JPMDaddy

Going to try and document the work being done to my 71 Cutlass. I don't have the skill or energy to do this myself so a good friend and his shop's mechanic are handling everything but the machine shop work.
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Cutlass' name
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Preparing for leakdown test
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leak down ranged from 25% to 80%

oldcutlass

Where was it leaking? Through the valve covers, the carb, or the exhaust? Which cylinders? The results and source of the leak will determine where the problem is.

I posted this link in your previous post for reference:

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13765156841128

JPMDaddy

through the carb and out the exhaust depending on which cylinder... the 1 cylinder that was 80% was through the carb, as well as 2 others.

oldcutlass

If your not going to beat it like a rented mule you can probably get away with a good valve job. What are your plans?

JPMDaddy

full rebuild while we are at it - do it right

starting to look for parts - ie pistons, rings, manifold, water pump, oil pump, good gasket set....

finding that parts are not that plentiful

oldcutlass

Go to Egge.com for stock:

http://www.egge.com/kits?make=OLDSMOBILE

JPMDaddy

Great site, thanks

JPMDaddy

Just ordered a few parts we are going to replace, intake manifold (e-brock), new correct dual exhaust cast iron manifolds (fusick) and an ARP head stud set for SBO350... so far

Most parts will be ordered after the machine shop is done checking block and heads out....

I decided that it was worth having this all done right.

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Any additional recommendations for EGGE.com or anywhere else for pistons, cam set, etc etc

Grace Stinespring-Welch

if it is a keeper,a total rebuilt is best.

oldcutlass

Keep us posted on your progress. And share what machine shop your using if your happy as there are a lot of N Texas members who may need this service in the future.

JPMDaddy

I think the bearings show some wear....

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Glad I didn't just do a valve job...

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cutlassefi

Ok but don't use their pistons. For literally just a few bucks more you can get much better stuff

JPMDaddy

where do you recommend going for pistons - not much choice at JEGS

cutlassefi

Look for the L2321F pistons at the very least.
Regular Clevite bearings are fine as well as a Sealed power, Fel Pro or similar gasket set. Look for a Sealed Power 260-1008 gasket set.

Egge pistons are in the $300.00+ range. You should be able to get the L2321's for just a few bucks more than that.

JPMDaddy

I'd love to, what brand are L2321F pistons and can you recommend a vendor?

I did find the L2321F30 at Summit
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/trw-l2321f30

TexasGunner

Bump. I would also like to know more about the pistons. I plan to a 71 engine rebuild also.

svnt442

So you know Oldsmobile never made a specific set of manifolds for dual exhaust for the SBO. All they ever did was to cap the receiver port on the passenger side manifold and run a different head pipe on the drivers side.

These (I hope) are what you bought. Thornton developed them for guys that wanted a better flowing manifold for the small block without having to jump to headers.
http://thorntonmusclecars.com/produc...aust-manifolds

JPMDaddy

Just started opening boxes and the manifolds are Thornton 350JR

cutlassefi

There aren't a whole lot of choices of good ones that will still have reasonable compression.
The best and safest right now would have to be the Speed Pro L2321F. You should be able to find them on the net.

Good luck!!

JPMDaddy

Couple of pics as my buddies shop begins reassembly

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more pics to follow this week

Machine shop used is Kim Barr Racing Engines, Dallas TX
stock motor w/ mild cam

cutlassefi

The main saddles were in spec?
You have better luck than I do. The ones I've had are almost never even close.

JPMDaddy

New Thornton 350JR's

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Edelbrock 2711 intake

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JPMDaddy

Kim and my buddy go way back and I am under the impression that it was all spec'd out properly.

the previous block was already +.030 and just to clean up the cylinders it is now +.040 (4.097 bore)

bearings are all +.020 after crank clean up

I need some luck, this whole expense was not planned for -

cutlassefi

What pistons? Cam?

Octania

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Speed-Pro-TR...d406fe&vxp=mtr

$360 the set?

so far so good

The runners look small on that intake. More of a low rpm unit? Compare to the runners on the 66 toronado intake for sale in other current thread. 3-4 fingers wide.

Is there a casting number on that non-factory RH SE manifold? What markings does it bear? You'd think they would give it a large ID also, like "4.5" - more advanced than the #4, less than the #5...

JPMDaddy

Sealed Power 4.097 bore - stock replacement - fairly low compression as the 71 was...

all new sealed power valves as well

comp cam 260H, again fairly mild

Just looking for a cruiser that will run on todays gasoline

cutlassefi

Looks like you'll hit your mark!

coppercutlass

I ran the 260h cam. It sounds great even with manifolds and cheap turbo mufflers. It made plenty of grunt.

JPMDaddy

My 66 El Camino has long tube headers and flowmasters... looking for a little quieter until I step into it - also a little classier for the Cutlass

Thinking about MagnaFlow - any suggestions?

coppercutlass

There is a clip of my dad car isling with the 350 and the 260h cam with manifolds and thrush turbo mufflers I'll share the link later . I can't off my phone. But it has a nice sound not too loud just enough to let you know there is a v8 under the hood.

JPMDaddy

While waiting for bearings to arrive tomorrow - painting block with some high dollar paint from Fusick -
glad its available - nothing even close in Dallas

looking good

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more pics soon

coppercutlass

Here is how it sounds with manifolds and 2 1/4 in. pipes with thrush turbo mufflers

coppercutlass

here is what it used sounded like with headers and 2.5 in. exhaust with hooker aero chambers dumping at the rear axle. ( on high idle )

JPMDaddy

Now that the proper 2 piece rear main seal arrived - things are starting to move at my friends shop

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JPMDaddy

Picked up from Cragg Rod N Custom, Garland TX
(like them on Facebook)

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oldcutlass

Looks good!