Olds 350 to a SBC 350 worth it?

Tiny
BUCK713
  • MEMBER
  • 1977 CADILLAC SEVILLE
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 75,000 MILES
I wanted to bring the car listed above back to life after sitting for 8 years. Should I reuse the original olds 350 block or make modifications to be able to put in a SBC 350?
Sunday, March 5th, 2023 AT 3:10 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

That is a great question. Personally, the vehicle's value will likely be higher with the original engine. Are there any known issues that led to it being parked?

If anything, I would use the OEM engine. However, I don't know its condition or how deep you want to get it going again. It is really a piece of history and deserves to be saved if possible.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, March 6th, 2023 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
BUCK713
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for the input. I had the gut feeling of keeping it with a olds 350. There is a lot of corrosion and what not that makes me want to rip everything out and go through everything. I drained the oil, and a lot of water came out first. I need to get it on a stand and see where this project takes me.
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Saturday, March 11th, 2023 AT 1:36 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

The idea that a lot of water came out with the oil is a concern. Was the vehicle outside with the hood open or anything that could have allowed water to get into it? Was there only water in the cooling system and was it exposed to freezing temps? Have you tried turning the crankshaft to make sure it isn't locked up?

Sorry for so many questions. I just don't want to see you go through a lot of trouble to find it can't be fixed.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, March 11th, 2023 AT 7:25 PM

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