I have acess to a 49 303 Olds and a 61-2 caddy 390. Both are running motors with good trannies. I can drive the caddy motor, but the olds is removed from a good friends ride (it was repalced with a 455 olds motor not removed for failure). Speed parts for the caddy seem very expensive, but I like the idea of the extra 87 cubes. So my quetion is this which way should I go ***uming both motors are functioning the same in stock form now. This is going to be the drivetrain for my 30 Tudor if that helps. Thanks in advance Shane T. Also what gear to run in the rear with either of these two motors and stock trannie. Rear will be a 9" ford.
It's all a matter of what you'd rather have....or which one is a better buy. Are they the same money? If you're planning on a standard transmission, the Olds will be easier to outfit as such.
Either would be cool- if you know what the final look of the car is going to be you could use that as some input to help you decide.
I vote for the Caddy. You'll probably have to remote the oil filter. Change the valve seals, clean the oil pump screen and go.
My vote is the 303. Lots of speed equipment was made for these motors. Multi-carb intakes still around for a couple hundred bucks. The early olds had a very nice look too. Cool traditional history with the 303. Unlimited ****** choices, if you have the dough to spend. . The drawback would be about 1/2 the HP of the newer caddy motor in stock condition. Steve.
The Jalopy Journal
