Ok I have a 1977 olds 350.....some say its crap....some say a rocket is a rocket.....some say it has windowed mains some say it might not......can somebody explain the max potential of this motor.....how to protect the lower end from spinning bearings....etc....just blew a pontiac 301 apparently because i had no a/c and i never let it cool down and idle before shut off.....Im a 88 baby so this 85 body/77 motor predates my knowledge.....Gurus only

 

77 was the year they redesigned their engines. Windowed mains, ½" head bolts instead of 7/16, new head design (not better). All of this was to help shave some weight off for better fuel economy.
Unless you are going for a max power build, don't worry about the bottom end too much.
There are ways to stiffen it up, but again, if you're not going hog wild don't worry about it.
Most of the time (in my experience and from what I've seen) it's the rod bearings that tend to spin first. Make sure you have oil in the engine and change it regularly and you will be fine.

 

Are you looking to build a high power engine from the bottom up, or just to make a few changes to a good engine you already have?

Another way of asking: How much money are you planning to put into this engine?

- Eric

 

Im 28 it doesnt havent to be devilish fast but have some umph to it....at least to keep up with a 5.0...... This is my first 350 build want something reliable with a nice growl.....and will go a little if i tap

 

Eric I know nothing about.....this is my first build....be tender Im a V when it comes to power lol.....what is safe for this year motor....i heard rockets were good all around but my buddy who has a 305 says my motors a piece.....based on the year he speaks only

 

When I bought it.....a cam was in......a edlebrock performer intake....and thats it.....im looking for headers.....but beyond that im clueless....according to a website stock is about 175 hp....i dont know where its at now but i would like at least 250 -300 hp

 

Is that feasible for my motor