rocketman77

I don't hear alot about these mid sixties SB Olds engines. How desirable are they? Were they prone to problems? Were they not popular in a Cutlass or F85

jaunty75

I don't think the 330 was particularly unpopular. It was new for '64 and was the base V-8 in the A-body cars through 1967. The 330 was also offered in the full-size '64 through '66 Jetstar 88 and later '67 Delmont 88. Many tens of thousands of Oldsmobiles were built with them.

I think the only reason they don't get much attention now is because the 350 is more modern and is so much more prevalent and easy to get parts for. The 330 was offered for only four model years ('64, '65, '66, and '67) while the 350 was offered for 13 model years ('68 through '80). There were literally millions of 350's made.

joe_padavano

330s have a forged crank. 350s do not. The only other substantive difference between the two is the bore.

oldcutlass

The 330 high compression is a very good engine. The 67 had 320 hp with 10.25:1 compression and a forged crank. As mentioned above the 350 is more plentiful and people use the crank out of the 330HC in SBO builds because of it's strength. Pistons are expensive for the 330 and the block can tolerate a .060 over bore. The early 330's had a different cam bank angle, lifter diameter, and valve train components, so be careful with parts compatibility.

590moss

Rebuilt and installed a 67 330 cid engine into a 68 Cutlass. Parts are more expensive but worth it. I found a lot of parts store associates trying to sell me parts and gaskets for a 350. I believe different years had different cam bank angles (39 / 45).

The link below is an excellent Olds engine resource.
http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofeng.htm

joe_padavano

Pretty much any part for a 330 that you can get in a normal auto parts store will be the same as for a 350. Gaskets, oil pump, timing chain, bearings, rockers, distributor, thermostat, etc are all the same. Obviously, pistons are different. Cam will be different if it's a 45 deg block. Lifters will be different if it's a 0.921 block. Water pump and rockers will be different if it's a 64 motor.

As for the Olds FAQ, much of the info in it is even correct...

wgonzo64

i have a question is it possible to have a HC 330 that came with a 2bbl??? or only a LC came with 2bbl?? and if so I would I tell ????

f-85

I have pulled apart many 330 engines and have never seen a .921 lifter 330. I have broken down 64,65,66, and 67 engines and they were all .842 lifters. Sure you guys are not confusing the early 330 with toro 425s, or 400s?

MDchanic

Here is your answer for 1965, '66., and '67 (unfortunately, I can't be definite about 1964):







- Eric