BlueBeast

71 Cutlass Towne Car, 350 Rocket, HEI, Edelbrock performer 4 barrel intake, Edelbrock Thunder AVS Carb.

Now it's time to get serious.
I need a valvetrain rebuild kit, timing chain, fuel pump, water pump and oiler.
Anything else I should do while I'm in there?
Completely overwhelmed by the internet offerings.
So looking to your expertise in all things cutlass.

I have owned the car for two years, its my daily driver, but I can live without it for a week or more. Looking at 138,000 original miles. I can hear the bridges in the valvetrain but the big question is should I invest in a complete rebuild or swap it out for a rebuilt rather than dinking with it with parts? What are the pros and cons of swapping out the original?
If I am swapping it out, should I go for the 455 or stay with the 350 rocket?

All opinions are welcomed, just keep it civil.

Thanks for all you guys do!

oldcutlass

It really depends on what your after and budget.

BlueBeast

Money is obviously an object but I would rather spend a couple k on the right moves rather than dumping money in slowly into parts only to need an overhaul and have all new parts but internals are bad.

oldcutlass

What are your expectations in performance? Have you done a compression and leak down test on your current engine?

pogo69

i agreewith this, you need to decide up front what you want as far as stock or higher performance and the dollars involved are related

BlueBeast

Would like to have a sleeper, but then again messing with internals like cam etc. lead down the path of having to rebuild the entire motor, with that in mind...I don't know the compression...I do want some higher performance but not track, stop light and increase HP without blowing up engine.

pogo69

again as eric said do a compression/ leakdown/vacuum test to see what the condition of the engine is if everything checks out a cloyes timing chain is a good investment a decent set of rebuild gaskets, you need to know what your current cam is , rear end gears are to evaluate where you stand ....a set of headers and duel exhaust is pretty much required for that engine as a start to some decent performance.

swapping a current 350 as opposed to going with a 455 is a big deal and again determining what the overall health of your current engine needs to be determined your valves may be shot or the rings and bore are worn ....you know??

its sounds like some of the parts ie manifold and carb are performance so how does the car run? is it a dog or does it go?