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Yeah Boogie I think I'm going to have to post on the parts forum as an alternative to the web. I THINK I want a 67-69 Oldsmobile 350 HC engine from all the replies I've gotten. That is a small block? I know it will also require beefier springs on the front end for the added weight and as stated earlier yesterday some re-wiring. So that's where I'm leaning heavily so time to post. If there's something more that I should add to the parts forum along with the 350 request please let me know and I'll hopefully get a one stop shopping list out there. Thanks all! 👍
Yeah Boogie I think I'm going to have to post on the parts forum as an alternative to the web. I THINK I want a 67-69 Oldsmobile 350 HC engine from all the replies I've gotten. That is a small block? I know it will also require beefier springs on the front end for the added weight and as stated earlier yesterday some re-wiring. So that's where I'm leaning heavily so time to post. If there's something more that I should add to the parts forum along with the 350 request please let me know and I'll hopefully get a one stop shopping list out there. Thanks all! 👍
I THINK I want a 67-69 Oldsmobile 350 HC engine from all the replies I've gotten. That is a small block?
Yes 350 is small block, 400 is big block but 403 is small block. That's the tricky one.
Nice that you are thinking high compression 350, those are the cream of the crop for small block. 1968-1970 are the only years.
Net torque is 330 lb ft. So you may be pushing it mated to a non high performance version 200-4R. Light fun street use maybe not an issue. I will look further into this as possible.
P.S. sorry about additional info overload, but the factory was careful to mate certain engines with certain transmissions for a reason. I can't just not address this.
An update to all of you that have been extremely helpful in my quest to find the right motor. The restoration shop believes the have found me the 350 Oldsmobile motor from the HC years 1967-70 in Providence RI. They have also offered to do the engine swap from my current Buick V6 along with the 200-4R transmission and dual exhaust for $4500-5000. They say that it would be approximately 24 hours labor (@ $97 per hr) to complete the swap and finish the car. Please comment your opinions. Thanks.
67 would be a 330, 68-70 a 350. Confirm whether or not the motor is a HC version by looking in the cylinder with a borescope for shallow dish pistons. The year isn't a confirmation of HC or LC it could be either; however, if it was an original factory 4bbl it should be HC.
Ok so lets say total cost when rounding out the numbers for ease is, 5000.
2500 for labor ( includes engine swap, trans swap, exhaust install, etc)
+ trans, cost
+ exhaust components, cost
+ good running engine, cost
Making up the other 2500 ? Is this about right ?
Does the shops engine price work out to a wash, cost wise with getting the 1976 350 combo or better ? If so the shops deal sounds good. But as has been mentioned you want verification that its a high compression 350. Only years possible are 1968, 1969, 1970.
If you decide to go ahead with this deal. Your also going to want to know if timing chain has been replaced and when, mileage wise.
In addition I would look into front springs for added engine weight, a bigger radiator with shroud, etc. And as a fellow member recommended, a dual reservoir master brake cylinder. Among other things.
When all is said and done, initial driving may require extra caution. Its gonna be a night and day difference. If engine is healthy you are adding around 150 % more power and a 1st gear into the mix. Enjoy !
So according to the shop the engine is the HC. The cost of the motor is 800. New dual exhaust is 300 and trans 900. They should have upgraded the springs when they installed them hopefully. I told them my intent was to upsize the motor, fingers crossed. He said the motor/transmission would be all worked out and fine tuned. The brakes I thought were dual reservoir, no?
The springs say performance stock height on the parts list and the picture shows the new master cylinder. Am I misunderstanding the dual master cylinder?
t
That is a dual master cylinder. You need Olds v8 frame pads for your motor mounts. Far as I know they have to be 64 65 only
Thank you for bringing that up. I just so happened to mention that yesterday in my conversation. I only would have known that because of the great advice I have gotten from the contributers on this forum. 👍💪. He said that would be inclusive in the price of the motor exchange.
Post a want to buy here, for the frame pads. I dont know how good the shop is at fabbing . You might want to look for a v8 throttle linkage also. I did adapt a cable, and pedal from a g body, for one car.
So according to the shop the engine is the HC. The cost of the motor is 800. New dual exhaust is 300 and trans 900. They should have upgraded the springs when they installed them hopefully. I told them my intent was to upsize the motor, fingers crossed. He said the motor/transmission would be all worked out and fine tuned.
Sounds good !
I'm excited for you, cant wait till its all said and done.
Originally Posted by LARams1
The brakes I thought were dual reservoir, no?
Originally Posted by LARams1
the picture shows the new master cylinder. Am I misunderstanding the dual master cylinder?
Sorry about that. You are correct. My thoughts kept going back to your original pics in first post. When it was still single.
Last edited by 69CSHC; September 25th, 2020 at 01:41 AM.
Reason: wording
Sugar, JMC & 69CS thanks for commenting I'm now confident I'm getting a fair price for the work they'll perform. They definitely have extensive experience in classic cars. They're Enfield Restoration out of Enfield CT. I'm really excited to drive it home. Trying to decide on highway or back roads. Not sure exactly when they'll be done though. Hopefully soon seasons a changin'. Then I'll have all Fall/Winter to rehab the interior.
The 350 olds motor in Providence didn't pan out. Sold before the shop could secure it. Now they have suggested a 307 out of a '78 Oldsmobile 88. Any opinions on that motor? Sounds lightweight but they said it's an upgrade (obviously) from the Buick V6. Not much of an upgrade, right?
There is a lot of engines out there, Oldsmaniac and the other are right-307's are not good when there is plenty...I never used Fastenal to ship a large heavy part have you checked them out? In the meantime keep saving your $$$ something will come along. Your 64 F-85 deserves a good transplant...
The 350 olds motor in Providence didn't pan out. Sold before the shop could secure it.
Ughh, best laid plans...
Originally Posted by LARams1
Now they have suggested a 307 out of a '78 Oldsmobile 88. Any opinions on that motor?
Its 180 degrees from what you were hoping to get.
Originally Posted by LARams1
Sounds lightweight but they said it's an upgrade (obviously) from the Buick V6. Not much of an upgrade, right?
It is an upgrade in horsepower only... and your only going from terrible to bad in that department.
Originally Posted by LARams1
Thanks Olds! I felt like they wanted a quick fix and your reply confirms that. Thanks again! I'll do a search online for the 403 specs.
Hopefully your car doesn't start hitting the "this thing is starting to get in the way" status. 403s are the best of a mediocre bunch. The same bunch that 307 belongs to. (Olds V8 1977-1990)
403s powered 10,000 plus pound motor-homes so they are respectable in their own right. Somewhat of a sideways move over the high compression 350 you were looking into... Similar torque and reasonably less HP but things will need to be addressed if your going for buildup. Stock or stockish which is where it plays best, untouched otherwise and you are doubling your power from the original V6. Healthy and it will be a night a day positive difference.
I'm seeing peak numbers of 200 HP and 330 LB FT net ratings for the 403 in a 1977 Toronado.
I'm seeing base numbers of 185 HP and 320 LB FT net ratings for the 403 in a 1977 442.
Assume the base but give it true dual exhaust and you have decent power...(200 HP and up, in a 3500 LB car)
Last edited by 69CSHC; October 7th, 2020 at 07:15 PM.
Reason: spelling
this just came on Facebook marketplace. The restoration shop forwarded to me and they're inquiring on it not sure what year it's from but worth a look. Titled "Oldsmobile 350 motor" in Torrington CT. I wanted old school without electronics I suppose that can be made to not have electronic distributor?
#5 heads, that is good. Have them check the block casting #'s next to the oil fill tube AND on the small pad below spark plugs #1. We can give you some info from that.
Its not a Qjet, yes any Olds distributor can be installed. Ask for specs and part #'s if it is a rebuild.
i still have my 72 350 in mass all original never apart, needs rebuild, #7 heads ( late 71 build) w hardened seats.
Ahhh decent power without gas issues and lack of lead concerns, something I have never experienced as an Olds guy of 30 + years even my 87 442 needs premium because of advanced timing...
8) 1983-1987 high performance 307
9) 1980-1990 non performance 307
10) 1975-1982 non performance 260
You could consider the 3 separated groups like the medals of the Olympics. Gold, silver, bronze. All are reliable but there is absolutely a difference.
The bottom 3 (8,9,10) are essentially the engines you put in car while your having a nice engine built and you want to be able to use the car. Or are the born in originals and you like it that way.
P.S. everything can be built up, even the 260. So you will hear mazing stories. But it comes down to practicality. The higher up on that list the easier route to go, and often the better quality engine.
Retro, 69, Sugar sorry for the belated response. Retro I like the fact that your engine makes the gold list and now I'm highly interested in purchasing it! Please contact me ASAP. It'll be a good winter project for me. Can you post a pic for all to see? I can travel to you this week.
Its a 72 w 7 heads out of my 72 140k miles appeared all original when i changed the timing chain, no intake or exhaust manifolds .
i can probably find a carb, valve covers n starter to go with it, i also have a free long tail th400 if you want it
Thanks for the tip Retro. I did text bobby455. I'm kinda hoping for some help from the community to help me make a wise decision. He said he's open to anyone wanting to text (860-216-8681) about his 350 to assist which is the best way to go. Retro's 350 (core) with an engine stand or bobby455's 350 parted. He says it's all there. I'd like to make this a winter project and learn how to build/rebuild a motor. Here's his text/s to me:
"My engine is all taken apart, it's not put together but I have all the big stuff to put it all together."
I then told him I'm a true novice, which I am though learning everyday, and would like to post the question to the thread and possibly get a consensus on which engine they would buy/rebuild. Opinions anyone? Both are somewhat close bobby455 is in Ellington CT and Retro is in MA not sure where though. His response is below. Thank you to anyone who would take the time to get involved and help someone you've never met before.
"Feel free to give them my phone number and have them text me they'll get quicker responses that way."
September 21st, 2020, 03:46 PM
