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Hello! This site has been awesome so far. Lots of knowledge out there. I’m new to Oldsmobile but from what I’ve read so far I’m excited to own one. I just picked up this 1975 f85 330 2 barrel with a 4 speed. It was originally a 3 speed that was converted by the previous owner. I’m looking to build a fun cruiser that may appear at the track once in a while. I’m debating keeping the 330 and adding a cam/intake/carb just because I love the way it runs. But I also have access to a 455 and a complete gen 4 5.3. I want to keep the 4 speed because it’s a blast to drive. I look forward to learning from those on the site! Below are some pictures I took the other day after I brought it home.
My first car was a ultra base 1967 Cutlass coupe. 330 low compression 2 bbl with a manual 3 speed on the column. This car is the reason I am still into Olds 30 years later. Over the years I had it converted to dual exhaust, Edelbrock manifold, Holley 4bbl, headers, and eventually 4 speed on the floor. While it sounded great and moved well it seemed more powerful before I had the work done... Never had the cam changed nor replaced the original 3.08 open rear, so maybe those were the final steps to what i was hoping for...
Still my gut says go with the 455 if your thinking occasional track use. The 330 is a great engine, mine was low mileage and had plenty of spunk, but 330s have small piston diameters, and i have been told by hard core car guys over the years that this era of engines like 4 inch minimum bores to make some serious power.
Good luck with your ride.
PS I'm a firm believer that an Olds that came with an Olds engine should stay with an Olds engine. As many are on this site as well as other Olds sites. Just a heads up.
My first car was a ultra base 1967 Cutlass coupe. 330 low compression 2 bbl with a manual 3 speed on the column. This car is the reason I am still into Olds 30 years later. Over the years I had it converted to dual exhaust, Edelbrock manifold, Holley 4bbl, headers, and eventually 4 speed on the floor. While it sounded great and moved well it seemed more powerful before I had the work done... Never had the cam changed nor replaced the original 3.08 open rear, so maybe those were the final steps to what i was hoping for...
Still my gut says go with the 455 if your thinking occasional track use. The 330 is a great engine, mine was low mileage and had plenty of spunk, but 330s have small piston diameters, and i have been told by hard core car guys over the years that this era of engines like 4 inch minimum bores to make some serious power.
Good luck with your ride.
PS I'm a firm believer that an Olds that came with an Olds engine should stay with an Olds engine. As many are on this site as well as other Olds sites. Just a heads up.
Again best of luck with your car, its a beaut.
Thank you! I do love the 330 in this thing but I’m intrigued by the 455 especially because it would only cost me 50$. The car is headed out for paint soon so I won’t get to mess with it much until it comes back.
wow, cool car, thats a rare one as well. heres a link to Jasons car it is much like yours. my cars original 330 is long gone and an olds 350 was transplanted. it does have its original 4 speed though. lots of fun to drive
