Newbie with some q's

[gschiel]

So I just picked up my first Cutlass, a black 81 with t-tops. It's already got a 305 in it, but I plan on swapping in a SBC (let the hating begin) built for about 350hp and a 100 shot of nitrous. What transmission would the car have in it now? Would it hold that kind of power or what should I look into getting? How about the rear end? Also, I plan on making this thing handle reasonably well, but am having a hard time find many options. What is the point of diminishing return on lowering these cars? How can I get it to that point? Thanks for the help, Bryan

 

[dan2286]

Is it a 3 or 4 speed?

 

[BrownGP83]

Is it a 305 or a 307? A 305 is a SBC.

 

[KJOlds442]

I dont understand you have a small block chevy and want to put it a small block chevy r u sure you dont have a 307 :?:

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

If it's a SBC 305 already, a 350 is an easy bolt in swap. Done right no one will ever know it was changed. Now if you have an Olds 307 that's a different story.

 

[78mali350]

welcome to the site!

 

[midwestls]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[gschiel]

Is it a 3 or 4 speed?

3 speed, figure I should try and swap it for a th350

 

[gschiel]

Is it a 305 or a 307? A 305 is a SBC.

I was told it was a 305. It's a one owner car with 90k, so I doubt it would have been swapped so it may have a 307. What would be involved in swapping in a sbc then?

 

[pontiacman469]

Welcome my friend!I'll try to answer a few of your ?s,first if you have a 305,another sbc will bolt it like it belongs there.2nd transmission you probably have the metic junk so you would want a turbo 350:easy to get put a shift kit in it,it will hold fine..rear?thats all a matter of opinion personally on a low torque mid horsepower sbc the 7.5 with posi should hold up.just my $.02