got a dead 85 Salon and new to the forums.

[BigDave]

Hey guys I'm new to the forums.

I got an 85 Cutlass Salon with a 307y that died. I want to put a motor in and would like to hear some ideas. I got a 350 chevy in mind but always hear horror stories about the swap :lol:.
My buddy had someone give him a beat all to hell 80's model SS Monte Carlo and all he wants is the motor so now I got a rear end, Transmission and drive shaft.

Also I am kinda interested in putting in a 5 speed because I've never seen one in a Cutlass before.

What do you guys think?

 

[dan2286]

It depends what kinda budget you have for the car. If you want a cheap high power engine, go with chevy. You would need to change the mounts on the frame that holds the motor mounts to chevy style.

If you want a more unique setup, go with an olds 350, or even a 455. The problem with olds engines is that they can get pretty expensive to make alot of power, and some parts are kinda tough to find sometimes. Also, not many people no much about those engines. But they it be very worth it if done right, and people will be surprised its not a chevy.

For a manual trans, I dont know much about how to do it. I do see the parts needed every once and a while on ebay. Also if you went with an olds motor, you will need to track down a bellhousing for the motor.

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

Welcome to the forums, and go here for the swap list. http://gbodyforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=2020
If you have the 4 speed overdrive automatic, you can keep it and will not need a new transmission.

 

[smooth_358]

im kind of surprised that the 307 died, i have never seen one really die.. anyhow, it is really simple to put in an olds small block, its a bolt in job depending on the transmission choice. if you go manual you will have to nab the g body shift linkage setup that usually gets pulled out of old 4 spd malibu's or the old 260 5 speed cutlass's. depending on which 5 speed you go with will determine how hard your swap will be. i know a couple people that have manual g body's so if you have questions im sure they could give you some direction.

 

[hunter_alexander]

Ok first off, please post where you are located, that way we know if we are close to you and can help you out. 🙂

Second, put another olds engine in it. Easier to do and it will help keep the purists like me at bay. :lol:

Third, you can find another 307 to drop in it from just about anywhere. But.... If you want more power out of it, drop a olds 350 or 403 in there. It will bolt right up and you will be uber happy.

Fourth, what are you looking to do with the car? What are your plans/goals. This will help us to help you figure stuff out.

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your Cutlass. 😀

 

[DrRansom442]

It depends what kinda budget you have for the car. If you want a cheap high power engine, go with chevy. You would need to change the mounts on the frame that holds the motor mounts to chevy style.

If you want a more unique setup, go with an olds 350, or even a 455. The problem with olds engines is that they can get pretty expensive to make alot of power, and some parts are kinda tough to find sometimes. Also, not many people no much about those engines. But they it be very worth it if done right, and people will be surprised its not a chevy.

For a manual trans, I dont know much about how to do it. I do see the parts needed every once and a while on ebay. Also if you went with an olds motor, you will need to track down a bellhousing for the motor.

any extra costs building an Olds are wasted by buying the parts needed to swap to a Chevy. The 85 Salon should be the same 200-4r that the Monte SS has, no benefit in switching transmissions (unless your's is shot). Likewise the differential in a Monte SS is still likely a 7.5" 10 bolt (gears will be better and it's more likely to be a posi), but swapping the innards would probably be less hassle then swapping the entire differential (again unless your's is shot). IF by some chance the Monte is a 8.5" you need the drive shaft

 

[Vern]

If you want easy the Olds 350/403 has to get the nod. I have seen some fantastic street build 350/403s on www.realoldspower.com if you are not satisfied with stock. With a little more time & help from someone in the Oldsmobile know its not much more expensive to build say a 350HP Olds than a 350HP 350 chevy. It would be a lot more expensive to build a 700HP sbo than a sbc. They have an engine build section on that site which is cool. Sbc is also viable just a little more time & expense involved in a swap and rather ordinary which is both good & bad. Personally I built a 450HP 500 Caddy for the price of a typical 400HP crate SBC only with a lot more torque. Like the Caddy comercial when you turn your car on does it return the favor. 🙂 There is a link to some pics in my profile. Anyway generally just build what makes you happy. It you settle to much you always seem to regret it.

Actually the MCSS version of the 200-4r does have better parts. Better valve bodies stronger line pressure higher shift points and wot shifts into OD. I alway say add a GOOD shift kit such as the one www.ckperformance.com sells. Sometimes they have it on special for $99. It can be set to shift firm without being harsh. On the rear I am going to disagree again as its easier with less to screw up changing the whole rear drum to drum. Changing gears involves getting the correct shims and proper pinion depth which requires more experience and tools than the average joe has. Some do it and get lucky some don't. If the MCSS rear has a posi now is the time to change the clutches & fluid. If you plan to make some power and ever put drag radials or slicks on then a support cover like www.taperformance.com builds goes a long way to help the 7.5/7.625 hold up.

 

[BigDave]

Thanks guys.

I'm in Bloomfield Indiana.
The trans in the car is a 200 3 speed and the rear gear is a 2.14 and slow.

I want to gets some descent performance out of the car nothing fancy.

 

[Vern]

Get a stockish 350 or 403 Olds with a 4bbl q-jet and the transmission and rear out of the MCSS and you will be good to go.

 

[hunter_alexander]

Get a stockish 350 or 403 Olds with a 4bbl q-jet and the transmission and rear out of the MCSS and you will be good to go.

Exactly. Perfect recipe for a fun street Cutlass. 🙂