Hi, I am new to the site And I have an 79 cutlass with an 260.4.3 engine inside of it ..I been reading and seeing its hard to find a olds engine.. For a good price. I want a bigger engine, what engine year should i look for the swap. Can someone give some info and lead me to the right direction Please. Thanks Douglas

 

Welcome to the site Douglas! Well, I know of a 1979 Cutlass that had a 455 installed. But things were kinda tight. It would be easier to install a 350 or 403 in my opinion. If your having trouble finding an engine create a thread in the parts wanted section including your location. Who knows, there may be a member here within driving distance of you with what you need!



John

 

So i can use any year olds engine like 1972 how old can i go back

 

Any Olds V8 1965 thru 1990 would be pretty easy.

Easiest would be a small block - 330, 307, 350, 403. Everything external is identical or easily obtained. The 403 may get you into cooling system capability issues, but I have done a similar 260 to 403 swap and it worked out ok with the stock radiator. A 330 or 350 would be the best bang for the buck, as far as readily available parts, good power output, etc.

State your location, see if there is one near you. I have dozens of engine cores. I have one runnable '72 350 on hand.

 

1964 was a transition year. The 330 in the Cutlass/F85 will bolt in just like a 1972 350. But the big cars used 394's that year, it wasn't until 1965 that the big block shared the same engine mounting setups. So small blocks back to 1964 or big blocks staring 1965.

Chris... it looks like you beat me by a couple minutes!

John

 

Pensacola,Fl 32526..Thanks Chris and John For the Info I just learn somthing new..

 

Welcome to CO! Congrats on your new ride, post some pics when you get a chance.

 

Pensacola CList - maybe today is your lucky day

http://pensacola.craigslist.org/pts/3385864222.html

http://pensacola.craigslist.org/pts/3457034025.html

I'd stay away from a 307. I think you'd be let down.

 

Welcome. The first question is, are you subject to emissions inspections where you live? If so, you can legally only install a 1979 or newer engine. Of course, that still leaves the 403, which is a bolt-in.

If emissions are not a concern, any 1964-1990 Olds V8 bolts in. The small block motors (260, 307, 330, 350, 403) are all externally identical and all accessory brackets from your 260 bolt right on. The big block motors (400, 425, 455) have a 1.5" taller deck height, so some brackets from the 260 will not work without modifications to accommodate the taller deck. The big blocks also require the correct BBO exhaust manifolds.

Your other problems will be cooling (a larger radiator will be required) and trans. The stock TH200 will not last long behind an appreciably larger engine.