Hey guys I own a 72 cutlass that was my dads and it’s original and stock, well it was stock I just bought a flowmaster American thunder exhaust. It gave it a little bit of a boost but not that much. Just wondering what can I do to the 350 rocket to make it faster ? Or should I swap the 350.

 

I had the same issue 72 350, i had a 455 rebuilt dropped it in and its great much better than the 350 but i still need more

search on CUTLASSEFI he has been working on some small block stuff and has posted a few dyno sheets from some pretty sweet smallblocks recently.

 

Read up on 403s. They are a direct bolt in for a 350.

 

An original 350 from 1972 wasn’t, nor never will be, what anyone would consider a ”muscle” car motor. Having said that, depending on your budget and your learning curve, a real fun ride can be had. Like Retro Ranger stated, search “Cutlassefi” and read some of the 350 builds he has done.

 

So I should swap it. What should I swap ? 455 ? Ls?

 

Read this thread as the exact same information you are asking about has been posted there:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...uggish-135655/

 

Is this a factory 2 or 4 barrel car? Single or dual exhaust? Some pics of the car and under the hood would help.

 

While the 72 350 was not a muscle car engine, it could and would move a Cutlass around decently. I think, before you go thinking that the engine is junk and you need a 455, that you should make sure the 350 is running in top shape. This is even before you try to make it faster.

Lots of times, cars from elderly owners need work. A tune up and checking out the carb's function would help.

I would do this:
1. Tune up, better air filter, performance points and plugs.
2. Dual exhaust
3. Look into a new cam.
4. Look into a lower geared rear end (what is yours, anyway?)
5. Intake, headers, carb.
6. Overdrive transmission that can handle 455 power.
Then, if none of that satisfies you, keep it like that, and build a 455 for it, then put it in.

I have enough fun driving a 72 a body with a 350 SBC and 2.73 rear end. If you have a stouter rear end and an olds 350, it should be definitely fun.

 

Let me know if I can offer any other advice or suggestions with your LS swap questions 😎

 

What are your goals? If all you want is a little get up and go, find some early small chamber heads. A mild camshaft would help. If the engine is basically sound, put some 3.73 gears in it, and swap the trans for a 2004R. That would give you the benefit of a even lower 1st gear ratio, and a overdrive with lockup converter. The best of both worlds. Do a search, I have discussed the 2004R trans many times.

To maximize what you have, make sure the carb is dialed in. There are many places that can rebuild and recalibrate you Q-Jet for better performance with today’s fuel. Make sure the ignition is in good condition, and tuned correctly. Sounds like you already covered the exhaust. Hope that helps.

 

As said Cutlassefi has brought many products for us SBO guys to the market. His 5140 billet 4" stroker crank makes 400 hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque with the right cam and your stock heads mildly worked easy with his help. Of course more stall and a gear swap will be part of the total package. Your current 8 to 1 350 with probably 2.56 or 2.73 gears won't cut it. A 455 is an option but a good core is necessary and don't expect to throw a stock one in and be done. Many throw them in, push them hard and blow the bottom end. They are harder to get right compared to your 350 due to the heavy crank and big bearings, so picking a good shop is key.

 

Sometimes ppl say Faster but the mean Quicker.
If you want it quicker, then biggest bang for your buck is new differential gears.
using a 10 speed bicycle analogy...
right now you're taking off in 4th or 6th gear...u have to get much stronger legs to use 4th or 6th to accelerate faster. That says leaving the gears reuires major engine output.
but drop it into 1st or 2nd and even skiiny legs can accelerate nicely. That says your 350 can get you there
A properly running 350 even with your 8.5 compression ratio is not a turd. You can get decent output from it, but 1st get better diff gears

 

The OP hasn’t been on the forum for two years. Perhaps your comments might provide others with some context.

 

71 and 72 350 engines are some of the worst to deal with gor performance. Big dishes in pistons. What are you're performance expectations?

 

he's here in spirit
i thought it popped up on New Post, I didn't check the date, but i guess im wrong
Maybe someone else will find it of value
thanks