Lee442

I have a 1974 Oldsmobile 442 and I really don't know much about the car that I love. I put a new exhaust system in the car and I plan on putting in headers within the next week. I want to modify the engine just for street use. I'm not looking to build a race car but I do want to make it faster. Any suggestions? I'm all ears

Fun71

Free flowing exhaust is always a good thing. That year engine had ~8.5:1 compression ratio from the factory (does yours still have the original pistons?) so you can't really go hog wild with something like a radical camshaft, and with factory (or near factory) cam the original intake manifold and carburetor are good for street use. Your best bang for the buck is likely lower rear gears, assuming the car doesn't already have them.

shiftbyear

recurving your distributor may show an improvement. spending money on the basics pays off. replacing all vacuum lines with new ones. replacing rubber fuel line connections from tank to carb. flushing your cooling system. good brakes, ...ect. a well tuned ride will give years of enjoyment. good luck

Lee442

the car still has the original 350 rocket v8 that has all 90000 original miles, nothing has been done to it.

oldcutlass

If the timing gear set has not been changed, I suggest that should be next.

Lee442

is that something that requirerequires a mechanic and what is th3 advantage of changing it?

damaged442

The original timing gear is nylon and wears over time. As it wears, you have the potential to skip teeth, which the engine doesn't particularly care for. Mine went on my 77 at about 94,000 miles. Skipped teeth so where I was spitting flames back out of the carb. Highly non-recommended! LOL

RetroRanger

you can change it yourself if you have some mechanical knowledge and tools, prolly the best tool you could get is the service manual for your car or find a copy that details the procedure online from an older manual w a similar engine