I've changed my mind about the rear end (previous topic). Since it is posi, I think i will leave it alone and change the tranny to a 400 series, and am currently researching a new motor, thinking about building up from a new 350 HO crate motor. If not that, then possible looking for a rocket to rebuild and drop in place of the 305. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Doesn't using a title that is not related to the topic, defeat the purpose of starting a new thread?


For what reason?


A "crate motor" is a new engine that is ready to bolt in. I prefer to rebuild a used one to my own specs, for less money.

Like a change in rear end ratios, your choice of part numbers would depend on several factors, including your intended use.


Within the limits of your budget, your imagination, and the rest of your combination, an Olds V8 can be made to do anything you want. How you go about it, would depend on how you wish to use it.


I repeat. What is your goal, and how much mileage/comfort/noise level (at highway speeds) are you willing to give up for it? Also, what is your budget?

Norm

The 400 series are built heavier and can have more low end torque depends on the setup. Only turn key crate motors come ready to toss in, you can buy a base which is a block, heads and intake and crank...which leaved the buyer the choice of carb, etc. And when it comes to budget...there is none, but its not a year project...i plan to keep this for a long time. Comfort and noise level can always be adjusted...its not a 454, and mileage is already not too too good for gas prices, but i dont care...its an olds...ill always drive it. The purpose is exactly what the original cutlass was designed...a muscle car plain and simple. Shes gotta look good, sound good and kick and buck when you drop her.

Just FYI, adma449, I changed the topic title to reflect the content of the thread...

Hi all,

88delta88: Thank you, it will make it much less confusing for future members.


Yes they are. At least 30# heavier than a TH350. Adding unnecessary weight, will not make your car go faster.


TH400 has a 2.48 first gear vs 2.52 for the TH350. Which you you think "has more torque"?

Any idea how much extra power the TH400 uses to turn over those heavier internals? Power that doesn't get to the rear wheels?


And that's why they are called "Crate Motors". The term was first used by the car mags. It applied to complete engines, sold for "for marine use only" and later to "for off road use only".

I don't even want to think about how one might go about "tossing" an engine.


Block, heads, intake, and crank would ship in separate packages. Carb, ect, would be the buyers responsibility either way.

If you mean a "Short Block", they have always been shipped on pallets and have never been called "crate motors".


Can't make a plan without a budget.


Kick and buck when you drop her?

When you decide to clearly define your goal and state a realistic budget we can continue. If not, I'm done here.

Regards, Norm

^ that guys pretty blunt. And pretty damn right, too. Take it from me, there is no such thing as a bottomless pit of a budget. What do you have to work with instantly, and how much work can you do yourself, are you going carb (yes, you probably should IMHO), What sort of power do you want? Be Resonable... For your Tranny, consider OD is a very usefull thing, and a 700R4 is not a bad tranny, can be built up cheap, But, ask ^ Norm If it will fit, i'm sorry, I don't know. If you mean you want a "Drag Car" by the Kick thing, I would change my mind. Drag cars become money pits, plain and simple. A small block chevy (SBC) is an easy, cheap, adaptable build. A newer 350, Generation one engine from a Vortec C/K GM truck, among other models, is an easy start. I would love to ramble about the 350 builds I've done, but wont. Pontiac 400's are a good choice, too. Unfortunately, I'm not as organized as ^ him, nor am I very familiar with these cars (yet..) but Follow his advice. "All good Rebuilds begin with a well structured plan, and end there too." So please, get one, I promise I'll help with what I can.

My advice, so far, has been generic. If he asks any Chev specific questions, I will refer him to a Chev board.

Not because I don't have the knowledge/experience, but because I don't discuss Chevs (including my own) on an Olds board.

Norm