On my new to me 83 Hurst Olds I removed the carb to get it rebuilt. While removing the carb I noticed that the intake manifold was a Edelbrock 350 Performer. Would this manifold been factory on a 307. Also is there any features that would tell me if I still have the 307 or if someone has transplanted a 350 into the car. I can't find any engine numbers. Thanks Larry

 

No, that manifold was not original to the car. You would need the engine number and head ID to figure out which engine is in there.

 

Does the 307 and the 350 use the same intakes?

 

Yes they can, as well as the 403.

Whats the number on top of the water pump shelf? Scrape around and see what you can, let us know what it is.

The head # will be right near the # one cylinder. The first one on the driver side.

 

I'll see what I can find tomorrow when it's daylight. I tried to look on the heads today but couldn't see enough of the head to see anything. Now that I know where to look maybe I'll see something. Thanks Larry

 

Was able to see the numbers on the water pump ledge. 3161GM50LG I guess the 50 number pretty much tells me the size. Larry

 

The rare fifty litre engine?

;-)

 

I believe thats a 307.

 

the dreaded Olds 5.0 litre, or 307...
However if you have the VIN9 version, you are doing better than me with the nasty ol' Y.

 

Other than low horsepower what's wrong with them?

 

Too little torque...

To be honest, I've had three cars wtih 307s now, all VIN Y and two roller cam versions. All have been outstandingly adequate as transportation vehicles. I can't really see one in a "performance" car like a Hurst/Olds, however.

 

I have seen several of these blocks, both roller and flat tappet crack straight across the top down the middle and others at #7 cylinder. I do not bother with them any more. Much wiser perhaps to opt for a pre-1976 350 as the 1977-80 R engines lost 47 lbs.

 

Also the 200lbs of emissions crap on top of them discourages those who need to replace the notorious leaky intake and valve cover gaskets.
Aside from leaks and emission crap issues, they are not bad for a basic dependable engine, as long as you do not care about performance.