Resurrecting the Rocket...Olds 303 rags to riches.

So there I was cruisin my Olds down the 101 on my way back from Paso. Ocean view, warm sun, cool breeze, etc, etc. Life couldn't have been better. Then...WTF?!?! Smoke, oil, more smoke, hissing radiator. There went my engine. So after some help from my buddy Harry and some more from a complete stranger(life saver), we left my car in Santa Barbara. I had it towed back to Sylmar a couple days later and it's been sitting ever since.

Decisions, decisions. I've been weighing different options and talking to a few people who's opinion I respect(thanks Chili Phil). Rebuild? Swap? SBC/700r4? Find another good Rocket motor? Caddy motor? My head has been spinning for weeks.

So after talking with my grandfather's longtime friend Jerry at Eddings Engines in San Fernando, I decided to yank my 303, tear it apart, and have Jerry and Eli work their magic on a rebuild. Eddings are the BEST! I spent the weekend tearing this thing down and trying not to lose any bolts. My goal is to have my Rocket purring and shining by Primer Nats.

I'll be updating this thread as things progress. Here are a few pics for now.

Before









There's a method to the madness...kinda.


I'm gonna have the hydramatic looked at while I'm at it.




Rags now...but the riches are coming soon.

 

You have made the right decision, Good Luck.
Cheers Dago.

 

good deal, i'll be doing the same rebuild treatment soon to my wife's 303 that is starting to get blow oil

 

Keep us up to date on the project.

 

You made the right decision, Eryk. I am looking forward to rolling with you. Rocketeers forever.

 

Simon, Coheteros por vida!!!!!!


Thanks guys.

 

If the whole thing needs a rebuild, I'd consider trying to find a 371 or something for a little more "umph". Stay Olds, just with more cubes. You could always keep the 303 around for a model A. Just a thought.