So I recently bought a 1982 buick regal that was originally a diesel, but now has a rebuilt olds 307 (previous owner did it) and I love the car but I really want to get some more power out of what I drive. I was told the most I can do is a few cheap things, an exhaust, gears etc but it still wont be anything too take to a track. I would love to put a 350 or something in eventually but as of now that isn't an option. Basically what I would like to know is how much those mods (without rebuilding it or going thousands of dollars into it) would actually pay off? I know exhaust is 15-25 hp, but how big of a difference would i feel going from low 2's gears to 3.23 or something? I know it still wont be smoking chevelles or outrunning cops or anything, and I don't need too, but before I dump money into those mods, will it give my car some balls? enough to have a little fun on the street? Thanks.
Oldsmobile 307 upgrades
- Thread starter Bladecatcher82
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3.23 would make a huge difference over the low 2 gears. I assume you have a 3 spd trans, 3.73 is much better with over drive. You guess on exhaust is right, 25 hp is realistic with headers, the stock set up is awful.
Thanks, unfortunately I don't have an overdrive transmission, which is why I was leaning towards the 3.23. I just didn't want to start putting all the money into work if its still going to be a granny-mobile haha. But you think after gears, exhaust (and headers) and other little mods it will have some balls on it? Because now I'm almost having trouble passing anyone on the highway.
Also, do you have any header or highflow manifold recommendations for ease of installation and all that stuff? Thanks a lot man!
Also, do you have any header or highflow manifold recommendations for ease of installation and all that stuff? Thanks a lot man!
Benefits of the 307 sbo is that most things will swap over to the 330-350. I would go with headers as mention, intake, carb, and cam. In regards to your trans and rear end what 3 speed do you have a th350? If you have a th350 I would throw a shift kit and put the gears mention before in the rear.
I'm pretty sure its a thm200. As of right now I plan on tuning my holly carb, doing headers/duals, then gears, and if possible, I'll consider a shift kit, but wouldn't intake or cam require an engine rebuild? As you can tell I'm pretty new to engine work haha
before you go buy a set of gears make sure they will work with your carrier..i was dissapointed to find i could only put up to 3.08s from the 2.29s i have in my 7.5 limited slip..i guess its a series 1 carrier..i do believe if you can swap carriers though
Bladecatcher82 said:
I would recommend getting a 200r4, I've been told the 200m's are pretty weak.
Before you dive into engine mods like a manifold swap make sure your 307 is NOT a roller cammed engine as they have tiny intake ports that will not match up with any aftermarket intakes and will actually hinder performance rather than improve it. Roller engines also have round exuast ports rather than rectangular that the earlier motors had and may or may not seal with aftermarket headers, I once used heddman headers on a roller motor and they sealed fine but someone else may not be so lucky.
Interested in a set of 5A heads? Pay the freight and they are yours. I have the the rockers and push rods for the swap also.
I'd have to look into whether or not they are roller, but I already have the 5A heads. A friend of mine may want them, and we are actually in New York as well, art. also changing the transmission is probably out of the question right now also, how would I know what carrier I have?
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