just got a 78 cutlass

[ramfan98]

about 2 weeks ago i picked up a 78 cutlass and was told by the owner that it was a olds 350 motor. i did a vin check after i bought it and it comes back as a 4.3 260. i emailed the guy i got it from and he assured me that its a 350 engine. what is the best way to id the engine. this is my first v8 carb car...so knowledge is slim. thanks

 

[DrRansom442]

right acrossed the front of the block, near the oil filler is a number ... what is it? If this is a 78 "numbers matching" and it's NOT a Hurst Olds. Sorry man, you got taken for a ride. Also on the sides of the block the CID should be stamped.

This is a 77 or 78 block, I forget, but it's the number you are looking for.


*stupid facebook and lil red X

 

[ramfan98]

yea i guess i should have done my homework before jumping into something. ontop of that my transmission went out yesterday.

 

[DrRansom442]

yea i guess i should have done my homework before jumping into something. ontop of that my transmission went out yesterday.

think I'd be grabbing my bat and paying a visit.

 

[FE3X CLONE]

He could have swapped the engine so check the numbers as mentioned.

However it is also common for non-Olds enthusiasts to think they have a 350 when they really have a 260/307 because they are all identical from the outside unless you check casting numbers.

 

[DrRansom442]

He could have swapped the engine so check the numbers as mentioned.

However it is also common for non-Olds enthusiasts to think they have a 350 when they really have a 260/307 because they are all identical from the outside unless you check casting numbers.

+1, it's a 30 y/o car .... my 81 has a 350 and a 200-4r .... neither one are factory (obviously)

 

[Oldsmoletick]

One of the easiest ways is to check the number on the heads as well. 5,6,7,7A,8, and 3A are 350 heads. One digit will be next to the number 1 spark plug and next to the number 8 spark plug, this will help as well, you've been given the casting for 77-80 350 by DrRansom442, the earlier 350 block (76 and prior) will have the number 395558 in that same location.

 

[ramfan98]

i just went outside and scraped about 20 pounds of grit and came back with 395558-2

 

[DrRansom442]

i just went outside and scraped about 20 pounds of grit and came back with 395558-2

not the original engine - congrats

get us some head numbers and we can have a better idea what you got

 

[Oldsmoletick]

i just went outside and scraped about 20 pounds of grit and came back with 395558-2

Good deal, now what heads are on it? That may narrow it down on what year your dealing with, unless they have been changed, lol.