scottw32

my 69 cutlass S came with a very tired looking 1976 350. the engine had to be pulled for alot of reasons and is currently on the stand. The previous owner offered no insight into the history of the vehicle. Somebody along the lines threw alot of money at a less than desirable engine combo. This engine is a crate 1976 350 with #8 heads. It was saddled with hooker headers, a Holley 650 carb, MSD electronic ignition and Edelbrock performer intake and im assuming a matching cam from edelbrock. It leaked oil from every place imaginable, so its getting tore down............I also managed to get ahold of the original matching #'s 350 from '69.... i have the #5 heads and all or most of the parts in various degrees of shape. Intake is a 2 barrel. The block unfortunately has some pitting in the #7 cylinder from an old head gasket leak that was allowed to sit. Currently evaluating if its salvageable , but the heads appear to be in good shape. Whats my best options with about $3500-$4000 to get a real decent motor going?.....is 400-425 hp out of the question? Would you throw all the money into the original block and heads?... or Would you build something more substantial using the '76 block ( new aluminum heads) etc. I guess its a choose your own adventure kind of deal.. looking forward to your ideas thanks

olds 307 and 403

Get a 4" stroker kit from Cutlassefi(Mark Remmel). It is 3/4 of that budget but makes 425 hp easy and more importantly 500+ ft/lbs of torque. Either the #5 or #8 with a bowl hog cutter under the valves and 2"/1.625" valves should meet your goals. Cutlassefi can supply all parts needed.

olds 307 and 403

Either block is equal to build. The 70 crank is stronger than the 76 crank. The factory or replacement cast pistons and soft factory forged rods are no good for those power levels.

sjay1989

See if you can salvage the 69 motor and keep us updated.