Hi all, I'm looking to see if anyone has additional information about this engine.
I recently found one of these on craigslist (along with a separate 200r4) for a steal. Came straight out of a 79 H/O cutlass that the guy was LS swapping. I couldn't pass it up.
I didn't have much time for research and long story short..it's the current power plant in my Omega
All I did was swap over an edelbrock intake and holley carb from my old 330 (wiped cam) and WOW what a difference in power. It's been great.
It was supposedly 'built' (see picture) which I found interesting because not many people would spend that kind of time/money on a windowed main web olds 350.
This site mentions this about the 79-80 L34 -> http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/cgi-b...aldisplayed=50
"Oldsmobile's L34 350 V8 was used in the 1979 and 1980 Hurst/Olds models and was a throwback to the engine produced between 1968 and 1976 in that it was not a lightweight casting. The L34 used a 4-barrel carburetor and produced 160 to 170 hp and 275 ft. lbs. of torque"
Does this possibly mean that this engine could have the stronger block and mains like the older 350s? Either way I'm very happy with it so far, it's exceeded all my expectations. Would be great to know a little more about this engine!

 

No someone wasted their money building it, it had some value matching the Hurst/Olds. Now it is the shittiest Olds 350 made with somewhat better parts. I would not rev it hard, those are heavy forged pistons. Does it have 3A heads and the block end in 3B? If so, shitty flowing, crack prone heads and a windowed main block. Those pistons will make around 9.5 to 1 with near stock heads but they opened the chambers? Enjoy it but keep the RPM's around 5000 max.

 

Is that the right color for a 1979 HO 350

 

The 77-80 Olds 350 motors, including the ones used in the 79 H/O and the 80 442, were all the same 557752 3B block casting with windowed main webs and 1/2" head bolts. They are not the earlier SMW 350 blocks.

 

Thanks Joe.
This engine has already seen a few trips to 5k rpm...I don't plan on babying it..
It does have the 3A heads unfortunately so I'll keep you guys updated on what gives out first. Thanks again.

 

You now know what you need to know, enjoy it !

Nice car by the way. I am a fan !

No, it should be blue.

 

nice looking H/O in the last pic looks very clean