engine swap

ferg87 · August 2nd, 2004, 01:43 PM

I have a 87 cutlass supreme. The 307 is gettin tired but the car is in great shape other than that. 103,000 miles. I have been looking at crate motors.What will fit, without major mods and what is the best choice. I dont want to hurt originality down the road if I decide to sell. Of course I will keep the original motor. I have all other original wheels,etc. that I have taken off. Many opinions welcome.

jdorour · August 2nd, 2004, 08:55 PM

If you want to eat up the drag strip go with a 455. A 455 will bolt in without much trouble.
But if I where building a driver I would build a nice strong 350 or 403. The blocks are the same as the 307 and the overdrive trans will handle the torque (if it is built right). And if you live in an area that requires emissions testing all of the smog gear can be put back on the car. Install a good low restriction cat and a good exhaust. Use the original HEI Dist and ECM. Use a good carb and a nice dual snorkel air cleaner from a late model 442 and you will have a nice all round car that will eat a Mustang for lunch.
Some will disagree with me but that's what makes this hobby fun. The different ways people take to achieve their goals.

Oldsguy · August 3rd, 2004, 09:33 AM

If you want to keep the originality of the vehicle then there really is no question, buy a replacement motor from GM, if you can find an Olds motor. You may not be able to. I personally agree with Djorour, a nice 350 or 403 would be very good, and would fit. Again, you aren't going to find a crate engine if you go that route though..... Good luck however you do it.

August 2nd, 2004, 08:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
jdorour Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Atlanta, GA. Posts: 122	If you want to eat up the drag strip go with a 455. A 455 will bolt in without much trouble. But if I where building a driver I would build a nice strong 350 or 403. The blocks are the same as the 307 and the overdrive trans will handle the torque (if it is built right). And if you live in an area that requires emissions testing all of the smog gear can be put back on the car. Install a good low restriction cat and a good exhaust. Use the original HEI Dist and ECM. Use a good carb and a nice dual snorkel air cleaner from a late model 442 and you will have a nice all round car that will eat a Mustang for lunch. Some will disagree with me but that's what makes this hobby fun. The different ways people take to achieve their goals. __________________ 1966 Ninety Eight Convertible - 425 Tri-Carb, Factory Dual Exh, Switch-Pitch THM400, 3.54 Posi. 1966 Catalina Wagon - 421 Tri-Power, M21, 4.11 Saf-T-Trac, 8 Bolt Wheels 1989 IROC-Z - 5.7TPI

August 3rd, 2004, 09:33 AM	#3 (permalink)
Oldsguy Hot Rodder at heart Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 5,311	If you want to keep the originality of the vehicle then there really is no question, buy a replacement motor from GM, if you can find an Olds motor. You may not be able to. I personally agree with Djorour, a nice 350 or 403 would be very good, and would fit. Again, you aren't going to find a crate engine if you go that route though..... Good luck however you do it. __________________ Dan '77 Cutlass Supreme '46 2 door "The rocket 455.....it's a sledgehammer approach to a thumbtack world" LuxBlue of HAMB.

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August 2nd, 2004, 01:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
ferg87 Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: bloomington Posts: 1	I have a 87 cutlass supreme. The 307 is gettin tired but the car is in great shape other than that. 103,000 miles. I have been looking at crate motors.What will fit, without major mods and what is the best choice. I dont want to hurt originality down the road if I decide to sell. Of course I will keep the original motor. I have all other original wheels,etc. that I have taken off. Many opinions welcome.