Technical Help! 1949 OLDS 303 motor in a 31 coupe on 32 rails

Hey guys I think I need a starter relocator for a 1949 OLDS rocket 303 engine that I am putting in a 31 coupe with 32 rails. Is this true? If so you know where I can buy one? anyone have one?

 

Either use a '49-'53 Cad lower bellhousing or contact WILCAP in Southern Calif.;
OR simply relocate your steering box.
Pete Chapouris (Pete & Jake) had a small s****book on the popular ways of early Olds installations, one way was the use of '37-'48 Ford steering box and cross steering.
Saginaw 525 box comes to mind...but if strictly 'traditional', a '40 box with cross steering would be 'era correct.

 

Here's one: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...relocating-bellhousing.1083520/#post-12350168

 

If you use the Cad housing you have to machine 1/4 inch off the mating surface.

 

I had been looking for years and finally got one. Now they seem to be coming out of the woodwork; ain't that the way?

 

When I needed one for my roadster I ordered one fro Offenhauser! I called and they had an obsolete one still in the box. They said it was the last one, Lucky I would say!

 

Get a ross racing mini starter and you can leave it where it was

 

Tony's mini will probably cost less than the current prices seen for crossovers!
On my similar build with a 324 I went with cowl steering, kept the stock starter but ended up trying a set of Noxious Customs headers to clear the frame. The hdrs fit perfectly.

 

Back in the 50s we had a shop that would modify your housing. It was Pappy (Huff, Hough?) in Paterson, NJ. Now that would be period correct.

 

As not all engines are not centered could you off set it a little to the right? I have did this with no adverse effects.

 

Thanks guys you helped a lot. The motor and mounts is not installed so I have alittle wiggle room. I like the mini starter. then I do not need to relocate the oil filter.

 

I can confirm the " Mini" starter concept .With a F-I box I had 3/8 clearance.

 

Or you can make it right hand drive like I did

 

Yes you need to move the starter to the p*** side. They make a kit of if you can find the pieces that @A****er Mike mentioned that works too.