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Technical Olds super rocket?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Pinchecharlie, Apr 24, 2014.

  1. Pinchecharlie
    Joined: Nov 2, 2012
    Posts: 72

    Pinchecharlie
    Member
    from Montana

    Found a give away 68 delmont, thought the super rocket in it might be interesting for my 49 ford project? Don't know yet if it's a big or small block. Anybody know them? Worth a rebuild? Interesting? Would a 455 fit in a shoebox lol!?
     
  2. KoolKat-57
    Joined: Feb 22, 2010
    Posts: 3,092

    KoolKat-57
    Member
    from Dublin, OH

    In 1968 the Delmont 88 was the base full size Olds.
    They came with a 400 2 barrel as the base engine, which is what it probably is.
    Good engine, not inexpensive to rebuild though, should have a long tailshaft turbo 400 hanging off the back of it
    Will it fit in a shoe box? Only if the shoes that came in the box were really big!
    KK
     
  3. Pinchecharlie
    Joined: Nov 2, 2012
    Posts: 72

    Pinchecharlie
    Member
    from Montana

    Thanks for the reply, will check it out and see thanks!
     
  4. GRX
    Joined: Mar 28, 2014
    Posts: 68

    GRX
    Member
    from MD

    Not an Olds guru, seems to me the super rocket was a 425 and only made through '67. A '68 should be either the 400 or 455, both of which are big blocks. There is a way to discern externally whether it has a steel or iron crank, but I cannot remember off hand. Someone will chime in soon.
     
  5. Atwater Mike
    Joined: May 31, 2002
    Posts: 11,618

    Atwater Mike
    Member

    Joe Mondello ('Dr. Olds') never mentioned any way of telling cast from Nodular crank from external markings.
    I'd REALLY like to know.
     
  6. Pinchecharlie
    Joined: Nov 2, 2012
    Posts: 72

    Pinchecharlie
    Member
    from Montana

    Here's a pic!?
     

    Attached Files:

  7. I had a 455 Olds in my Model A Roadster but it was hanging out all over the place the way a Hotrod should be.

    Posted using Full box of Crayons on the Kitchen Walls App!
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Apr 24, 2014
  8. oldolds
    Joined: Oct 18, 2010
    Posts: 3,616

    oldolds
    Member

    Trans may have no speedometer hook up. Some Oldsmobiles from that time took the speed from the left front wheel. I never took a tailshaft housing off to see if you could put a gear on the shaft. It should be a big block, exhaust manifolds may be a problem.
     
  9. Martin_F
    Joined: Mar 3, 2008
    Posts: 2,527

    Martin_F
    Member

    The problem with the speedo drive in the front wheel is, that the main housing of the transmission doesn't even have the hole machined to put a speedo in.
    Even though the shaft could take the gear, you'll have to machine the housing to get it to work.
    Ask me how I know...
     
  10. Don's Hot Rods
    Joined: Oct 7, 2005
    Posts: 8,319

    Don's Hot Rods
    Member
    from florida

    Anything will fit into anything else, but some take a lot more work than others. Biggest obstacle, aside from the huge physical size of the engine, would be the starter. It is on the drivers side and would want to occupy the same spot as the steering box in your Ford. Pan depth might be another issue.

    We grew up putting Olds engines into 49-51 Fords but they had kits to remedy some of the clearance issues, like starter switchover bell housings, oil filter block off plates,engine mounts, and transmission adapters. None of those exist (as far as I know) for the later 400/425/455 Olds engines.

    As someone mentioned, cost of rebuilding one is not small block Chevy cheap by any means.

    Don
     
  11. aerorocket
    Joined: Oct 25, 2007
    Posts: 488

    aerorocket
    Member
    from N.E. P.A.

    I don't believe the 68 Delmonts ever came with a 400. The 350 was standard and the 455 was optional so as I remember.
     
  12. Don's Hot Rods
    Joined: Oct 7, 2005
    Posts: 8,319

    Don's Hot Rods
    Member
    from florida

    I was thinking the same thing, but not 100% sure.

    Don
     

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