So I have a pretty clean '81 cutlass with the 350 diesel. I love the diesel but I want to go a different route this summer. I'm torn between keeping it original or making it a little more mean though. From what I understand a Oldsmobile big block crank and heads will fit on a small block? Would I use the big block rods and pistons or would I need special parts? I would use my diesel block, I have access to machine equipment to make things fit as needed. It would be a project but that way I keep the matching block in the car and still get a little more performance out of her. I know its possible, just difficult. On the other hand I love big displacement engines and a Cadi 500 would be unique and would give me a lot of power up front on a low budget. Any opinions? I want to do as much work myself, machining and fab. More of a built not bought project. Any help or know-how would be much appreciated!
Stroker Olds or Cadi Swap?
- Thread starter Carson L W
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What part of the Earth are you on? Converting a diesel Olds to gas isn't terribly difficult, but there are a few nuances to pay attention to. I want to say the biggest one I've seen built is around 440-442 cubes. Most are in the 380-385 range.
Some turn down counterweights on big block cranks, some use small block cranks with main bearing spacers, and some have custom billet cranks.
Get a set of aftermarket heads and a Performer RPM or Victor intake.
Here's one way to do it:
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/realoldspower/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=232&p=6469&hilit=dx+build#p6469
Some turn down counterweights on big block cranks, some use small block cranks with main bearing spacers, and some have custom billet cranks.
Get a set of aftermarket heads and a Performer RPM or Victor intake.
Here's one way to do it:
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/realoldspower/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=232&p=6469&hilit=dx+build#p6469
Problem is finding the 425 crank. I searched 3 years and 3 slipped through my fingers before I found one that I bought in time.
basically when you do a DX gas build you save the diesel block and maybe oil pan and throw everything else away. Crank, rods, pistons, intake manifold and heads all need to change.
If you want easy and more power a 403 or 350 gas bolt in. I'd budget no less than $2500 to get a gas conversion DX block setup running. And thats super cheap buying used or cheaper parts.
basically when you do a DX gas build you save the diesel block and maybe oil pan and throw everything else away. Crank, rods, pistons, intake manifold and heads all need to change.
If you want easy and more power a 403 or 350 gas bolt in. I'd budget no less than $2500 to get a gas conversion DX block setup running. And thats super cheap buying used or cheaper parts.
330 cranks are a little easier to find, then you need spacers. It'll go 3.5" stroke on Chevy rod journals- more on 1.88 Honda journals. Oh, and Mark Remmel (cutlassefi) has 4.0" 5140 cranks for $1700, too.
I’m building a 500 now. But I believe it would be cheaper to just do a 455 Olds over the stroker idea.
It's just proof that you can buy COOL.
BBO or Caddy would be a nice cruiser with stump pulling abilities, but a stroker DX SBO would zing to the moon and take many psi.
What rods and pistons would I use with a 425 crank? and whats the difference between the 425 crank and the 455? If I did stroke the block I have, I'd want at least 400 cubes. what crank would get me closer to that ball park? Also, what to do about the gap left by the injector pump on the DX block? On the other hand I could pick a Cadi motor up for $300 bucks, then all the new parts, but I don't know how to get any more performance out of a 500. And then all the extra weight...
Olds. Get the best heads you can: https://www.dragzine.com/tech-stori...erings-new-oldsmobile-aluminum-cylinder-head/
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