88 Cutlass Classic build questions

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wskirvin

Master Mechanic
May 22, 2017
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Indianapolis, In
I'm working on an 88 Cutlass and putting a 455 Olds in it. Bored .030 over and has an Olds Rocket Parts W-30 cam (made by Elgin). just curious everyone's opinions of a good electric choke carb to run. it is a mid 70's smog block and J heads (which i know suck) and then Edelbrock intake. not wanting to over fuel or starve the motor either. also whats everyone's favorite mufflers to run? going to be dumping the exhaust in front of the rear tires. Any help would be appreciated!
 

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
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What carb mounting flange is on the intake?

2116edelbrock20.jpg


OR


EDL-2701_xl.jpg
 

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
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Then Q-jet is the way to go!
 
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1evilregal

Comic Book Super Hero
Apr 23, 2009
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Greensboro, NC
Then Q-jet is the way to go!

I agree! with the flange bore base, you're kinda limited with what carbs you can run, unless you have extra room under the hood... I had an edelbrock on my 350 in the Grand Prix, but had to use a spacer plate, which left little room for an air cleaner, and complicated linkage connections... I don't trust a holley any further than I can throw it... Q-jets are about the most reliable I've ever dealt with, and can be modified easily.
 
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QS442

Master Mechanic
Sep 20, 2011
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DE
I'm working on an 88 Cutlass and putting a 455 Olds in it. Bored .030 over and has an Olds Rocket Parts W-30 cam (made by Elgin). just curious everyone's opinions of a good electric choke carb to run. it is a mid 70's smog block and J heads (which i know suck) and then Edelbrock intake. not wanting to over fuel or starve the motor either. also whats everyone's favorite mufflers to run? going to be dumping the exhaust in front of the rear tires. Any help would be appreciated!

Interested in some Headman headers for your 455 install? I have a set that I will be posting for sale.
 
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Gozer442

Master Mechanic
Aug 9, 2016
281
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Ontario, Canada
Yes, go with a professionally rebuilt and tuned Q-Jet for your setup. It will give you great reliability, mileage, and good performance without the constant tinkering(when it's set right!).

The W-30 cam has long duration and a lift profile meant for a manual transmission, big gears, and good flowing heads with big valves. Using that cam will make the motor sound great, but you'll get soooooo much more power if you put some money into getting larger valves, matching valve springs, upgraded rockers, some bowl and runner work done, and port matching. Find someone that knows how to modify the Olds heads properly....they are not the typical Chevy heads.

If you don't want to get into the head work, get the Edelbrock Performer cam that matches the intake, and upgrade the valvetrain. It won't sound as aggressive as the W-30 cam, but it will totally outperform it!
 
Oct 14, 2008
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Either a custom tuned Qjet or the 750 Street Demon. I would say the Qjet as idle circuit modification will be needed. Hopefully the high compression pistons were used, otherwise cranking compression may be low. I say a pair Procomp heads are the way to go, J heads just need so much work. Make sure you have a 2500 stall and better than the stock 2.56 gears. The 3.08 gears were optional and passable, check the codes on your trunk lid. A 3.23 to 3.73 would be better, depending on trans and highway driving.
 
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Oct 14, 2008
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Gozer442

Master Mechanic
Aug 9, 2016
281
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Ontario, Canada
... I don't trust a holley any further than I can throw it...

I've got a Holley 750 single pump, dual feed, vac secondary... I rebuilt it over a year ago, and it performs flawlessly. It always starts with a tap of the key, even in the cold Canadian climate. Any carb will give you issues if you don't inspect it occasionally, and use fuel that's cut with ethanol....leaves deposits in it that build up quickly.
 
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