Fletchmo72

I am lusting for torque in my 72 Supreme w/350. I keep thinking dropping in a 455--even a stock one--would be the easiest way to go. Any recommendations?

allyolds68

Find a core engine with pre-73 heads and have it built at a reputable shop that does Olds motors. Don't waste your time on a reman place like Jaspers

oddball

The advertised "crate" olds engines should be avoided.
If you don't want to manage a build yourself then go with one of the recognized Olds shops, like Bernard Mondello (*not* Mondello Performance Products!!), Bill Trovato, even cutlassefi on here can put one together for you. Tell them what you want and your budget and they can get it built.

cutlassefi

Fletchmo72

Well, I'm located in south central Wisconsin, so if anyone knows of a good builder near here, please let me know. One thing I like about some "crate engine" sellers is the warranty. One is 3 yrs/unlimited mileage. Another is 7 years.

oldcutlass

Who would those builders be with a 3 and 7 year warranty?

CRUZN 66

I would also like to know who those builders are, especially with unlimited miles...

OLDSter Ralph

I m wondering what your intended usage is ? No idea what rear end ratio you have. If warranty is a big concern, wouldn't you rather have a new car ? The realm of possibilities is endless as to what would improve torque.
Warranties are as good as the paper they are written on. Who PAYS to pull the engine, crate it up and ship it back for a warranty ?

olds 307 and 403

Rocket Racing is in Wisconsin. Mark's 350 stroker makes big torque, 500+ ft/lbs even with a mild build, seriously consider it.

oddball

A warranty is only good if it's actually honored!

Seriously, don't trust those generic reman shops.

Rocket Racing is great too. Go pay them a visit if you're close to them.

Fletchmo72

ATK engines (available thru Jegs and elsewhere) 3 yr/ unlimited mileage.
S&J Engines, 7 yr/ 100,000 mi. warranty.

Thanks for the tip on Rocket Racing. Not too far from where I live.

rad

yea definitely stick with an Olds builder, (except Mondello in Paso Robles Ca.) Bernard Mondello is good but im not sure if he builds complete engines or not, you cant throw one of these together like a chevy or ford certain things need a closer look on an Olds to make sure its right.

olds 307 and 403

Especially the large main bearing with big, heavy parts flying around in a 455. Most of the failed builds are 455 related for the above reasons.

oldcutlass

ATK is a reputable company. I did not know they did Olds engines until I looked at their catalog.

RetroRanger

I just looked on their www and came up empty for olds engines

oldcutlass

http://atkvege.com/content/images/ca...engine2016.pdf

RetroRanger

Hmm they do have some olds coverage listed, I wonder if they support all the listings in that document? As jaunty pointed out in another thread not a lot olds left on the road in DD capacity

Not sure how they are or are not related but I looked here where oldsmobile came up blank

https://www.high-performance-engines.com

RetroRanger

There's also this ebay seller that has long and short blocks and offers some upgrades.

They also have better feedback than gateway classic cars !!!

I know nothing about them and have never purchased from them

https://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-Oldsmobi...item3a9bbdf38a

oldcutlass

Same company I believe. I know they build decent Chevy performance engines. If I remember right, the ATK rep's name here in Texas was Brandon.

Tim2017

naphtali5725

send a private message to cutlassefi

Fletchmo72

Wonder if you wouldn't mind checking out www.cmengines.com and let me know what you think. I like how detailed they are with their engine descriptions.

Thanks, Jack

oldcutlass

There was another member that used them. You can contact him to see how it worked out long term.
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...94-engine.html

Fletchmo72

Great. Thanks

naphtali5725

I have a 455 that was rebuilt by cmengines. i have nothing but nice things to say about them as far as customer service, I did a walk thru of their shop with the owner, they drag race a lot, and move a lot of engines.

there are some particulars regarding Oldsmobile engines that they weren't aware of, and didn't install the distributor oiler plug in the rear of the engine, I corrected the issue by putting in the plug with the oil hole in it and a new freeze plug.

I have not fired the engine yet, but I feel confident it would perform well.

for my current project I decided to have another one built by cutlassefi on here.

what is your budget?

Run to Rund

In addition to racing engines, Rocket Racing (about 30 miles SW of Milwaukee) does restoration engines. I recommend them. They will be at the OCA Nationals in Gettysburg this year.

Fletchmo72

Thanks for the info. Guess I'll wait to hear how your engine actually performs.
My budget is the lowest I can get away with and still not cut corners foolishly. My Cutlass is a seasonal daily driver. I do a lot of 60 mph cruising on country roads, but my 350 doesn't have the low end, off idle torque that makes driving fun. I don't want a race car. I don't care about top end speed. I just want gobs of torque from 0-60

naphtali5725

I won't be starting the 455 I got from cmengines anytime in the near future, its a spare and stored in my garage.

are you wanting an engine all the way fully assembled ready to drop in? or are you mechanically inclined and will be doing the swap yourself?

if you want one of their engines, call and talk to Mike, he's the owner. I got my rebuild for less because I had all my parts, pistons, bearings etc. they did all the machine work and assembly for me.

some members here may have a running 455 to purchase, post in the parts wanted section of the site

I still recommend you talk to cutlassefi here... pm him and tell him your goals and budget...

keep us updated