Engine swap

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February 18th, 2017, 10:52 AM

slickdriver

Registered User

Thread Starter

Join Date: Dec 2016

Posts: 16

Engine swap

I have a 1983 Custom Cruiser wagon. It currently has a 307 V8. with all the smog equipment on it, it is a real dog on the freeway. Would like to install a crate 350 V8. Given the weight of this vehicle, what would be a good HP rating to target going forward?
Also, would a mid '70's Oldsmobile 455 fit into this GM B body car?
Thanks for letting me bore you to death. lol.
Slickdriver

February 18th, 2017, 11:17 AM

CRUZN 66

Olds Fever

Join Date: May 2011

Location: New York (Upstate)

Posts: 4,445

Welcome to the site... A 350 would be a good choice for the 307 replacement... The mechanics would almost be a direct bolt in... Electronics/Carburetion would be a personal choice depending on your states emissions requirements... As for the 455, it will bolt in with the same electronic/carburetion concerns, but now you would have to deal with exhaust issues as well...

Last edited by CRUZN 66; February 18th, 2017 at 11:21 AM.

February 18th, 2017, 04:38 PM

joe_padavano

Old(s) Fart

Join Date: Mar 2007

Location: Northern VA

Posts: 47,430

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickdriver

The 455 is an easy swap and bolt in using the 307 mounts an trans. The 200-4R trans unfortunately is not strong enough to live very long behind the 455 in stock form.

A 350 Oldsmobile is a direct bolt-in for the 307 as it is externally identical. All accessories, brackets, and manifolds bolt up. The 455 has a taller deck height and requires minor mods.

A 350 "crate" motor is code for Chevy and requires more work. It is not a direct bolt in, but obviously the B-body chassis can accept a belly button motor.