Ok guys, build up question. I just bought an 86 442. The original engine needs a rebuild but i think i'd like to go for more power. I know there isn't much left to squeeze out of the 307, so i'm contemplating swapping engines. I want to keep it as stock appearing as possible so that only a real Olds lover would be able to notice it wasn't a 307. I intend to use the 307 intake and exhaust manifolds, but at least with gasket matching. I will also use the '86 Qjet, but i may change the secondary jets. That'll all come later though. My real question is to use a 67 330 that i already have but could use a ring/bearing refresher or a 75 350 that runs good and i can get for a couple hundred. If i go with the 350, I'm considering using the 60 cc 330 heads to bump up the compression. I intend to build the engine in the next month so i can have the car ready for our local car show in the fall. Any help from the experts is greatly appreciated.

 

I should also mention my intent for this car. I'd like to cruise the car and possibly a power tour in the future, but that doesn't mean i would mind buying 93 octane. Since i'm not going to drive it daily, gas mileage isn't really that important. On the other hand, I wouldn't mind breaking traction at every stoplight in town and smoking the occasional tuner.

 

in 75, the 350 is rumored to NOT have soild mains, but if it's a 395558 block, it's still in good shape. Do you have to remove the pistions for the ring job? IDK I've never done a ring job.

I too have a 67 330 that's going in a 85 Delta 88. I'm doing a Delta 88 because nobody cares if it's number matching or not, but what I am doing is painting the motor flat black, the same color it was back in 1985 from the factory

You will have a problem with the manifold. Not too sure about the 442 "9" motor, but 85-90 307's usually have 7A heads and an A5 manifold. The only heads that manifold can be used on is 7A. You will either have to find an A4 manifold, which is claimed to be the same as a Performer 350, or a Performer 350 (3111) manifold

 

The 75 350 IS solid main, no question. The 330 heads will work well on the 350, should give you 9 to 1 compression.

 

Doesn't the 330 have a steel crank that will fit the 350?

 

Not sure where that came from, every 350 up to 76 is a solid web engine. It will have 14 cc pistons, so your 330 heads (which will probably be closer to 64 cc than 60) will bump the Cr up nicely. Get the right cam and it should be a fun car.

 

NOOOOOOO.....

The A5 intake has peanut ports to match the crappy 7A heads. Since it's aluminum, it isn't even a good doorstop. Throw it as far as you can. Get an E-brock intake, grind off the name, sandblast to cover the grind marks, and use that. The tubular stainless exhaust manifolds from the 307 are also crap. They similarly have tiny ports and may not even seal on normal SBO heads. At least get the cast iron exhaust manifolds from a pre-1985 307. Again, few non-Olds aficianados will be able to tell the difference.

 

Joe, what do you think about pre 85 intakes as well? I've got a one, maybe two if my memory serves me correctly in my junkyard. And, since you seem to be a leading olds expert here, what are your specific thoughts on engine choice? Also, as i'm aware the 330 has a forged crank, is it worth the tear down trouble to swap cranks if its only going to wind up 9-9.5 to 1 street machine?


Olds 307 & CaptJim, I had figured the 330 heads would bring me to 9 to 1, which is very good with pump gas. I am thinking of increasing valve size in the heads, especially if i go to the trouble of having hardened seats put in. With the factory 3.73's, this could get fun. My 87 442 with stock 307(paltry 180 hp) will light up the tires. I can't imagine what another 100 horses would do.

 

Go with the 2"/1.625" valve sizes and bowl work to go with them. Seat recession doesn't seem to be an issue in Olds V8's.

 

Others here have built far more engines that I have. I'll say that the A4 intake used on the early 307s, while not a performance intake, is no worse than a stock cast iron 350 intake and certainly weighs less (and gives you the 307 "look"). You are correct, there's no need to change the crank for a relatively stock 350 build. By the way, the fact that you can turn the tires with that original 307 is a testament to the benefits of 3.73 gears.