Bluedane

Need a new engine for my 72 cutlass. I am considering another 350 or a 455 but it will depend on cost. My budget for the engine is $2.5K, anyone have advice where I should look and what engine I should buy? Can I use other motors other than Olds? And if so, which ones?

Thank you!

oldcutlass

I suggest you reevaluate your budget, 2.5k is not going to get you to your goal realistically. Whats wrong with the one you have?

MDchanic

+1. Why not fix what you've got?

You can always buy a used running motor, which will probably run you $250 to $750, and install that while you take your time to fix the original.

- Eric

Bluedane

The shop took the valve covers off and see lots of oil and some scraping and metal pieces. Since the engine is already bored over 60 I dont think it can be bored any more based on my research.

I found this for $3K -- 1979 Oldsmobile 350 v8 5.7 liter stock long block from advance auto parts #DO04 and added a few upgrades to it but getting rid of project that it was built for and no longer have use for it. Got over 4k invested and asking $3k cash or will trade for equal value. Will come with engine stand for transport and all gaskets and oil pump that came with engine. http://postimg.org/image/5vv2odq6x/

I dont know if this will fit a 72 though. I am new to this stuff

MDchanic

It'll fit, but it has a lot of expensive shiny BS on it that will not improve performance, and is a very low-compression, low-performance engine.

- Eric

Bluedane

I really appreciate that advice. The 350 I have now has 10:1 compression so I definitely want something similar. What budget do I need to get a good engine, like $5k? Anybody have links to companies that build good engines?

wr1970

Where in texas are you?

Bluedane

Im in Austin

Bluedane

Found this too, thoughts?

71 olds 455 engine complete - $850

I have an olds 455 out of a 1971 cutlass... it has Fa block and G heads.. new edelbrock intake, headers, crane cam, double roller timing chain, comp roller rockers, comp push rods, comp guide plates, I pulled the heads off to see how the motor was... was going to put rering kit in and hone out only... has other parts too. the bottom half of engine is all together... put heads and intake back on and engine runs.... engine has 1000.00 worth of add ons if you goto summit...

wr1970

The motor has problems he said so in the add. Does the 1971 455 run at 850? No! Are the parts any good who knows maybe!If it needs re- ringed it may need rebored which means total overhaul.JMO

Octania

Agreed with the other point of view on this engine
that multigroove belt system looks like a huge PITA for what benefit? No crank pulley? No.

Keep looking.

Don't rule out 330's and 425's
Especially Toronado 425's

oldcutlass

I don't understand, there is going to be oil under the valve covers. What kind of scraping and metal pieces? Is the engine making funny noises, burning oil, etc?

Bluedane

I was driving at 4500 RPM and I heard a bang, the car lost power and it started ticking really loudly.

Bluedane

He says it runs and that the motor is in great shape. He also said it was the better quality nickel block. (I still need to see it of course) My thoughts are I can rebuild it, if needed, since I am getting it for $850 and will have budget left over. This is the cheapest complete 455 I have found

RocketKid70

Too bad your not located in Michigan, there are several 403's, 350's, and one or two 455's on Craigslist up here right now. $300-$700 range each. Most are reported as "runners"...

Bluedane

I drove to N. Michigan from Austin to get my car, (during 2014 Xmas ice storm) no way in hell I will do that again lol

Octania

Michigan is very much a different place in the summer!

No salt
No SHARKS
no worries

Great Lakes? Freaking AWESOME Lakes.

Come on back, attend homecoming, see the REOlds museum. Stop by up north at the bridge or Traverse City...

I have a running 403 at this time and many others have engines as well. I have cores such as a 67 Toronado 425 also.

bw1339

How many miles since the rebuild? If the block/pistons/heads are in good shape you could get that engine going very cheaply. What was the engine doing?

jeure

How soon do you need the motor? I have a 455 with a fresh build. 9.35 compression, W30 grind cam with or without TBI. I have an Edelbrock 750 cfm on it right now, but also have a new FAST EZ TBI injection unit if you want to go that way. I am having a new engine build by cutlassefi that will not be ready until November. If you can wait, pm me and we can discuss.

I am just East of Dallas, so no snow to worry about.

Bernhard

Build your own 350 small block using a 68 to 74 block
The 350 Olds is very reliable and responds well to basic engine mods.
The 455 or big block Olds is less reliable and requires greater detail when building.
Don't waste your money on bling and take your time and research your build.
You can get a good used intake like the SD Holly or Performer cheap
Headers are a must again buy a good used set or new budget friendly header.
Work with a builder that knows Oldsmobile engines and what it takes to reach your goals and stay with in a budget
When you buy a used engine you don't know what you are buying most likely its not worth what they are asking and you will be dumping good money after bad!!
There is a sweet spot when building a budget performance engine were $ and HP are maximized.
There was a member named Captain that build a solid 350 on a realistic budget if you do a search you might be able to find it.

wr1970

2015 post really why dig this back to the top?😅

edzolz

Exactly, that is why I suggested a way to flag old threads when replying to them, other than the original posting date. Some people don't seem to look at a date before going off and assuming the post is still relevant. They just do a search for a topic and jump off in a reply.

Bernhard

MY Bad I thought it was a new post