1976 Cutlass S
#1
1976 Cutlass S
So can anyone tell me the difference between a 1976 cutlass S and a 1976 cutlass 442. Mine has the 350, dual exhaust but an automatic. I've got a YouTube video of my car if it helps. Also I wanted to know opinions of the edelbrock carb and intake swap with the upgraded cam. It's the 7111pk listed on the site.
#2
I wouldn't switch the carb, but that's just me liking QuadraJets so much.
From the web site, that cam is fairly large for your 8.5:1 compression ratio:
Operating Range: 1500-6500 RPM
Duration Advertised: 290° Intake/300° Exhaust
Duration @ .050'': 224° Intake/234° Exhaust
Lift @ Valve: .496'' Intake/.520'' Exhaust
I am not an engine building or cam expert, but I think there are a lot of cams that are better suited for your engine. The factory cam is very small, so even an RV type cam (204º) would be an improvement while maintaining a useable power range. That 224/290 duration cam would likely kill your bottom end power, especially without a looser torque converter and/or lower rear gears. Something in the 210º to 215º range would probably be much better.
From the web site, that cam is fairly large for your 8.5:1 compression ratio:
Operating Range: 1500-6500 RPM
Duration Advertised: 290° Intake/300° Exhaust
Duration @ .050'': 224° Intake/234° Exhaust
Lift @ Valve: .496'' Intake/.520'' Exhaust
I am not an engine building or cam expert, but I think there are a lot of cams that are better suited for your engine. The factory cam is very small, so even an RV type cam (204º) would be an improvement while maintaining a useable power range. That 224/290 duration cam would likely kill your bottom end power, especially without a looser torque converter and/or lower rear gears. Something in the 210º to 215º range would probably be much better.
Last edited by Fun71; June 2nd, 2016 at 01:36 PM.
#3
I wouldn't switch the carb, but that's just me liking QuadraJets so much.
From the web site, that cam is fairly large for your 8.5:1 compression ratio:
Operating Range 1500-6500 RPM
Duration Advertised 290° Intake/300° Exhaust
Duration @ .050'' 224° Intake/234° Exhaust
Lift @ Valve .496'' Intake/.520'' Exhaust
From the web site, that cam is fairly large for your 8.5:1 compression ratio:
Operating Range 1500-6500 RPM
Duration Advertised 290° Intake/300° Exhaust
Duration @ .050'' 224° Intake/234° Exhaust
Lift @ Valve .496'' Intake/.520'' Exhaust
#4
So can anyone tell me the difference between a 1976 cutlass S and a 1976 cutlass 442. Mine has the 350, dual exhaust but an automatic. I've got a YouTube video of my car if it helps. Also I wanted to know opinions of the edelbrock carb and intake swap with the upgraded cam. It's the 7111pk listed on the site.
#5
That would be a good idea. If you can't do it yourself, there are some very good rebuilders who can make it work like new again.
That could be from a lot of things - needing a basic tune-up, vacuum leak, ignition problems, fuel delivery, etc, etc, etc. If the engine is actually running well and it doesn't seem like you have much performance, see below about rearend gear ratios.
Ensure it is running properly. Tune up, carb in good condition (rebuild if necessary) and adjusted properly, free flowing exhaust system to begin with. After that, look at your rear gears. They are likely 2.56 or even 2.41 ratios. Just replacing those gears with a lower ratio would make it feel like your engine got a boost in power. Way back in the '80s I replaced the 2.56 rear in my '70 Cutlass with a 3.08 rear and it felt like I had a new, more powerful engine. Then later I replaced the 3.08s with 3.55s and again it felt like a power increase.
As for that cam you linked, I think it would be too large for your engine's compression ratio. At 8.5:1 or so, you can easily overcam the engine and make it feel less powerful than it is now. You need to remain fairly conservative with the cam unless you raise the compression ratio.
Last edited by Fun71; June 2nd, 2016 at 04:40 PM.
#6
When I started with my 76 cutlass, I put an ebrock performer with the ebrock 600cfm carb, Didn't notice much off the seat of my pants.
I joined CO shortly after and learned this..., did my rear end with 3:42 rear gears along with an eaton posi just as Kenneth (fun71) mentioned.
The best change I ever did was the rear (bang for the buck)
I then put a pair of Hedmann shorty headers along with 2 1/4 duals and notice a little change in power and great tone.
Eric
I joined CO shortly after and learned this..., did my rear end with 3:42 rear gears along with an eaton posi just as Kenneth (fun71) mentioned.
The best change I ever did was the rear (bang for the buck)
I then put a pair of Hedmann shorty headers along with 2 1/4 duals and notice a little change in power and great tone.
Eric
#7
When I started with my 76 cutlass, I put an ebrock performer with the ebrock 600cfm carb, Didn't notice much off the seat of my pants.
I joined CO shortly after and learned this..., did my rear end with 3:42 rear gears along with an eaton posi just as Kenneth (fun71) mentioned.
The best change I ever did was the rear (bang for the buck)
I then put a pair of Hedmann shorty headers along with 2 1/4 duals and notice a little change in power and great tone.
Eric
I joined CO shortly after and learned this..., did my rear end with 3:42 rear gears along with an eaton posi just as Kenneth (fun71) mentioned.
The best change I ever did was the rear (bang for the buck)
I then put a pair of Hedmann shorty headers along with 2 1/4 duals and notice a little change in power and great tone.
Eric
Did you have to buy a new starter for the headers? I read that there were some fit issues. Also how difficult was the eaton possi to install?
#8
I wouldn't know how difficult it would be to install the rear posi, gears, or install kit. I had a shop do this for me. I purchased all the new parts from Monzaz (Jim@ J.D Race) awesome guy !!
I did purchase a Powermaster # 9610 from Summit Racing along with the Hedman Ceramic coated headers.
Again I had this work done at the same shop. So I'm really unsure if the mini starter is really necessary.
I hope this helps a little.
The only work I done myself was the intake/carb/tune-up stuff/Be-cool rad and the Wilwood brakes.
I wish I could give you a better answer to you ?'s
I hope this helps a little
Eric
I did purchase a Powermaster # 9610 from Summit Racing along with the Hedman Ceramic coated headers.
Again I had this work done at the same shop. So I'm really unsure if the mini starter is really necessary.
I hope this helps a little.
The only work I done myself was the intake/carb/tune-up stuff/Be-cool rad and the Wilwood brakes.
I wish I could give you a better answer to you ?'s
I hope this helps a little
Eric
#9
Mac has a great thread going " Gearing up for gear change" he is doing his rear gears as we speak, That would be a great thread to follow along. Kenneth (fun 71), coppercutlass and others are helping out with great tips.
As for the starter if finances allow I would purchase the mini starter for the reduction in weight alone, I read over on 73-77 Olds forum that guys mentioned the factory starter cleared.
Cheers
Eric
As for the starter if finances allow I would purchase the mini starter for the reduction in weight alone, I read over on 73-77 Olds forum that guys mentioned the factory starter cleared.
Cheers
Eric
#10
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
#11
Mac has a great thread going " Gearing up for gear change" he is doing his rear gears as we speak, That would be a great thread to follow along. Kenneth (fun 71), coppercutlass and others are helping out with great tips.
As for the starter if finances allow I would purchase the mini starter for the reduction in weight alone, I read over on 73-77 Olds forum that guys mentioned the factory starter cleared.
Cheers
Eric
As for the starter if finances allow I would purchase the mini starter for the reduction in weight alone, I read over on 73-77 Olds forum that guys mentioned the factory starter cleared.
Cheers
Eric
#12
4 Barrels of Laughs
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: I moved to pittsburgh so I can be near Primantis
Posts: 405
#13
I certainly like how mine looks. I was just wondering why I always had to type in 76 442 to see the body style I have
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