Purchasing 81 Cutlass Supreme - need to replace V6

OK I need some help. I am buying an 1981 Cutlass Supreme and would like to replace the V6 engine. I am trying to make it a little faster is all, not for racing or anything like that--just toolin around. Anyway, I have heard conflicting opinions on an engine replacement:

resident hot rod guy at work says to replace with a Chevy 350

former Cutlass owner at barber shop says go with the Rocket 350


I would like to get a few more opinions on this if I could. Can anyone help me out? Thanks

more info would be great... like budget... power goals... do you want to keep it all olds? or is a chevy motor ok with you (even though they're both GM)

finding a turbo 3.8 buick motor would be ideal, because you are searching in the muscle car forum... I am a former proud owner of a 1978 Cutlass Supreme... I loved my ghetto supercar. I had the 307 olds motor in it... What a pig that thing was, but it would melt thst right rear tire all day... If you go with the 350 rocket motor, it is a snug fit, but its a torque monster and parts are abound... Edelbrock makes a package for it... Chances are, you've got a smogger olds v6 and the motor is wack. Your best bet for performance and driveability would be to find a 305 from a camaro or monte carlo, or even a 350 small block chevy. In my opinion, its the best motor to drive, own and build. Everyone and their mother makes parts for them and they can scream for next to nothing, not only that, I have a 350 in my 1988 2500 GMC Cheyenne with 387,000 miles on everything but the original timing chain and gears. My advice: find out whats available for you in your local area, and go from there.

interesting. Back in '82 I put a 327 in my '81 Cutlass. One year later I replaced it with a 350 and one year after that I dropped a 454 in it. Ther Chevy V8 is your best bet as they have the least expensive parts and the holes for the engine mounts are already in the frame. Be sure and put some decent gears in the rear end as the stockers are probably 2.42s, they will make your engine seem like a real dog. You'll have to get some beefier springs uop front the support the added weight and if you do like I did and install a BB you'll hae to go with electric fans as the engine is longer in the front and leaves you no room for a mechanical fan. have fun:biggrin: