87' Cutlass Salon

[Tim Harrison]

Hello everyone. Just joined and have a few questions. I recently aquired a black with burgundy interior, t top and bucket seats 87 Cutlass Salon, one owner, 49k mile car. Been in storage since 04. Car has never seen snow... a rarity where im from (Erie,PA). The original owner had taken the car for an oil change in 04 and the shop did not tighten drain plug in oil pan. 60 miles later, boom. Engine rolls over but bearings are toast. Being that the factory 307 is not very high in power do you think I am going to hurt the value of the car by dropping a 350 rocket in it? I have been following the g body for a little bit now and have noticed a definite increase in value. Im really on the fence of whether or not to rebuild and keep it original or do a nice clean factory look swap. Any info would be much appreciated.
Also, does anyone know production #s with t tops and possibly color combos? I can't seem to find one like mine.

 

[fleming442]

Nope, you'll be fine, and the extra power will create more smiles per mile.

 

[olds307 and 403]

I guess the G body is different in your area, they are worth nothing here, unfortunately. Find a good 76 or older Olds 350 and rebuild it, although I still find very good, mid 70's runners. Definitely upgrade from the factory lame cam, Cloyes billet roller timing set and use a set of the modern forged pistons, not the Speedpro's. The cast replacement pistons have huge dish's and are short on height, unless you want 6 or 7 to 1 compression. Are you running the factory CCC carb and distributor?

 

[DRIVEN]

Shouldn't hurt value a bit. If it's a concern, just slide the original 307 under the bench so you still have the option.

And welcome.

 

[Tim Harrison]

I want to keep it looking stock. So yes I will be keeping all stock components. Including A/C

 

[olds307 and 403]

You will want to stay around 9 to 1 and most and stay conservative on the cam. Something like the Lunati 207/207 ..461/.461 112 LSA.

 

[QS442]

You may be helping the value. Most g bodies are not great restore and bring value cars. So you are not hurting the value at all.

 

[L92 OLDS]

I want to keep it looking stock. So yes I will be keeping all stock components. Including A/C

You will detract from the value if the swap is done poorly and with lack of attention to detail. Keeping it looking stock is a good plan (avoid cheap chrome valve covers, 4" diameter chrome air breather, neon spark plug wires and other poor quality aftermarket junk, etc)

 

[O. D. Showtime]

Welcome to the site!

 

[Texas82GP]

Welcome to the site from Houston. I would think a well executed swap to an Olds 350 would enhance the car's value. If done with a lot of attention to detail, I dare say it would be difficult for most to detect that the swap had been done.