost on porting and bench flowing my heads before I make my final decision.

 

[hotrodoldsman]

thanks guys for your help and opinions, It will come down to money somehow I'm sure. I Will try and find out an exact cost on porting and bench flowing my heads before I make my final decision.

Definitely keep us informed!

 

[DoubleV]

I called a local speed shop/ machine shop

This is the problem right there. You need to contact an OLDS engine builder ( and not Mondello ). They will give it to you straight and actually know what they're talking about when it comes to building an Olds.

Edelbrock heads on a small block are for high horsepower, high reving screamers, not mild street builds. All you need is a set of #5-7 stockers with a good valve job, a little cleanup in in the bowls, and maybe a backcut on the valves for a hot street build. An Olds engine builder can give you the specifics.

What power level are you looking to achieve anyway? What are you looking to run at the track ET/mph wise?

 

[CHRIS.O]

DoubleV,

He posted early he only wanted around 350hp thats why I recommended having his stock heads worked over and not even messing with the edelbrocks. I bet he would end up over his 350hp mark with a little head work and the proper cam. I also agree with you, he needs someone who knows oldsmobiles. Most shops know all the secrets about Chevy and Ford motors but not the other motors out there.

I would be happy with 350hp or so. right now its at around 300hp.

 

[DoubleV]

DoubleV,

He posted early he only wanted around 350hp thats why I recommended having his stock heads worked over and not even messing with the edelbrocks. I bet he would end up over his 350hp mark with a little head work and the proper cam. I also agree with you, he needs someone who knows oldsmobiles. Most shops know all the secrets about Chevy and Ford motors but not the other motors out there.

Is that 350 at the crank or 350 at the wheels? Either way I agree that Edelbrock heads are not needed. I recommended getting the stock heads worked over too.

There's nothing wrong with running factory iron heads, but non-Olds builders are so Chevy-centric and spoiled by all the shiney new aftermarket aluminum heads out there today, they forget you can still get great power from the stock iron if they're worked over correctly.

 

[ksmitty]

when I bought this motor it was rear wheel dynoed at 240 hp in a 1970 cutlass S. the car had same gears as mine 373, 350 trans I have 200 4R. I have a 2500 stall he did not. he told me he only let them run it till 5000 rpm and it maxed out on hp after 4100 because of carb was too big and dumping to much fuel in the engine. Not sure if this makes any difference but this is what I was told.So by adding 25% because of drive train loss I figure I am around 300 hp at the flywheel. I would love to get 400 hp at the flywheel but settle for 350. Seeing eddlebrocks build sheet to achieve 397 hp and using cast # 5-7 heads I see its possible. But I was told it takes machine work on those heads to make that happen and basically the machine work turns them into what the aluminum ones are. And the machine work cost the same as the eddy heads. So see its a damn circle jerk. If the machine work didn't cost $1500 or more I would do it. The only two other olds guys I heard of is rocket racing and Keith miller. but why would they give me an honest price on reworking my heads when there pushing the aluminum heads. Know of any other olds engine builders? And If I could run a flat 13 Et I would be happy

 

[ksmitty]

hey just found someone who had some # 8 heads reworked. this is the specs. what do you guys think?
Ported Flow Numbers

.200 153 int 106 ex

.300 214 int 150 ex

.400 238 int 168 ex

.500 248 int 170 ex

.600 259 int 172 ex
Has springs,retainers, valves.etc all complete