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Mr. King · 03-14-2007, 10:36 AM

I have a '66 Cutlass with a 330, 4 speed and a 10 bolt posi with 3.23 gears. The motor is a '67 bored .30 over with #4 heads, a Performer RPM intake, Eldelbrock 600 or 650 carb, original distributor with a Pytronix HEI kit on it, cast exhaust manifolds, and dual exhaust.

Here’s the problem. The guy who built it did a good job, except he put the W31 cam in it. It’s huge for this motor. The advertised duration is 308!

This car is a DOG under about 3000RPM’s and it really doesn’t seem to have a ton of power unless it’s floored. Manifold vacuum runs pretty steady at 8 to 9. I’m not sure the vacuum advance on the distributor is working…I tried to “create” a vacuum buy sucking on the vacuum advance line while the car was running and I couldn’t get the rpm’s to change at all….I know that’s bad, but will that cause big problems?

Also, it’s hard to start after it’s been sitting for any length of time….you really have to crank it and pump the gas to get it started. Obviously the idle is very choppy and it surges when you drive it under about 30 miles per hour….I’m assuming it’s because of the cam.

Ok I know that’s a lot of background, but maybe it will help.

I think I really have 2 options. I can put Rhoads lifters on the current cam and see it that brings back the lower end…..or I have a stock cam and lifter set for the ’67 330. Obviously, either choice is a big job…..but replacing the entire cam is a commitment!

Is there anything else I should check before I rip into the motor?

03-14-2007, 10:36 AM	#1 (permalink)
Mr. King Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 53	Olds 330 advice needed...HELP! I have a '66 Cutlass with a 330, 4 speed and a 10 bolt posi with 3.23 gears. The motor is a '67 bored .30 over with #4 heads, a Performer RPM intake, Eldelbrock 600 or 650 carb, original distributor with a Pytronix HEI kit on it, cast exhaust manifolds, and dual exhaust. Here’s the problem. The guy who built it did a good job, except he put the W31 cam in it. It’s huge for this motor. The advertised duration is 308! This car is a DOG under about 3000RPM’s and it really doesn’t seem to have a ton of power unless it’s floored. Manifold vacuum runs pretty steady at 8 to 9. I’m not sure the vacuum advance on the distributor is working…I tried to “create” a vacuum buy sucking on the vacuum advance line while the car was running and I couldn’t get the rpm’s to change at all….I know that’s bad, but will that cause big problems? Also, it’s hard to start after it’s been sitting for any length of time….you really have to crank it and pump the gas to get it started. Obviously the idle is very choppy and it surges when you drive it under about 30 miles per hour….I’m assuming it’s because of the cam. Ok I know that’s a lot of background, but maybe it will help. I think I really have 2 options. I can put Rhoads lifters on the current cam and see it that brings back the lower end…..or I have a stock cam and lifter set for the ’67 330. Obviously, either choice is a big job…..but replacing the entire cam is a commitment! Is there anything else I should check before I rip into the motor?