What was the difference between the low compression and high compression engines, pistons or cylinder heads or a combination? Also did the 330 320 horse engine use a different cam? If so, what lift/duration? Thanks

 

Compression was defined by piston dish - as noted in the Chassis Service manual.

The 330 2bbl, 330 4bbl/AT, and 330 4bbl/MT all used different cams, also as noted in the CSM.

Have you considered purchasing a Chassis Service Manual?

- Eric

 

The #4 heads are actually a great head as well. I believe (others correct me here if I am wrong) valve size is the same between the 2 and 4 barrel engines. These are great motors and have the strongest cranks of any Olds Small block. I have several of these engines.

Larry

 

Sorry to bother you guys, it won't happen again.

 

This response confuses me. How were you offended by the above posts?

 

Maybe hadn't had enough coffee yet.

- Eric

 

I'm confused. He got info from two of us in less than 12 hours. The only question not answered was the duration question but that was addressed.

Maybe it is the not enough coffee yet issue.

I thought we were helping him.

 

Yeah.

And unless someone with a secret personal list of cam specs pipes up (I think Chris Witt had some of this information), there is no high quality information about duration, because in the '60s, Olds only specified cam data in "maximum" form, from the very first 0.0001" of an inch of lift to the last 0.0001" of lift - there are no 0.050" duration specs.

- Eric

 

Why did he feel he was bothering us?-

Perhaps because of the relentless "get a CSM" howl from some on here. Nothing wrong with a guy asking a question, if it bothers you to answer and point out why he should not "have to ask", perhaps it is better to not reply at all.

 

Thanks for the info, I am looking for some reference material on small blocks. I knew there is a vast wealth of knowledge on this forum. I do have CSM's for my 442's. Thanks again.

 

You're welcome.

Like I said, aside from the fairly obvious stuff in the CSM, there is no more specific factory-generated information about cam durations.

If I were going to ask anyone about it, I would ask Mark Remmel (CutlassEFI), who, even if he doesn't have the exact specific numbers, knows what the ballpark numbers are, and how they relate to modern cams, and can make excellent recommendations about the best cam for your requirements.

- Eric

 

Another good cam spec source would be Greg at supercarsunlimited.com

 

Thx, a friend had 66 cutlass 330/320 , 4 speed and it would hang in there with the big boys.

 

The 330 is an amazing engine much overlooked for sure. If you had one with an M20 4 speed and like 3:55 or 3:90 gears it would really perform. Wind up fast and go like hell. I put one in a 70 ram air car once while we rebuilt the 455 and it was a blast to drive. And because I was rebuilding the original engine for the car I ran it like I was on purpose going to destroy it and it took it all and then some. really a great motor.

 

Reference charts show only 10 H.P. difference between H.C. and L.C. engines, does this sound ok to yall? With todays gas, wouldn't a L.C. run just as good as a H.C. since you could use more advance timing with out spark knock? Just wondering since going to H.C. will cost $400 plus for pistons, rings etc. Thanks