350\cutlass

Hey guys! So heres the scoop. I have been saving up money and I am finally ready to take the sb chevy out of my 81' and replace it with an Olds. The question I have is this. Big block or small block. I want to build my Cutlass into a nice street machine with some fairly good numbers. I don't want to be screeching my tires everytime I'm at a stoplight..unless i want them to .

So here is what I'm asking.

Has anyone swapped a big block in a gbody? How complicated is it?

Should I just go with a built small block?

Are more parts available for any certain block?

Cost effectiveness?

I will also be doing most of the work myself or with one other buddy so ease of installation will play a part but we are both fairly knowledgable in mechanics and slight modification. I would like to lean away from custom fabricated parts though.

Any help would be much appreciated and I will start a new thread with continued photo updates once the work begins.

Thank you!

J-(Chicago)

A small block will fit better.
What's the budget? and your location?

350\cutlass

budget is not a concern at the moment. I am starting off with finding the block and going from there. Not to say I have an unlimited amount of spending cash but I am sure i can handle what it takes to get something betweeen 3-400 hp. (most likely 350).

located in minnesnowta which makes my job even harder as there isn't many resources available

350\cutlass

i would prefer to stay under 5000 for the time being knowing full well i may not get the hp im looking for right now but i can always keep my car in storage until more funds come in

gearheads78

What is fairly good numbers? Fairly good to me is high 10sec as to where others might think low 13's is fast.

J-(Chicago)

Depending where you're at in MN, I have both a 455 blocks, and 350 blocks and cranks.
Maybe someone on here closer could help save some gas money.

350\cutlass

yeah i think chicago is a little far of a drive and a little to expensive to ship. I will keep you in mind in case nothing turns up closer though.

and i would be satisfied with low 13's high 12's for the moment. i am more interested in cost effectiveness for my gbody. i dont know how expensive/frustrating it would be to throw a big block in and need to know if a built small block would be a better road to take.

i have seen plenty of people complain about the numbers there big blocks have after throwing tons of money into them

gearheads78

mid-low 12's should be a cake walk as long as you have traction.

355 ~10.0 compression shortblock
mild ported 5,6,7,7a heads
rpm intake
headers and good 2.5" exhaust
th350 3.73 or 4.10
cam and converter to match the RPM range to want to run
I would set up something with a 5500-5800 shift point

J-(Chicago)

Well, a semi-stock big block could get you hi 12s low 13s with ease. $1000 bucks total cost if you find the right core.
Starting with entirely fresh machine work and parts, either would probably be around 4-6k

droptopron

There is always lots of engine cores on CList.
The link is for the St Paul area

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/se...minAsk=&maxAsk=