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Rebuilding 350

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Old Mar 25, 2020 | 06:05 AM
  #1  
Bigsal510's Avatar
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Rebuilding 350

Hello all, I'm rebuilding my 350, trying to get the most HP with out breaking the bank, any suggestions?
Old Mar 25, 2020 | 08:15 AM
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Completely understand not wanting to break the bank...what year/model is it going in, what transmission, what rear axle ratio? Will it be driven often on the highway?
​​​
Unless it needs a rebuild, you may get more for your money through a transmission replacement or axle ratio change.

Good luck!!!
Old Mar 25, 2020 | 08:19 AM
  #3  
Bigsal510's Avatar
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Its 1968 convertible all stock
Old Mar 25, 2020 | 08:27 AM
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​​​​​​68 vert, very nice.
Two speed or three speed auto? What are the letters in the bottom of the speedo PRN___? Does it shift once or twice? If it is a two speed auto a lot can be gained with a different transmission. This is all if the 350 doesn't need a rebuild, if it needs it then it needs it.

Good luck!!!
Old Mar 25, 2020 | 08:44 AM
  #5  
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Do it in steps:
What are your performance expectations?

Step 1. After teardown & inspection, do a stock rebuild with a mild cam, degreed properly, Intake port matched to the heads, head port clean up with a good 3 angle valve job. Refresh the QuadraJet, distributor and fuel pump. Use a machine shop familiar with Oldsmobiles!!!!

Step 2. TH350 trans? If its the stock ST300 Junk Away consider an upgrade to a TH350 or a properly built 4 speed TH2004R. Rebuild the trans with a TransGo shift improver kit and an adjustable modulator. TCI clear synthetic trans fluid.

Step 3. Consider a 308 or lower rear gear. It likely has the 2 series gears. This is where you will see all the modifications come together.

Keep in mind the cooling, fuel and exhaust systems will need upgrading/rebuilding/replacement as well to handle the new mods. Don't forget you need a solid chassis and braking systems as well. Let the MAWs commence!
Old Mar 25, 2020 | 09:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Bigsal510
Its 1968 convertible all stock
There were two versions of the 350 engine available in that car, a 10.25:1 4bbl and a 9.0:1 2bbl.

As already asked, does the engine really need a rebuild or is a rebuild something you want to do just because?
Adding a third (or fourth) gear to a vehicle with a 2 speed transmission is a huge performance gain, as is changing the rear gears from the typical 2.56 to something in the 3.xx range.
My first car was a 1970 Supreme 350-4bbl (same engine as 1968) and swapping the 2.56 rear for a 3.08, then later a 3.55, made a world of difference in performance. A cam upgrade, headers, and a bit higher stall torque converter made it a really fun car to drive on a daily basis (school and work).

Last edited by Fun71; Mar 25, 2020 at 09:54 AM.
Old Mar 25, 2020 | 10:12 AM
  #7  
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As far as l know the trans is a TH350, and also l have a warped head, l was thinking of getting some aluminum heads.....
Old Mar 25, 2020 | 01:33 PM
  #8  
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Be aware the aluminum heads are made for big blocks and therefore have larger combustion chambers and intake runners. It will take some modifications to use them on a small block. Do more research before you spend money.
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