88 Cutlass Classic build questions

[wskirvin]

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

I appreciate it, i'm actually running, stock 70 cutlass manifold since they clear everything. the car already had the 455 in it, but had a rod knocking when i bought it so I had the bottom end rebuilt

 

[wskirvin]

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!

thanks for the info, i planned on picking up a set of Edelbrock heads around tax time, and eventually going with a Fast or holley efi system. after the heads and a square bore intake.

 

[wskirvin]

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.

i'm going to rebuild the rear end sometime this winter and put in a posi and was thinking 3.23's for highway cruising. not looking for a drag queen just something reliable to play with

 

[olds307 and 403]

i'm going to rebuild the rear end sometime this winter and put in a posi and was thinking 3.23's for highway cruising. not looking for a drag queen just something reliable to play with

Get something like a Trutrac posi and 28 spline Moser axles and a girdle cover. The spider gears are the first to explode.