Hey guys. After researching and thinking and researching some more, I've found out to swap a 455 into a cutlass is more then just the engine swap.
So with my head set straight, I've decided to go with a more down to earth idea, a rocket 350.

I've done some local research and found a company nearby that may or may not have my engine. They're called Budget Rebuilders Inc. Sounds a little cheap, but the guy I spoke with that works there told me they've been doing it for quite a while, they use quality parts, etc. etc. He quoted me 1395 for a rebuilt 350 with a fuel pump and all internal parts. Good price Coupe?? He said its a virgin 79 block, what does that mean?

Then he gave me a phone # for another local company that can install it for me. Now this guy really knows what he's talking about, he's been doing it for 30 something years and gave me a real nice quote, 700 labor +parts. He said the swap should be simple because the only difference is the exhaust manifold.

Also I been looking at some NOS kits, will any kit with a square bracket work?

For everything I am looking to spend around $4000

So what do you think guys?

Good start. Keep it simple until you have the ability to do it yourself.


I'll try it this way. What is the difference between a "Rocket" 350 and a regular 350?


Their goal is longevity. If you "beat" on it, you can expect problems.


Sounds OK for a basic rebuild.


Unmolested, or never apart. If it is to be rebuilt, it doesn't mean anything.


Windowed main webs, IIRC. Common thinking is: not good for use in very high HP applications. In your case, it does not matter.


Needs both exhaust manifolds and the crossover from the 350. Head pipe may or may not need modification or replacement. If the 350 is a 2 barrel, you will need a 4V intake manifold from/for a 350.

The 307 distributor and carb are computer controlled, but will work well with the 350.


If the 307 is in good shape, I would change rear gears, and continue my education re: a better 350.

Norm

Looks like you added a little, while I was composing.


Which kit, do you think, might work well with the 355 you are planning?


Square bracket?


Including all the extra costs involved with using and maintaining an NO² setup?


I think you need to do some more research.

Norm

As I understand it, Rocket 350 = Olds, regular 350 = not nececiarily Olds.

Not an answer I would expect, but I can follow that logic.

Since all four GM 350s predated the "Corporate" engines, what names were given to the Chev, Pontiac, and Buick 350s?

Norm.

Im glad you brought this up Norm. It is something that has always kinda bugged me. I dont know of any nicknames the other branches got. There were specifics, like a buick 455 wildcat, or a pontiac 455 HO, but thats all I came up with.

x2 on what andrewk said...plus the earlier "nailhead" buick engines. Otherwise they just appear to be "small-block" and "big-block" with the cubic inch specification accordingly.

Here's an interesting read: http://www.autohistory.org/feature_8.html

Instead of Rocket, it'd be "Kettering" if Kettering had his way...

TOC Admin
Brando

man, I just can't let go of that 455. I was talking for about an hour with the owner of a local shop and how he did some 455 swaps already, and he's got another olds gearhead (kinda like Coupe) that can build my 455. There's been a lot of talk about a donor car, some junker we can use to make the swap possible. Then we got to talkin about local car meets there are and how much fun cars are, especially with a big block. He told me there were a lot of emmisions changes in 70s-80s so not all 455s are the same, and there might be some clearance issues, and so on and etc. and just had a good educational conversation. I'm going to drive by his shop within couple weeks so he'll know exactly what we've got to work with.
That doesn't necceseraly mean Im going with the 455 again, still undecided. I'll know more when he looks at it, and hopefully be able to make my decision.

455 would be a be a "bolt in" rather than a "swap, as there is little difference between it, and a 307/350.


I suggest you go to those meets, and learn as much as you can from the actual participants. Preferably those who do not use the term "big block" frequently.


Emissions regulations for all new cars sold in CA, began in '61, and in '62 for the other 49. '55 to '61 were required to be retrofitted at that time.

Specs, related to those engines would only be an issue if you were to use an unmolested engine.


Only clearances you need to be concerned with are the ones inside the engine, when it's rebuilt.

Norm

Oh that's good to hear. I was thinking the same thing about the clearance issues, he said he'll call his bud that's an Olds freak (same guy that'll build my engine) and ask him. Now do you think that the new th350 I just had put in will be good enough for a 455, or do I have to move up to the 400? And what about the rear gears? Keep em at 4.11? I'd rather get a new rear end, 3.73, so I can take it on the highway?

Coupe do you know exactly what the differences are? He's telling me I need t find a donor car for parts to swap the engines, but since its the same, wouldn't the old brackets/pads work just as well?? Do I really need to get a donor car?

EDIT: Just thought of something. the 307 is a small block, while the 455 is a big block, so how can there not be any differences? Are all the blocks the same size and the difference is in how much they're bored out??

You have a 307/350 in an 88 Cutlass?

Assuming you are not going to abuse it, a 350 in good shape will handle a 455 easily.


What tire diameter will you use on the rear, and what RPM can you live with at 70MPH


I will, as soon as I finish writing the manual.


Many times a "donor" car can make a job go more smoothly. If it happens to be a $200 "rust bucket" with a running/rebuildable 455, it would be a good move.


Normally, one uses the brackets/manifolds that came with the engine. In this case you would use the engine mounts that came with the car.


Buying another car on the outside chance you might need need one or two brackets does not strike me as a practical move.


It is?


It is?


Did I say there were not?


Give or take, about an inch, yes.


403 has the same external dimensions as a a 307. It has almost a ¼" bigger bore than a 455, but has the same crankshaft/stroke as your 307.

Norm

Didn't work out like I planned it.

There are many who think a "Rocket" is superior to the "regular" Olds. Using the term, only perpetuates the myth.


If a 350 Chev, 350 Pontiac, and 350 Buick are called by their own names, why shouldn't a 350 Olds be treated with the same respect?


Doesn't matter, because none of the names on the air cleaners had anything (other than marketing) to do with the actual engines.

In the showrooms, cars were displayed with the hoods up. Air cleaners and valve covers were very visible. Great place to show the latest catch phrases.

'49 through '61 Olds shop manuals identified the V8 as a Rocket Engine. '62 up, did not.


"High Output". Not to be confused with "Hurst Olds". It might be a slight exaggeration if I said everyone has used it at one time or another.


The term "Nailhead" has been used by enthusiasts, never by the factory. They were all the same block.


How does the displacement have anything to do with the physical size of a block?


His name was suggested by his co-workers. He did not promote it. He had more productive things to do.

Norm

Yep, when I bought the car the trans was shot, but luckily I found that out AFTER I paid for it. So a new trans was in order, and chose to put in a th350. with parts and labor = $1200.
So I got a fresh trans, right now its got less then a 100 miles on it. And the block is at around 1600 miles.

Right... A "Rocket" IS "Regular" because they were all Rockets. If I say I have a Rocket 350, it's just another way to say it's not a "non Olds" 350.



Did Chev, Pontiac, or Buick have a name for their V8's like Olds had?

If not, then there's nothing else to call them by than Chevy, Pontiac, or Buick.


Are you saying it's dis-respectful to call an Olds engine "Rocket" ?

So, why don't you just call it what it actually is, a 350 Olds?


Yes, like Olds engines, they were given many names for marketing purposes.


By their own names. But not the Olds by its own name?


I had a misgiving or two when I composed it, then opted to post it anyway. In any context where it is used in place of the Olds name, yes I am.

Norm