THE oldsmobile rocket 303 324 371 394 post to end all other posts, (lasalle related )

Functionally I don't think it matters. There might be a difference in factory curve specs but either could be setup to work. Do you want the 303's old time looks or a window style distributors ease of tuning? @Paul can probably speak to this, but I think there are a couple different small distributor caps used. Might be 303 vs early 324? 56 on up look like the one I just posted pics of. They share most parts with a SBC. Window cap design makes tuning/advance changes way easier since the mechanical advance is on top vs under points plate.

 

If you want adjustable vac advance that might be harder to find for the early style.

You might also be more limited as far as cap quality options.

 

Just went to Ross Racing Engines website in search of pricing for a timing chain, starter, ect., for my 324. It looks like they have the stuff I'll need, but no pricing. What's the best way you guys have got in touch with them?

 

I normally pm him and follow up with a phone call

 

I'm about to bring my 303 block to the machine shop. Was thinking of going. 125 over for 324 pistons. I know I'll have to get 324 head gaskets. Do I need to enlarge the chamber on my Stock 303 heads to match the gasket?

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Short answer is no
Longer answer might suggest taking the sharp edge off at the chamber edge,
But more important might be asking what do you expect out of the engine?
What year are the heads?

 

Dont expect too much, honestly. I was just going to change my cam to a custom one from Ross. I tore the Engine apart and almost every bearing is worn aswell as the crank.
Since everything is going to the machine shop (and this kind of work is much more expensive here in Germany) I'd might aswell go bigger for the same price.
The stock heads will choke the Engine for sure, but I'll probably change them later anyway.

The heads are stock 1950 303.

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Quick question for the machine shop: piston to wall clearance on the 303 is how much?


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Here's a rare pre-production, 1 of only 36 287ci GM high compression test engine and the only one purportedly installed in a car. I didn't know it existed until I stumbled onto by accident. All I was aware of was the Kettering experimental OHV V8.



An original manual from GM Research accompanies the car along with additional factory manuals, brochures and other items, all of which are detailed in the photo gallery.





I've previously come across this R&D test mule engine however I can't recall if it was 287ci or 303ci?

• https://barnfinds.com/rocket-88-1950-oldsmobile-club-coupe/
• https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1950-oldsmobile-rocket-88-club-coupe-4/

 

Wanted to say thanks for all who gave me input into my distributor issues. Got it back together, the car runs better than it ever has. Going to do the heads next, and replace the timing chain. Two Model A's, a '63 Impala Wagon, and my '52 Chevy PU are all fighting for attention right now, so the T is on a slight hold...

 

Hi guys. This may seem to be a dumb question maybe, but I’m rather new to rockets and I bought this 303 ”semi completed” from a fellow. So, this spring clad pin in my hand, I’m guessing it’s some kind of thrust thingie for the camshaft? Can’t find any pictures of were it should be located. In the front of the camshaft??
Thanks a lot


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goes in the front of the cam after the fuel pump eccentric is installed if I recall correctly. Been a few years now since I have had one all apart. The Olds gurus will surely be chiming in....

 

Yes that is correct

 

THANK YOU!


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Anyone make headers for a 324 going in a 32 ford? I can't make any contact with noxious customs, he must have quit making them.

 

I beleive he has taken a back seat on headers I've heard
Maybe contact Tony at Ross racing
Phone 330.544.4466
330.720.1282
Address 1763 North Main Street
Niles, Ohio 44446

 

You can buy a kit from hells gate hot rods and weld it yourself. Or maybe they can make it.


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I can make you a set. I thought I replied to your email. Let me know what you need.

 

I'm posting this in an attempt to assist with answering questions about disassembly of the '37 LaSalle top shift transmissions..

 

Picture of version of tool J-806 as shown in figure 21 on page 128 above, made from whatever was on hand at that time.
The tapered pin has a 1/4" 28 threaded end, screw the tool onto the pin and draw it out through the plugged hole on the side of the case.

 

Been hanging around here a few years and here is my first question. Any of you Oldsmobile guys have any experience putting Oldsmobile engines in shoebox Fords? How about the dropped center link, anybody still making these? Thanks Curt...

 

If any of you guys are looking for 371-394 adj rockers.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/McGurk-Adj...851896?hash=item23c25edbb8:g:w~MAAOSw7CBdP3~T

 

Does anyone know how to distinguish a 49 from a 50 Olds 303, heads and intake and exhaust manifolds, water pump, timing cover, crank balancer/ pulley, flywheel.

It was a complete engine with back draft carburetor. Has 49/50 stuff on a Rogers Remanufactured Engines cyl .040, mains .020, rods .010 but the Engine Block Serial number R422249 says the block is a 53. I wonder if the flywheel and lower bolt bellhousing and starter is for a 49/ 50 or a 53 ?

My casting numbers do not agree with the records I have found so far. My numbers are all numerically lower.

 

fwiw, my Olds parts catalog shows the same number for '49 and '50 heads
I have read conflicting versions of decifering date codes.. but that seems like the logical path

 

49 has a different dip stick and tube and the distributor hold down is also different.

 

also, the plug wire looms were aluminum in '49 and steel in '50
the four barrel carburetor wasn't available in '49 but both 2 and 4 barrels were available in '50
manual transmissions were not available in '49

 

My 2 bbl intake has 555693 casting #, the list I have found says 556714, 557709 for 49/50 and 560676 for 51-53.
Maybe I have the early experimental manifold

 

Didn't that two bolt distributor hold down carry through till 51?

 

One other visual, incidental detail, fwiw, the valve cover plug wire loom(?) was silver in '49, and gold in '50.