After stopping by and talking to the machine shop i decided to come home and tear down the 350 from my 72 cutlass. The plan was a refresh, raise the compression and toss it into the 64 to have some fun this summer. I found the source of the noise. So now i am trying to decide what to do. I have found numerous 350 varying in condition for anywhere from 200-800. I have a spare 455 on the stand but i want to keep a small block in the car. The idea was to put something together to have some fun during the summer as the car will not be going to paint till the fall. I am thinking about sleaving the trashed cylinder as at least i know what i have instead of taking a chance on a used engine. The machine shop is a month out so i have a little time to decide.

 

Would it be possible to find a different block, then build the engine using that one instead? Seems as if a bare block wouldn't be very expensive compared to the cost of a rebuild.

 

I'd go with a different block.

 

You can probably sleeve that cylinder, but a different 350 block is likely cheaper. There's a whole 72 350 core motor for sale in Hagerstown MD right now for $125 on FB Marketplace, for example.

 

Find a 403. Jmo.

 

I seem to have good luck finding good original Olds 350's in good running shape, pretty good for 40+ to nearly 50 years old. Try that with any other motors from the 70's. I paid $400, the most I have paid by far for this last 73 350, runs very good but came with a 2004R trans attached that was rebuilt at some point with minimal sludge and nice red fluid. Anything, unless you can throw on a oil pressure gauge while running and do a compression test is a core. I turned it over by hand and pulled spark plugs and checked the oil. Then a bore scope when I got it home. As usual, GM's best 350 from that time period hasn't let me down.

 

What you have there is worth $25 at the iron pile. Get a used runner for $300-500 and get back on the road.

 

You said you wanted to raise the compression so you'll have to change the pistons anyways. Have that cylinder sleeved and you'll be golden.

 

Around here sleeving a cylinder is a $800 operation, doesn't make financial sense when a good block is less than half that price.

 

Hi,

I did the same thing with my 330, now Mark Remmel is building a 455 for me. Mine dropped a valve.

Look around you might find a good core, I saw 2 350's 71 or 72 people doing LS swaps not that long ago.

Regards,

 

Put up a wanted add. I had a friend needing a 350. Found one in northern IL. For 350 with a trans put it on the run stand and it was solid.

 

Ok so I thought about my options while on spring break with my family and here is what I have come up with.
1. use the original 330 and put the 7a heads on with new cam, springs, lifters, and lapping the valves.
2. Use the original 330 with a set of fresh #4 heads I can purchase with a spare 330 block for 800$.
3. Pick up one of various 350s, throw a cam kit in it and go, but have to deal with having the crank drilled for the 4 speed or swap in the 330 crank.
4. Pick up the 403 I found and deal with any issues that may have.

I was looking for a cam kit for the 64 330 and I’m not having much luck for anything performance wise. Am I stuck with a stock cam and lifters for this engine?

 

I'm guessing your 330 has a 45º CBA, so any of the major vendors could grind their available profiles for you.

Or look for a cam for a same year 425 engine. Those should be a bit hotter than a factory 330 cam and have the same 45º CBA.

 

I have a 403 for sell if that is an option you are interested in. $400 Located in southern KY.

Don W