I am looking at a 53 Olds 2 door hardtop that does not have a motor and trans and was thinking of clipping it and using a 350 or 455 Olds for power,for many years I had a 53 with a 59 371 but this time I would like p/s and disc brakes and get a suspension that had modern shocks so is there anyone who has a early 50s Olds with a subframe and which one did you use and do the tires stick out too far like I have seen with some installations.
i also used the s10 clip in my 53 ford..by far the best thing ever dont for this car.drives great, stops great,steers great.cheap parts and lots of options
Will I be able to mount a 455 with the S10 clip as I wont use a sbc,I will leave in the original suspension and find a 324/hydro before using a sbc.
I put a GM G body (78-87 Monte Carlo, Cutl***, Regal, etc.) clip in this 51. Same frame width and same track width as original. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=334849
If I buy the Olds I will look into the G body front clips as the S10 has to be too narrow for a big block,one thing that concerns me is they are front steer and how much inner fender surgery is needed to clear the steering box and will it cut down on room for a radiator.
I have a '39 Olds with a Nova Subframe using a 350 Olds and it has worked out great over the years. I believe with a few minor differences, the '53 frame is almost the same as my '39. From an Olds engine standpoint, the only major difference between the big-block (400, 425, 455) and the small blocks (260, 307, 330, 350, 403) is the deck height. The width of the bottom of the blocks, like where the bosses for the motor mounts are should be the same. I have heard of 350 Olds engines in s-10s before...
I'd have to check and compare the frames, but should be very similar to my 55 Olds. Grafted a 74 Trans Am subframe putting the front wheels and pivot points exactly where the 55's were. Let the subframe tails run back to tie in with the X member. The cradle gives you options for set back as well The forward mount steering box required some t******* on the radiator support, but worth it for the clearance alongside the engine for exhaust. The angles are stretched out so no joints are drastic and allowed me to drop a later column right into the 55 column mount under the dash. Even the fender wells fit with minor t******* for the upper A arms.
I fabricated new inner fenders and core support for the subframe. It was a fair amount of work but, it looks really good.
I agree that S-10 is too narrow for your Olds. After all, you said it's a 98......that is a GM 'C' body car and of generous proportions. I think the recommendation of the 'G' body clip is sound advice, as would be the camaro, firebird, nova clips. Ray
I was going to suggest a Trans Am clip as Sir Woosh did. Find the right late 70's unit an you also get the Olds engine with it. If you were closer I have a 455 core that I would give you for the project. Needs a full redo but the price would be right.
One thing I like about the pics of the G body clip and that installation is the original rear crossmember can be retained if a 303 to 371 is used instead of a late model motor,a front mount would have to be fabricated but looks like it could be done easily. I will most likely go with the 455 this time as if I need trans work done I can get about anyone to work on it and it would be great to have power steering and brakes,the 53 is not a done deal yet as its far from home and will be a long trip to get it but it looks good and would love to have another 53 again and this ones a hardtop instead of a 2 door post like I had before.
Something else that might help. Took measurements before setting up the drivetrain. If using a GM turbo trans, opt for the short tailshaft. It puts the front driveshaft U joint just far enough ahead of the center opening of the frame X member to work right. Good up and down shaft travel clearance and a natural drag loop. Compe***ion length headers will not work with the X member without drastic bends. Didn't catch that one till I was hooking them up............
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