350 Olds

my dad and i are having a minor argument and i want your guys' opinion my dad says the 350 oldsmobile is a bad motor he acts as if they're untouchable like a curse. in my opinion i see them all of the time that are all original and seem to run great i mean imo if they are 40+ years old they must be good. the old saying only time can tell what do you guys think? because im looking at buying a 69 Olds all original this one has a 455 but we got on the subject of olds 350 engines http://desmoines.craigslist.org/cto/3500554488.html

Had one in a 1980 Delta 88, it was tough as nails and got 20 mpg.

Maybe he's thinking of the dog 307?

I've had a couple Olds 350's, punished them both repeatedly, no problems...

Had a 67 Cutlass that had a 330. Not the swiftest dog in the kennel, but never gave any probs. the 350 is a bit later and more desirable in my opinion. The 455 is right up there with the Buick 455. Cheap, bulletproof, powerful.

a lot of people just don't know what olds and buick motors are all about, i'd take it over a chevy any day.

26Troadster said:

a lot of people just don't know what olds and buick motors are all about, i'd take it over a chevy any day.

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Don't forget the Pontiac 350. The timming chain cover to oil pan mounting was brilliant compared to the cheap tin cover on a sbc. I had a 69 Firebird once with a 350 and a power glide. Darn thing would do 130 mph.

I have run several 350 Olds and a 455, they are great engines. My Olds 350 surprised several people with how powerful it is.

I always remember the rocket 350 olds being a sought after motor.

How did they ever fall out of favor? Maybe the lack of after market support like the Chevy's had?

I shifted the 350 in my 26 roadster at 7200 rpm w/ 3.93 gear, 2x4 and I was impressed!

26Troadster said:

a lot of people just don't know what olds and buick motors are all about, i'd take it over a chevy any day.

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Me too. But you have to realize it isn't a chevy and doesn't have to wind to the stratosphere to make power. I have owned a few and you get the best times shifting at about 4800-4900. The Olds do have a couple weaknesses that are pretty easy fixes when you rebuild. The valve train and specifically the rockers need some attention and also the lower end oiling needs restrictors put in to keep the oil on the crank if you are punishing it.
I read once the 68-69 Olds 350 heads will outflow all small block heads chevy had at the time.
I had a 64 Cutlass with a 330 and 4 speed that could beat all the small block chevys around except the Z28s. (couldn't touch the mopar 340s though). Later I had a 1966 442 4 speed car and the local 396 chevelles were easy work for it.