JSGD1966

Hey guys!

I am doing some research on Oldsmobile engine builders and would like to know if anyone has dealt with a good builder? I am rebuilding my '66 Olds 330/320hp engine, with a little more grunt The goal is 375+hp with emphasis on reliability as it is driven daily from March to October give or take a few weeks. I realize custom pistons may be part of this build, but I have been getting estimates and would like to know if anyone has worked with a builder that they liked enough to recommend?

I contacted the obvious guys like Dick Miller and Proformance Unlimited and a few others.

I had a thread a while back and was just going to do a port and polish and a good valve job, but when one builder told me he could get 400 reliable HP out of my 330, well... It got me thinking. Any other Olds engine would almost be cheaper to build than the 330, but I was kinda hoping to keep the 330. Found a 462HP 455 for the same price as it would be to rebuild the 330. Am I nuts for keeping the 330, or should I just go with a 455? The TH350 trans probably won't handle that though I suppose... shoulda went with the TH400! HAHA! I always regret it when I am cheap. Thank you for your time.

Additional info: The Cutlass currently has the following:

TH350 Trans
3:55 gear ratio with Posi rear
1 7/8 Kooks Headers
330/320hp engine is stock 10.25:1 comp

2blu442

Sound like fun... Sorry I don't know enough about engine building to help you out. But if you want to build the 330 vs going big block go for it! It's your car and being able to have a very strong small block instead of a big block is a personal choice. I know there are guys on this site who've done it and are very happy with their cars. John

JSGD1966

My sentiments exactly John. Thanks for the vote of confidence too. I guess I wasn't prepared for the fact that building a 350 was almost $1000 less than building my 330. and that I have found BBO's for the same money as the 330 will cost me. I knew it wouldn't be cheap, but I am getting impatient, and didn't want to save money for another 3 years to get it done. People ask me what MPG's I get in that car and I have to ask them to specify gas or oil? HAHA! So far, the estimates are coming in at around $7500!!

cutlassefi

Cost shouldn't be much different than a 350. And to get 375hp should cost you less than $7500.00, but I'll do it for that!!!
But really, just ask Panos on here what his 455 will be carb to pan, headers to water pump, with a big oil pan, forged pistons, main straps, starter, distributor, balanced, and a full roller setup, dynoed.

70 cutlass s

It should cost a lot less then 7,500. Have you talked to any local machine shops.

JSGD1966

cutlassefi - panos did pm me and I am going to shoot you a message myself to see if this is something you would be interested in doing. I'll be in touch.

JSGD1966

70 cutlass s - I have talked to a few here, but I was hoping to deal with someone who "knows" Olds engines. The last thing I want is my 330 set up like a chebby, HAHA! The local guys here are decent, but they hear Olds 330 and they just get this look on their face like... what do you want to do that for? That is the trouble with daring to be a little different, right?

1964F85

Hi all, I'm looking for a bit of a lumpier cam for my 330... not exactly a "build", but I'm looking for some performance improvement in my 64 F-85. Anyone know of any "affordable" cam sources for the 45 degree bank engines? I did see on place offering high performance 425 cam and lifter sets.. but I don't know if those are ground for 39 or 45 degrees. I'm not a rich man so any reasonably priced options would be great.

I was thinking about giving "Racer Brown" cams down in Maryland a call.. they supposedly will custom grind you a cam for 150 bucks... I'll have to post the results from that idea as well.

Hey JSGD1966 ... I see you are in Lancaster county... I'm just across the river from you in York! Ever make it to the Friday night Shrewsbury car meets? Maybe we could meet up and compare notes.

Cheers, Mike

67 Cutlass Freak

It's your car & your choice. BB vs SB I would go with the BB. It costs about the same to build either. If you went with the BB you would have to get different headers, ballancer, intake & flexplate. Cutlassefi has a good reputation in my eyes & is very knowledgable. You have a lot of options at this point. Stroker, roller cam or fuel injection all come to mind. Your horsepower goals aren't too lofty so EFI might be a good option for improved drivability & reliability. Keep us posted on your progress.

cutlassefi

I sell custom cams for all Olds, 39 or 45 degree bank angles, .842 or .921 lifter sizes. About $225.00 with lifters.

JSGD1966

Hey Mike!

I see cutlassefi already beat me to it, I was just going to direct you to him since cams are right up his alley.

As for Shrewsbury car meets... I have not been to one. Sounds like I will have to check that out. What months do the meets run? I am always game for a cruise, show or meet, especially if I know there will be at least one other Olds guy there. A lot of times I am the only one except for the occasional Bravada or Alero in the spectators parking lot. I'll pm you with my contact info.

JSGD1966

Thanks 67CutlassFreak... I have definitely made up my mind it will be a small block, but now it is down to which one. For some reason I have an attachment to my 330, and I think I might choose to rework it, even though it may cost a little more than the 350 or 403. Of all the things that have ever let me down in my life, that engine never did. Considering the car has been in my family since new, and the engine has never been opened up after 169,000 miles, I think it deserves a second go-round. Thanks again!

wjustinmartin

I am in Mississippi, and finding a good olds rebuilder has been rough - I want to get my 330 rebuilt, too - there is an annoying slight tick after warm-up, and I'd rather get that taken care of and feel confident

and forget about finding anyone around my neck of the woods that could install a 200 4r into my 67 cutlass - I know more about it than some I have spoken too, and I am certainly no mechanic

JSGD1966

pm sent wjustinmartin

Mikes65

Try Ed Banach in Sayerville NJ--Eddies Valve Grinding--he quoted me around 6k for a 330 rebuild with around 400HP for a driver. He has been around for a while and knows Olds engines. He even sells Olds crate engines.

rcm000

Are you still making these special cams? I am rebuilding a 1966 330 olds for a guy which I believe is a 45 degree. He wants more rough idle. Would you have a recommendation on specs to do this? He has the 310 hp 4bbl motor. Thank you.

Run to Rund

If you are willing to pay for top shelf work and are serious, call Bill Trovato Racing in New York state. He authored the recent book on Max Performance Oldsmobiles. He has a late Starfire, obviously nowhere near stock, with a diesel block that runs high 7s in the quarter iirc.

cutlassefi

Yes I still offer them but need more info. Email or pm me if you like.
Thanks
Mark
fastone01@hotmail.com

Damikestr

I know this is an old post but I’m in a similar boat. I have a 64 Cutlass that’s been in the family since new. I have the original window sticker, bill of sale, all the trim and moldings. I have a 330 for it but would feel better about it if it was gone through after discovering surface rust on one of the cylinder walls. I also have a 455 that I could have rebuilt. I am leery of just any machine shop working on an Olds engine. I’m in the Portland Oregon area and would like to find a good reputable shop close by.

OLDSter Ralph

Perhaps start a new thread and put Oregon in place of "out there". There are a couple guys on here frequently who are in Oregon. Perhaps they have recommendations that would be helpful. Good luck.