I have been thinking about picking up a second project, and I am considering building a '64 or '65 F-85 or Cutlass budget pro-touring "patina" car for a fun drive around town car or for the occasional autocross event.

I think I have read every 330 thread on here, so I know that it would cost as much to rebuild one as it would to rebuild a 350 or 455 which are far more plentiful. I did read that you can use SBC 350 pistons and rods with a bit of work, so the 330 still seems like a viable budget small block platform.

So let's not worry about whether one SHOULD use the 330, let's talk about those of you that DID use the 330. I would love to see your 330 builds. What did you do to it? What kind of HP were you targeting, etc.? What do you love about it?

 

Was many years ago, probably around 1969 or 1970. Used a set of 400 Olds pistons (4 inch, stock bore 400), these have the same compression distance as the 330 piston, are flat tops and are close to the same weight. I think the 330 block has enough cylinder wall thickness to be bored out to 350 Olds size if you want to use W31 pistons (sonic check to be sure). I used an "off the shelf" 45 degree hydraulic cam that was advertised as being for use in the 425 Olds motor, I think it was a Manley product. Heads were cleaned up and a good valve job performed on them and valve springs from the 400 motor. We used the rear main seal from a 292 Ford as is mentioned elsewhere in these forums. An Edelbrock intake and 735 or 750 Holley carb, big block Olds headers which hung a little low in the 1966 Cutlass chassis and a 4.88 rear gear with close ratio Muncie trans. This little motor got the Cutlass running a 12.80 ET the first time out! No adjustable valve train was utilized just the stock pedestals.

 

Running a 12.80 first time out is fantastic! Sounds like a fun car. Thanks for sharing.

 

about 2 years in the waiting, maybe next month 😏

 

That looks pretty! What did you do to the engine on the rebuild?

 

After sitting for almost 30 years, the engine shop did a long block rebuild, I threw in a few new parts.
So a Basic bottom end rebuild, cylinders bored 30 over, A 3 angle valve job along with brass guides.
Lucky for me I supplied new- oil pump and pickup, rocker arms, water pump, fuel pump, intake and exhaust manifolds.
Soon - new alternator and starter, throw on the wiring harness and hit the key, fingers crossed on both things
Soon and Starts

 

Looks like a great project. Good luck with the rest.