Quote:
Originally Posted by DLamb04
I just don't know really where to start. Gotta pick a engine would be a good start LOL.
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I can relate to that! I'm still trying to decide between the current 350 and a 455. I'll be sticking with what I've got until I can sell the 454.
Anyway, go under "Oldsmobile Performance" on this website, click on "Small Block CIDs (1964-1990)" and scroll down to the bottom. There's some useful advice on what you can do with your 307. The Olds 307 is a good, sturdy motor, but you'll be spending HUGE $$$$ to get 350-400 hp out of it. Finding a 403 in good shape isn't a bad idea, although a head swap would be in order; 403 heads are not conducive to even respectable compression. I think some drilling is in order when you do most 403 head swaps; something to do with 7/16" vs. 1/2" head bolts. If you want to get some decent power and NOT spend a ton of cash, find an older 350 with #5 or #6 heads. There's a very good chance that's the route I'll take, since I already have an SBO 350 with #5 heads. I'm considering the Edelbrock BBO heads (less weight, bigger valves) and an RPM intake, which of course will require port matching. If your Salon has a TH350 for a tranny, a basic overhaul (seals and gaskets, might as well toss a shift kit into it while you're at it) should keep it together. The weak link is that rear end. The best bet would be to find a 442 rear end out of a mid 80s 442 (direct fit for your Salon); it has the 8.5" rear instead of the much weaker 7.5" unit; my apologizes if you already know this. As chance would have it, I'm also considering the 350-400 hp range. If I can't do it with the 2.25" exhaust that's on the car now, I'll probably find a 455. From what I've learned so far, it seems that the 455 is only marginally more expensive to build than a 350 and I'm guessing the torque difference will be HUGE.
- GoldOlds