I have a stock 1971 Cutlass Supreme since 1990 with 262,000 original miles. My mechanic is parting out his 1972 442 (350 2 barrel). He offered to sell me the engine (54,000 original miles), along with the turbo 350 transmission and differential for $950 (cost with installation $1500). My engine is rated 260 HP and I think his is approx. 200 HP. I would prefer more power, not less. Should I go ahead to have it done, and do I suggest that he install another cam (Comp or Crane), an Edelbrock RPM intake manifold, a valve job or head porting? I would like at least 300 HP without spending a bundle. Please help!!! Thanks.

 

Welcome to the site, post some pictures when you get a chance. You can use his engine for the time being and rebuild yours as you have finances and time. Heres a good read:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ket-350-a.html

 

I wouldn't spend $1500 to put a 45 year old motor in without going through it. It will need new timing gears at the least and that just leads to a new cam, etc, etc, etc...

 

You can't compare gross and net HP ratings. The 1971 model year was the first year that automakers started using net HP rating, but Oldsmobile actually published both numbers. 1972 engines were only rated net. There is virtually no difference between identical 1971 and 72 Olds engines. Your 260 gross HP is actually 200 net with dual exhausts and 180 net with single exhaust. Here's the 1971 SPECS booklet page that shows that:



For the 1972 model year, those numbers were exactly the same. The 4bbl 350 motor was rated at 180 HP net with single exhaust and 200 net with duals. The 2bbl motor was 160 HP and 170 HP, respectively.

 

Welcome to CO Steve! Where are you located in NY?

 

 

I'm in Bayside (between Fresh Meadows and Douglaston).

 

Thanks to everyone for your help and ideas, especially to Joe Padavano for the helpful charts. I will probably buy my mechanic's engine and transmission with only 54,000 original miles, since mine has 262,000 miles, and my transmission was rebuilt twice.

 

What ever keeps it running Steve. Sounds like a logical choice.

 

I merged your 2 threads to continue the original conversation. That's a really nice car. When you have your mechanic swap engines, you might ask him to reseal any leaking gaskets, inspect the freeze plugs, and check/replace the timing chain.

 

Yes, now is the time to replace gaskets,timing chain and cam. A lot easier when it's out of the car.

 

Welcome to the site... Great looking vehicle... With 262k miles, that's an excellent survivor of the 70's...

 

Big question - what is wrong with the car now? if it runs well the lower mileage 350 2 BBL is not really an upgrade. The rear might be worth looking into.

 

The problem is the engine is sluggish and has no pick-up. He will install my 4 barrel on the 350. The rear is included in the deal, all for $950.