How can I add horse power and keep it reliable and able to pass E testing? The engine also needs new heads and valve guides so what type of heads and cam would help up the power
How to add H.P to my 1988 cutlass without going over board
- Thread starter Aaron Jones
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Aaron Jones said:
Assuming this is a 307 Olds motor, consider swapping in an early 350 Olds and dressing it to look like the 307. The CCC Qjet will work on the 350 (the secondary side is fully mechanical, so just change the metering rods and file the air valve stop so it fully opens). I doubt anyone can tell the difference without detailed casting number research.
I agree with Joe, bang for the buck for performance the 307 is going to disappoint. Rebuilt heads done right with some port work etc can run some money and if it needs it you probably have already gotten lots of miles out of the ole 307. Also the tiny swirl port heads that came on an 88 were terrible for performance potential without lots of work. Search salvage yards / their other salvage yards computer search if they have it and Olds sites for a good running used Olds 350/403. It will drop right in. Cheapest simplest & biggest bang for your buck. Also as Joe said you can retain CCC for mileage etc and they are the same externally.
Aside from replaceing the engine biggest bang for your buck that will carry forward to the next engine would be headers and or a gear change. The most economical simplest idiot proof way to do that is again a salvage yards computer search to locate a whole rear (drum to drum) out of a Monte Carlo SS. Its a "drop in" so to speak which you can do with simple tools and will come with either 3.42 or 3.73s for a great performance boost. Also with the 200-4r that comes in an 88 you will still get about the same overall mileage. At least that was my experience with an 88 307 Olds that came with the factory 2.56s & 14" ralleys.
Aside from replaceing the engine biggest bang for your buck that will carry forward to the next engine would be headers and or a gear change. The most economical simplest idiot proof way to do that is again a salvage yards computer search to locate a whole rear (drum to drum) out of a Monte Carlo SS. Its a "drop in" so to speak which you can do with simple tools and will come with either 3.42 or 3.73s for a great performance boost. Also with the 200-4r that comes in an 88 you will still get about the same overall mileage. At least that was my experience with an 88 307 Olds that came with the factory 2.56s & 14" ralleys.
Aaron Jones said:
What kind of emissions testing do they do in your area, and what is your budget?
79GP6.6L said:
I dont know what the E test standards are but it has to be over 25 to not have to get E tests. if that helps? and at this point i dont know what my budget is because I am trying to seek out the best buy.
Where do you live? Also, what is a ballpark estimate of what you are looking to spend? I tend to agree with the others in that putting any money into the 307 itself is a waste of money. It is a good engine to drive for a lot of miles, but not good for much else. If I were you, I would think about a change to the rear axle gear ratio as the best bang for the buck performance improvement. Maybe a good cat back exhaust and a larger than stock converter. Other than that, save your money and build a new engine.
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