I don't even know where to start. A mid 80s 442 307 made only a few (20 or so) more Hp than a stock and are nearly impossible to find. Why go to the trouble of swapping in a 307 when running 350s and 403s are easily found and make more power and torque for the exact same amount of work and as Joe pointed out are a direct bolt-in swap.

As far as the SBC/LS thing, really??

For max TQ and power easiest swap is a BBO, not as easy as an SBO but not that tough. IMHO.

 

Just talked to my mechanic, he is all frazzled. He is quoting me at 3500-4500 for the 330 to be rebuilt, and 4500-6000 to swap it for some of the various Rocket 350s he found today. He said he is going to do some more shopping tomm and will get back to me before the weekend.

This really sucks, I got to drive her for 3 whole weeks before this bulls**t. Any thoughts on that price just as a rough estimate? The next step is getting my wife to ok the budget, if not I may have to sell her as-is to be someone else's project.

 

Not sure i like a frazzled mechanic...

Is your car there or are your just shopping around for quotes?

 

My car is there. I think he was frazzled becuase he expected to find a better deal on a swap by now. The shop is a pretty reputable local classic car repair shop. 3 of the other customers have early 60s Olds, and they all rave about the shop. So I SEMI-trust him.

 

AJ

if it were me i would simply find a running SBO 350 swap it in drive the car and save to either rebuild the 330 or 350

running SBO 350s (any flavor) can be had easy enough and generally from ~400-~4000 depending on what you buy

Can you do the work yourself or w the help of a freind? that would put you in a much better bargaining position realistically an engine swap isnt to difficult but it can be intimidating

 

some 330 options (all less than $500) maybe get you up and running and save for a rebuild or 350, 403, 455 upgrade

http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/pts/3264401545.html

http://providence.craigslist.org/pts/3273289688.html (running in car)

http://nh.craigslist.org/for/3141881064.html UHC

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/pts/3188070514.html

 

Why take it out on the wife? I didn't think it was her fault. How much can you get for the sister?

 

AJ you need to go see with your own eyes. I would really want to know if it's just a blown head gasket. If it is you could be wasting thousands by replacing that engine.

 

Your mechanic is frazzled on a used engine swap huh. Well maybe time to put some of own your own leg work into this. Nothing against your shop at all, as guy's gotta keep his doors open, and stand behind what he does. I do all of my own engine building/wrenching, so maybe a bit easier for me. Far as the earlier mention of LS, yes really. Only V8 engine GM corporate currently produces. If the Oldsmobile name still lived on today, guaranty what's would be under the hood.

 

I'd give a call to the RI Craigslist poster listed above - a running 330, in a car, for $300, sounds like a reasonable deal.
The others look like crap.

Get a motor and pay your mechanic to put it in, then fix the original motor when you have the time and money.

Your mechanic's prices seem high for what you need.

- Eric

 

Yeah sounds like he doesn't want to diagnose what actually failed and is trying to say just rebuild it or replace it. Bet his prices are for a reman/crate olds I'm guessing. If it were me I would tow it home and start tearing it apart or as other say just pickup a used motor/replace the gaskets/timing chain&gears/paint her up and have him install it. These motors are nothing to pull and replace.

 

Im a expert on diagnosis or anything but I agree with magna its nothing I pulled my own moter out by myself its nothing and there's lot of places that can ur heades for 200 or undervand timing chains and other parts around I'm doing all my work alone and it fun and learn on the way. This website has been extra helpful if ur rich or not u can get it done jus my 2 cents.

 

If you make a snap decission, it will be expensive. Take your time! Tow it home, as-is.

R&R an engine < $1000
Rebuild an engine $2500+ depends on what's broke
Buy a running used engine < $500, I just sent one to the scrap yard for $.11 a pound

 

Sounds to me like the mechanic wants to take the easy way out [for him] and fix EVERYTHING instead of just the immediate problem.

Dismantle and assess. You cannot possibly GUESS what needs to be replaced and what can be re-used.

If it's totally toast and needs a bore, pistons, head job, crank kit = $2500+ rebuild / store crate motor.... then look into

Buy the running motor and do a 1-day swap. 2 days if things go per usual. I would expect WAY under $1k for that job but then I don't typically pay "a shop" to do brainless grunt work like that. A few yrs ago I used to do engine swaps on easy V8 RWD cars for $200. Maybe $500 today. Plus the MAW parts- freeze plugs, gaskets, hoses, juices....

 

Located in CT and I have several 330's for sale and 350's Let me know

Sal

 

just wanted to chime in on the current status of ajschirling's jetstar... i have since purchased the car from him, i saw it on craigslist, and after seeing it up close.. i had to have it.. a friend of mine owned it a while back, it is a completly documented 22k mile original car.. i traced it back to the son of the original owner.. as for the jetstar.. shes is currently purring like a tiger after i transplated a 425 w/ edlebrock intake and carb.. out of a 66 dynamic88 .. not the fastest thing on the streets.. but it sure is fun to drive