Thinking about putting a 454 in my 52 Oldsmobile 98 wanted to see if any of you guys have done this and see what problems you may have run in to
That is a lot of HP for the stock suspension and brakes. Or did you have other improvements in mind? A small block might be easier to fit, and all around nicer to drive. The car will carry the weight all right, the 454 might even be lighter than the 303 it came with. Whatever trans you use will sure be lighter than an iron case Hydramatic. That's all I got.
An Oldsmobile 455 is almost 100 pounds lighter than a Chevrolet 454. That 303 came with forged internals and most of those 303 blocks can be bored out to a 4 inch bore meaning you can use "Chevy" 350 pistons with different connecting rods. This link will give you a chart of engine weights. http://www.carnut.com/specs/engdim.html For more information on the original Rocket engines, check my compiled guide below: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=715390&highlight=rocket+engine+compiled