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68 Oldsmobile 400

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Danshotrod, Nov 1, 2012.

  1. Danshotrod
    Joined: Dec 7, 2006
    Posts: 213

    Danshotrod
    Member

    So what can you guys tell me about 68 Olds 400 motors. Are they worth building to get power...Also is a 68 Olds tri-power setup worth some money. The guy I might get the motor off of said the are worth a ton and they are rare...
     
  2. jabberwoki
    Joined: Feb 10, 2011
    Posts: 127

    jabberwoki
    Member
    from puyallup

    No such thing as a 68 tri power 66 was the last year. If i`m correct i think the 67 and earlier was the better motor they had a different bore and stroke combo.
    I don`t think the motor would be worth much only maybee if you needed it for a 68 442?
     
  3. I had a friend with a 68 442, 400...Hauled ass! Definitely not a 455, but lots of boogey!!!
     
  4. oldsjoe
    Joined: May 2, 2011
    Posts: 2,634

    oldsjoe
    Member

    As an owner of a 68 442 I can tell you they do run well and are reliable the 3 duces you speak of is either off a 66 model or an even earlier J2 from 57. But parts and machine work is more expensive on an Olds 400 than the Chevy or other brands.
     
  5. NOS455
    Joined: Feb 2, 2009
    Posts: 9

    NOS455
    Member
    from Hell

    400's are good engines the tri power intake will fit the 400 ..mondello is your friend when it comes to the olds engine the oiling system will need work if you plan on turning it at high rpm's for a long period of time for the most part it is a good piece what is the letter on the heads B or E
     
  6. Sir Woosh
    Joined: Dec 1, 2008
    Posts: 2,273

    Sir Woosh
    Member

    Always have had the best luck with Oldsmobile drivetrains from the 50's up through the early 70's.

    Bought a 55 Olds once with a broken transplanted 394. Didn't know how bad till I tore it down and found a whole valve blown down through the top of a piston and major bent pushrods and metal floating around inside. Rough for sure, but the engine still ran and idled. Replaced it with another 394 from a 61 Dymamic. No problems.............

    Anything pre 74 has served me well....
     
  7. kennkat
    Joined: Aug 25, 2011
    Posts: 1,385

    kennkat
    Member

    Yes, the 68 Olds 400 is a long stroke small bore motor. it has lots of bottom end torque but runs out of breath early... The 66 tripower is a great piece, use it! a good hot street 400 built with the 66 - 67 motor is a higher revver than the 68... I just did a 67 engine rebuild, see it here -
     

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  8. Danshotrod
    Joined: Dec 7, 2006
    Posts: 213

    Danshotrod
    Member

    Thanks guys this helped in my decision on getting this motor. It was going to be part of a trade...
     
  9. Red71
    Joined: Oct 8, 2010
    Posts: 192

    Red71
    Member
    from Illi-noise

    the 65-67 400 is the one to have. Best bet would be sell the 68 400 to someone
    that needs it for a 68 442. Keep the intake, find a 425 or 455.
     

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