how to spend $2000 for best 1/4 mile - 67 cutlass

bobolds · October 4th, 2006, 04:42 AM

I have a 1967 cutlass holiday coupe. It is entirely stock with a 330, Rochester 2 bbl, Jetaway 2 speed with switch convertor, and 2.87? rear (12 bolts on cover). The car has 68K original miles and the engine seems to be in good condition. A compression test showed 165 to 175 psi in all of the cylinders (hot , cold, and wet gave the same numbers).

I want to get the best 1/4 mile time with this car and have $2000 to spend. This is sort of a mid-life challenge among a few friends. One vehicle is unknown and the other is a 72 charger with a modified 318.

The options I was considering are
1. Upgrading the existing motor.
or
2. Putting in a big block 400, 425, and 455. (My first car 20 years ago was a 70 cutlass with a 350 which gave me some rebuilding experience.)

For the amount of money I have plan on using used parts.

Does anyone want to weigh in on how to get the best 1/4 mile time for the money? Please do comment on whether the trans/rear should be changed depending on your suggestion.

I just can't let the mopar guy win.

Oldsguy · October 4th, 2006, 05:55 AM

Bobolds, a performance question like this might get better answers at R.O.P. but here goes. 4bbl carb and manifold, probably stock would be easiest. Lower rear end ratio. As to specifics, sorry, can't help there.
you might get some valve float with that old valvetrain but with your budget you can't do much about that....

bobolds · October 4th, 2006, 03:57 PM

Thanks.

If I decide to keep the 330 and upgrade the carb, intake, and exhaust, should I worry about the increased performance affecting the Jetaway 2 speed transmission.

What does R.O.P. stand for?

Oldsguy · October 5th, 2006, 05:44 AM

Realoldspower.com, another website that is specifically oriented towards Oldsmobile power and racing, good site but very busy. I don't think the improvements you could make to your engine as we discussed would overpower your tranny. Good luck.

Droptop · October 5th, 2006, 08:42 PM

425 or 455 and turbo 400 trans
456 gears

money left over? NOS. you didnt say how many times it has to make it down the track.l

mooch329 · October 9th, 2006, 11:51 AM

With 456 gears you would kill the motor

October 4th, 2006, 04:42 AM	#1 (permalink)
bobolds Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 4	how to spend $2000 for best 1/4 mile - 67 cutlass I have a 1967 cutlass holiday coupe. It is entirely stock with a 330, Rochester 2 bbl, Jetaway 2 speed with switch convertor, and 2.87? rear (12 bolts on cover). The car has 68K original miles and the engine seems to be in good condition. A compression test showed 165 to 175 psi in all of the cylinders (hot , cold, and wet gave the same numbers). I want to get the best 1/4 mile time with this car and have $2000 to spend. This is sort of a mid-life challenge among a few friends. One vehicle is unknown and the other is a 72 charger with a modified 318. The options I was considering are 1. Upgrading the existing motor. or 2. Putting in a big block 400, 425, and 455. (My first car 20 years ago was a 70 cutlass with a 350 which gave me some rebuilding experience.) For the amount of money I have plan on using used parts. Does anyone want to weigh in on how to get the best 1/4 mile time for the money? Please do comment on whether the trans/rear should be changed depending on your suggestion. I just can't let the mopar guy win.

October 4th, 2006, 05:55 AM	#2 (permalink)
Oldsguy Hot Rodder at heart Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 5,360	Bobolds, a performance question like this might get better answers at R.O.P. but here goes. 4bbl carb and manifold, probably stock would be easiest. Lower rear end ratio. As to specifics, sorry, can't help there. you might get some valve float with that old valvetrain but with your budget you can't do much about that.... __________________ Dan '77 Cutlass Supreme '46 2 door "The rocket 455.....it's a sledgehammer approach to a thumbtack world" LuxBlue of HAMB.

October 5th, 2006, 05:44 AM	#4 (permalink)
Oldsguy Hot Rodder at heart Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 5,360	Realoldspower.com, another website that is specifically oriented towards Oldsmobile power and racing, good site but very busy. I don't think the improvements you could make to your engine as we discussed would overpower your tranny. Good luck. __________________ Dan '77 Cutlass Supreme '46 2 door "The rocket 455.....it's a sledgehammer approach to a thumbtack world" LuxBlue of HAMB.

October 5th, 2006, 08:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
Droptop Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 60	425 or 455 and turbo 400 trans 456 gears money left over? NOS. you didnt say how many times it has to make it down the track.l __________________ Dave 1964 F85/442 1971 Duster 1970 cougar

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October 4th, 2006, 03:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
bobolds Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 4	Thanks. If I decide to keep the 330 and upgrade the carb, intake, and exhaust, should I worry about the increased performance affecting the Jetaway 2 speed transmission. What does R.O.P. stand for?

October 9th, 2006, 11:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
mooch329 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1	With 456 gears you would kill the motor