I have a 73 cutlass supreme with a Rocket 350, 4 Barrel Quadrajet, #8 heads TH350 trans (I still need to figure out the gearing/ratios) . The engine is stock and only makes around 180 hp. I plan on getting a 7111 or 3711 Edelbrock intake manifold, A new carb (haven't decided what kind yet) and a new exhaust system. A cam would be cool but I'm not sure what's the most cost effective. Im trying to make around 250-300 hp so this car can move like it should. Car sat since 2003 and wasn't driven again until may this year so I'm not looking to do anything crazy to the engine. Im looking for recommend parts or just tips on these olds 350s and how to get more power.

(Dont worry about budget)

 

Figure out what gears you have and what rpm you live with on a gear swap. A mild converter will help launch as well. You are maybe at 8 to 1 compression, stay mild on a cam swap. I would start with dual exhaust.

 

Will do thanks for the advice.

 

The QuadraJet on the engine is a good carb - I would stay with it.

Edelbrock 7111 or keep the factory iron intake.

With #8 heads, you need new pistons to get decent compression. Flat tops would be best.

Cam specs would depend a lot upon compression ratio and rearend gears.

Lower gears are the best bang for the buck modification.

 

^ X2. Rinse and repeat. ^

 

SOOVE, those 3 steps turn your ride into a completely different animal.

Duals, Saturday Night Special Torque Converter, and a 3.73 rear gear... Potentially going from 18s in the 1/4 to 16s. But she is going to really rev and that takes some getting used too. 3rd gear at highway speeds will sound like you are still in 2nd gear. The other option is add 70 HP and change nothing else and match the 455 versions performance minus the 455s extra torque. So 16s again. If you are looking for 15s a 100 HP upgrade is needed all else the same.

Getting serious hustle out of her is a bit challenging, because she was setup so sedately while weighing 4000 LBS without driver.

 

thanks for everyone who responded. Give me a day or two and ill find out my gearing and let you guys know. Thanks for all the advice!

 

Would love to keep the qjet on there but its on its last legs this car was pretty much a barn find. I've been searching for a new a qjet but haven't found anything yet if anyone has leads that would be awesome.

 

There are people that can re-build a Quadrajet to like new or better. "Plug and play". If you go to an off brand carb such as Edelbrock or Holley, you end up with modifying the linkage to make them work correctly.

 

I was thinking of maybe getting an edelbrock i think the pn was 1506 or 1503. Didn't know I had to modify the linkage, might me a turn off. Im only 19 so I'm getting a lot of new to me info, again thanks to everyone for the help!!

 

Why do you think the Quadrajet is on its last legs? They are very good carbs and as mentioned can be repaired.

 

× 2 on rebuilding or having rebuilt your existing Q-Jet. That way you improve performance and driveability without pesky fitment/adaptation issues.

If you choose the DIY route there are several CO members who have done it and may be able to help talk you through the process.

 

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...8253-a-180020/

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...00-cfm-173137/

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...olored-180336/

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...rajets-143464/

 

Correct me if I am wrong but the #8 Heads have massive BBO size combustion chambers and pistons with a smaller dish compared to the older 350 engines.
Easiest thing to bump the compression is to swap the heads with older/smaller chamber heads, when doing the head swap install bigger intake valves. The combination of the smaller dish and smaller combustion chamber will work fine.

Ad an intake, headers and a small cam, all combined will it wake up this engine.