I'm going to be looking for a stick flywheel for a 324 Olds . What characteristics should I be looking for? Tooth count? Diameter? Thanks!
303 and 324 interchange. Either one works just match the starter to the flywheel you choose. If using a starter changeover you want a 303 with the early starter that has the bolt holes symmetrical. Later 303 and 324 the holes are offset and the solenoid hits the oil pan when flipped. Or you can dent your oil pan in like most hot rodders did back in the day. I’m running an early 303 starter and flywheel on my 324 with an old hildebrandt starter changeover and remote filter plate. Hope that helps!
Tooth count is 145 from '49-'53, and 176 from '54-'56. As you can see on the above listing, a '53 flywheel is unique. Last year of 145 teeth and first year of 12 volt starter. Also, if you happen upon a standard shift flywheel from a six cylinder Oldsmobile, it can be used on the V8, but must have about a 1/4 inch thick spacer between it and the crankshaft.
The lower housing that the starter bolts to should be reviewed as well. Here is the list from the shop manual Case in point, a '54 starter will not mate up with the early 558709 housing. 54 would be a 12 volt starter and the housing was for the smaller flywheel and 6 volt starter.
You are a wealth of information. My son (this is his project) lives in Cornwall VT. With your permission I'll have him get in touch with you. Thanks
One of my neighbors has an olds flywheel on his 331 caddy, I think he said the bellhousins bolt up but that cad and olds are on opposite sides.
Frank (@F&J) was working with one of these and had some input on this posting that might give you some insight Technical - Olds flywheel onto a Cad... | The H.A.M.B. (jalopyjournal.com)
The Jalopy Journal
