I was cruising Craigslist today looking for a rebuildable 350, and came across an ad for what appears to be a 330 (going off the #2 heads). One could do a little digging on the numbers stamped on the block, but it might be a good opportunity for a cheap forged crank plus parts. If I lived closer, I’d jump on it.

Here’s the ad: https://ventura.craigslist.org/pts/d/simi-valley-oldsmobile-rocket-350/7905027393.html

 

#2 heads, but 73-74 embossed valve covers, EGR intake manifold, and a DTVS indicate a later engine.

 

Probably a Frankenstein engine then. Saw those 2 heads and thought it was worth noting.

 

Pardon my ignorance, but what's a DTVS? Thanks, Bob.

 

Distributor Thermal Vacuum Switch. It's a temperature activated switch that applies / restricts vacuum to the distributor depending upon engine coolant temperature.

 

Thank you; I'll sleep better tonight.

 

Kenneth my confidence in my car just got shook. My 69 has that thingamajig but it's on opposite side of intake manifold on mine. Right behind oil fill tube. Are you saying its correct to malaise era 350s or that its not correct to 330s ? My ride is a Fremont car if that makes a difference. Does it belong on my engine ?

P.S. the tubes are capped off on my ride, came to me that way and I just maintain them...

 

Still a good find in my book. I believe the engine is serviceable as is. The advertisement indicates the previous owner was looking for more power and swapped out the 350 for a bigger engine. The #2 heads were likely a prior attempt to eak out more power by way of higher compression.

Price wise seems great, when my ride was totaled Insurance asked me if I want to buy it back for 1000. I said yes, to me the engine was worth the price alone. Now yes, 74 350 vs hi comp #5 head 350 but still at 200 seems like a gift.

Wow just went back to look at ad again. Transmission included ... super gift !