An update, new part continue to arrive. New rings, bearings, gaskets etc. Bringing the engine back to a stock LS3 except for the LS7 camshaft and carb setup and MSD6014.
I think the motor will be reliable, powerful (450HP or so) with a smooth idle and plenty fast for an old fart like me to play with. I think in my Cutlass that motor will easily outrun new Z28s! I guess we will see. I also plan to run the car with a dual plane intake to see how it works vs the single plane.
Jarhead

$1500 for an LS3?! Holy shit!

Yes I was very lucky to have scored that long block for $1500. Supposedly it had " needed rod bearings or something". I looked it over and took a chance. Tore it down to find just normal wear. New rings, bearings, gaskets and the new cam and lifters and it should be good to go. This is the first all aluminum LS I have ever seen apart. I was pleasantly surprised to see really slick looking castings, much nicer than I thought. Aren't modern engines great, even with a carb this LS3 will put out like a big block and weigh less than a small block. Such a deal.
Jarhead

Jarhead - I have griend big into '65 442's. PM me if you are looking for something Olds specific.

I look forward to seeing your build move along.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...a55e21a444.jpg

Aren't these LS motors slick looking inside?
Thanks Bearing Muncher there are a very few pieces I need to finish up. I'll let you know.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...6b6408209b.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...a0a8ea77e4.jpg

That's Sammy Miller and me at Union Grove Rocket and Jet Car nationals 1977. I had a pretty nice fro in those days. Sammy looks like he's hitching a ride but he's inviting Ted (my crew chief up in the bed) and me over to lunch at his pit.

Motor plans are changing as I rebuild the motor, the ZO6 cam is going into a buddy's 5.3 and a "slightly larger" cam and spring kit is going into my LS3. Should be fun.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...03255da066.jpg

This is Rocky Topper's 65 LS1 Cutlass note the gauges, that aluminum panel and gauges look great in my opinion, much better than the factory setup. I bought this insert from Rocky when he was building his car and it will go in mine. Hope mine turns out as nice.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...c64c7d8a8.jpeg

A closer look at Rocky's dash.

Great build, cool history, tagging along for the rest.

On Rocky's dash he has LS1 cut into the dash insert before the F85 and Olds insignia. On mine I had him omit the LS1 and I plan to add a couple more gauges than Rocky has. Fuel pressure and oil temp will be the add on gauges. I am looking for an original Olds 442 console (they also used them on various other Olds like the Starfire) and I might have the factory vacuum gauge there as I always liked the look. I do have the clutch pedal setup and I might even try a 6 speed. For sure I'm going to start with the T400 but I also have a Power glide with a street convertor I would like to try against the T400. Lots of ideas for down the road. I have the entire interior new, all the rubbers for the glass and just about everything else to put it back together. We are heading to our other home in Sonoma at the end of this month but the work on the car will continue here in central Texas while I'm gone. It won't be finished soon but it should be a fun, rare car.

I have a 65 F85 as well that I will be doing a swap in soon, but it will be a full street car with AC and such. Good to see another one!

Great to hear that another F85 is being rebuilt, swapped with an LS. You are the second person that has a 65 F85 doing an LS swap that has contacted me. Along with Rocky Topper that would make 4 65 F85s, not bad for a rare car. I saw that you have a Camaro drop top, so do I but mine is a lot tamer than yours. I have a 95 Z28 with 383 LT1 and automatic that I keep and drive in Sonoma when we are there. Can you post some pictures of your F85?
Jarhead

I don't have many pictures, I don't think I even have any of the whole car, just a few pics of where I put the 98 f-body brakes on it, the Jeep GC steering box and front suspension upgrades, and a couple pics of the body damage that I was showing to a guy who does sheet metal work. I'm currently deployed so I cant take new pics at the moment, but I'll post what I have soon.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...ffbd8b082f.jpg

You can see the insert over the factory gauges.
This is the Rocky Topper built gauge panel sitting in my Cutlass. You can see there is plenty of room for another gauge or two.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...954261cfd3.jpg

A four door 1965 F85 parts car which I had before I bought the Cutlass drag car. I paid $75 about 20 years ago for it.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...c2b09acd1f.jpg
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For those that ask about the cars next to the cutlass, here is a better look. The 55 Delray has a 383SBC with AFR heads and a super T10 and Ford 9 inch. The model A has a 3.0 Chevy 4cy with 5 speed and Explorer 3.73 rear end.

I wish I could get a parts car, I need a rear quarter, door skin or door, and front fender, for a 2 door post...Haven't been able to find one yet

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...c4569edc04.jpg

You can see here the dash insert is 2 pieces. Countersunk screws in the lower plate hold it to the dash and the top plate is glued to the lower plate. You can paint the lower plate where the logo is to make it contrast.
Yes a parts car is nice to have. I could help you out with some pieces that I don't need but you really should find another whole car, use two to build one.