Hot Rods 303 Olds OR 331 Caddy ???

Have to decide this week. What woould be the best motor to run in my 5 window? Looking for Period look and cost to rebuild and cost of speed parts.

 

what period?

 

You'll save a little using the Olds.

 

50's Early 60's

 

Maybe, but probably not much all said and done.

**Cough, cough, cad, cough cough***

 

can't beat the cl*** of the Cadillac

but for me a well dressed Olds is where it's at
whether it's a stock '49 303, a '57 J2 or blown '62 394 or anything in between
I dig them all

 

I like the Olds.

 

Either one will be great, I lean a little more towards the Olds.

 

i think you'll have an easier time dressing up an olds. but a caddy is damn cool too!

 

try to find the caddy parts bedfore you make a decision very bhard to come by and you will pay way more for caddy stuff so if your on a budget its a no brainer JMO

 

If you mean the period 1949 to 1954 everyone's first choice was the Cadillac. If you couldn't find one or couldn't afford one the Olds was second choice. Chrysler hemi got respect but was too big, too bulky, too heavy and complicated. Studebaker too small in displacement and power. Buick was good but the starter made it hard to fit in engine swaps.

Cadillac and Olds were #1 and #2 choice.

 

And speaking of starters, that's the one big advantage of the Caddy; its already on the
right side, making the swap somewhat easier. As stated, however, speed parts for them
are rare and spendy. As for the Olds, its "turn at bat" has come around again, so expect
their prices to follow suit.

 

I've had both so its either for me, both are expensive but the Olds slightly cheaper

 

I've found 2 Olds aftermarket intakes at neighborhood garage sales. Never seen anything for a Cadillac.

 

Cadillac with early stamped steel script valve covers. Good looking engine....for an overhead that is.

 

Olds...tony at Ross Racing Engines has all the parts you need.

Cool build!

 

Both are great motors, but I agree with others who say that some of the Olds speed parts - like a 3-2 manifold - are going to be easier to find and cheaper than one for a Cadillac.

 

Period look with either motor.



cost to rebuild- In the northeast, core motors that are not stuck would be hard to find under 500. Most core motors won't have a stick flywheel like the 331 you found.

if you find that the 331 really does have 30 over pistons that are almost new, and if the bores are still good, that is a big savings compared to a typical Olds/Cad core that almost always would need a rebore and new pistons.

Get a friend that knows motor rebuilding, to check that basket 331 out, looking for problems it may have. If it checks out OK, it would save some money that you can get an intake setup with.

No matter what core you buy, there is always a chance there may be a problem that might be missed.


I agree that the original old Cad speed parts are not as available as Olds. Two things would be the intake setup and adjustable rockers if you want those. I also agree that the stock Caddy valve covers look nice on an old build.

 

Or with a set of these, by Bell Auto.

 

Frank

Already has adjustable rockers

 

what else comes with the Cad?

it's sounding better all the time

and that's from an Olds guy

 

Motor
Been degreased
bored 30 over w/ piston & rings
crank turned
complete minus intake
early Ford trans adapter
Standard flywheel

 

Sounds like a fun build.As for motor.(Cad/Olds),go with what your bankroll will support.Both are fun motors.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

 

Butcher,

What's a bankroll? Haven't seen one in a long time..................

 

Hmmm... Russ S. had a 331 up for sale late last summer... I saw it in his van at the Brooklyn CT swap. I don't recall the 30 over part, but I do know it had adjustables, and he was trying to sell the nice Eldorado factory Tri-power setup seperate. Motor was apart. I don't think the cam was there, or I would have looked at it. But I am positive there was not a stick flywheel in that pile, nor the adapter. I suppose whomever bought it, may have bought those two things later, if it's the same one that Russ had.

I am pretty sure the Trips sold without the motor.

That motor came out of Bolton; the long time owner was moving south I think. I should have bought it, it was a great deal when the intake was with it. He told me 800 for just the trips, but take the whole thing for 1k.

It had Thomas aluminum or magnesium rockers, not steel ones.

 

There's no replacement for displacement. Go Cad.
Tim

 

my 331 has high compression pistons, a dual quad edmunds intake, adjustable pushrods, and a few chrome pieces. Looking to get it rebuilt, running on a stand, and then going to get it sold. Got to fund buying a house. Don't plan on this getting me the whole down payment, but a big chunk of it for sure

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=733233

So that being said, I am with a caddy all the way.

 

I vote for Olds. IMHO the Cad stuff is grreat but I find that it is harder to cme by and more $ typically. Harley, between F&J and me we probably have everything to set you up with an Olds and we are only a couple hours away.

 

and an Olds bottom end is way stronger than the caddy...... I know.... I build both

Also In Stock trim the Olds makes power easier and has way more torque.

 

Listen to Tony, he knows his stuff !!! .................


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