[gemini86]

Anyone know where to look for performance 350 oldsmobile engine parts? I'm finding lots of goodies for the 455-500 cid's but not much on the 350. Also, could anyone tell me about how many ponies a stock 350 olds puts out?

[dallam1]

Yes, you have to dig a bit harder for Olds small block performance parts but they are very much out there. Performance manifolds, cams, pistons, water pumps and such can be found in the usual places like Summit and Jegs. Additionally, all you could ever need to know about an Olds engine can be found at Oldspower.com, Realoldspower.com and 442.com. You'll find out that the Olds engine has great torque because of it's 6" rods and 4" bore. The heads are a little lacking but can be made to work very well with a bit of basic port and polish work. All in all the Olds engine and it's parts are reasonably priced and available. The "smog era" 350 puts out about 170 horse power, while the pre-1972 350s put out various horspowers up to about 335. The pre-1973 heads are the best. You can turn a smog era 350 into a "60s" power house with some pre-1973 heads with 2.0"/1.625" valves, 6cc dish pistons and a 214/224 SSI cam. Add a cheap set of headers and a 2 1/2" exhaust and you'll be more than happy with Olds power. As an added bonus, the blocks generally have a higher nickel content the motors seem to run forever. I often hear and read comments about Olds engines being beat on and not dying. I ran my 403 in my Cutty for over 13 years and although it starting smoking just a bit, I bet I could have re-ringed it and ran it another 13 years!

[gemini86]

thanks dallam1

I'm looking forward to tuning this thing up. I'm hoping on getting some flat top pistons, performer intake w/holley 4bbl carb, roller rockers, big valves, 2" headers, and to top it all off, a 150 HP topshot hidden nitrous system.
All this is going to hide under the humble hood of a 1982 Mustang GLX Hatchback. Don't judge the book by it's cover!!

[dallam1]

Hum, interesting but the Olds is a bit on the heavy side for a light platform like that Mustang. Also, one word of caution. Olds replacement pistons MUST be researched. Many of the replacement "jobber" pistons are 40 thousands below the deck and the "flat top" variety are a bit on the pricey side. If you're not careful, you'll get the 22cc dish pistons which will give you maybe less than 8 to one compression so, do your homework before you buy pistons for Oldsmobiles. Now, as you can tell, I'm an Olds fan but why don't you run a Cleveland 351 with Aussi 2 barrel heads in that Mustang and go Mustang Cobra and Camaro Z-28 and Corvette hunting?

[bonuts]

You should check out, <a href="http://www.mondellotwister.com" target="_blank">www.mondellotwister.com,</a> for any Hi-Po Oldsmobile parts (Don't know how to link stuff). They are the kings of Olds power. As for the weight issue as I remember the Olds 350 is only 35lbs, maybe a touch more, no more than 45lbs more than a small block Chevy. They are as stated by others more expensive to build, but if you want something different do it.

I ran a olds 350 out of a '70 Cutlass in my circle track car my first year racing, because its what I had. Everyone said it couldn't work, well that was crap. The motor held up great, even won two main events out of the ten we attended that year. An alright track record, for something that "wouldn't work". The next year I dumped some big money into it, and blew it up while breaking it in (faulty piston), it shattered good and took out the block while it was at it. So my olds days were over, after that one. If you want I will look threw my parts and see if my dad will part with the performer intake if you want it cheap. Also what is the code on your heads? Mine I believe are the H code heads (the good ones), I've still got them, ,but I think I'll hang onto them.

I gotta ask though, won't that be a real tight fit in a Mustang? They are a pretty wide block.

Oh, yeah great idea putting a other than Ford mill in a Mustang! If it'll fit



bonuts

[ March 24, 2003: Message edited by: bonuts ]</p>

[bonuts]

Oh yeah, forgot to ask, what is your 350 out of?

bonuts

[Andrew7dg]

Just on a comment to build an olds. edelbrock said that they could get 370 horse out of their olds engine by just replacing the intake and cam in it (it could have been heads also. Thats what i get for missplacing my catalog at this time of the night I am blueprinting an olds 350 right now. However i am having trouble finding #5 #7. Also you will never be able to fit a 350 olds into a mustang. Everyone that has seen that motor sitting in my garage has mistaken it for an big block motor. It is just to wide for the mustang

[bonuts]

Thats what I thought, it wouldn't fit. However you may be good fabricating stuff so maybe its not out of reach. I'm sure it will need some major front clip work.


bonuts

[toymobile]

dont say cant, I have a 403 olds in a 85 Toyota Celica TH 400 plenty of room(almost), I think it will go, at least give the ruler a pull and try. Good Luck JF

[deuce_454]

you can fit a 460 in a fox body, and that is definately a big engine, so save for some headder headaches ypu should be able to shoehorn it in there

[gemini86]

I've seen harder things done. I've mesured it all up and it looks like it just might work, I'm deffinitely reworking the front end. way too much weight for a car built for a 4 cyl. Besides, I have so prove myself wrong. I've given up too many projects and I'm really determined. So, just to let everyone know, I'm going to try even if it doesn't work. I'm a skilled fabricator and machinist so I know I can handle the frame work. As long as I can wrap the body panels around it and make it look stock. I'm satified. It doesn't have to be real classy. Although that would be a bonus.
The engine is out of a 1979 cadillac seville.
Thanks for all your help and opinions.

[woodz428]

I agree with Deuce__454.I've seen both FE's & 385 series engines as well as Clevelands (wide) in Foxes and if they will fit that Olds should easily fit.