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

My "wire looms" on valve cover appear to be stamped aluminum(very light and silver). Maybe the top end is 1949, which might explain my numerically lower casting #s compared to my Hollander interchange.

 

I have what I believe to be a 1962 394 engine which needs a rebore. It hasn't got 4 1/8 cast at the back but bores measures that within a little taking in account the wear. So my question is, is this a smaller block been bored to 394 size or is it just one block that never had 4 1/8 cast next to the number. I don't want to have it bored and go into the water jacket

Thanks Sid

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I have begun a fairly comprehensive .xls spreadsheet for 49-64 Oldsmobile Engine detailed info ( a viewable .pdf file is attached, zoom in to be readable).
It is an effort to further consolidate the info into an easy to read chart. For anyone with the capability to add/ edit, I can send the .xls file (send a PM)

 

From my info, that is a 62-64 394 replacement block (probably no serial number pad on left deck outer edge in middle)

 

That's great thanks I didn't realize they did replacement blocks? Was this done in the period or later on ? My next question is were is the best place to get parts from? It needs a complete rebuild, so need everything!!!

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Hi Sid
Try Ross racing engines, goes as goatroper on here. Check out his website too. Hope this helps mate.

Jay


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Without wading through 32 pages of thread, could someone just clarify some thing real quick for me?

59-60 394 had the perimeter bolt valve covers like the 61-64, but had different center exhaust ports (ie two up and down vs 3 bolt center)?

Could you interchange the heads the 61-64 394 on the 59-60 394 block?

 

Yes

 

Thanks for that confirmation. I want to maybe grab a second engine and have it ready to go before I yank the one in the car. There are a few locally available on FB marketplace relatively inexpensively.

 

I can make out 56 under the coil in this picture but not much else. Any guesses which Olds engine this is?

 

Hard to say without better pictures/more information. Head numbers would help, though those can be changed. Looks like 324 valve covers, at least one anyways on the left side. 303-324 based on looking at it, but that's about it.

 

Without serious modifications the factory 3x2 manifold will only fit the 1957, 58 371 block/heads.

 

Is that the factory 3x2? I couldn't tell from the picture. Agreed though, without wedge adaptors, the factory 371 tri-power intake won't fit the earlier 303/324 heads.

 

Is that a transmission adapter on this engine? I asked for better pictures of the block numbers. Not sure when any will be forthcoming.

 

Screened port holes on block extension make it an early block, looks just like my spare '51 block.
Carbs and intake are '57-'58 J2 stuff.
Bell housing is a '50 Olds.
Definitely a mix and match setup, interesting to see what other secrets it has

 

There is this Drag Star setup as well. I am wondering what I should offer? I have not laid hands on it and do not know whether carbs are seized or anything else. Not much to go on, especially with home confinement.

 

The expert has spoken!

I've seen 6x2 setups go for quite a range, $200-$600+ Hard to say without knowing the condition of the carbs but I think a package deal for everything will be your best bet. Without knowing condition of everything it's hard to say. Up here, all of that for somewhere between $500-$1,000 would be a good buy, but Olds motors and speed parts are not that common in my area.

 

Thanks guys!

 

The J2 manifolds are wider than the 49-56 blocks so in order to fit the early engines they must be milled (If memory serves me correctly around .100 per side) to fit an earlier engine. The Distributer in the engine in the picture is a 51-55 unit.

 

Looks like '51-'55 distributor to me

 

Anyone here have a 57-58 short block they would let go? I am planning on going up in c.i. but want to use my roller cam from my 56 block.

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^^ You might be able to install a later crank in your earlier engine. I seem to remember researching the substitution of a 394 crank into my 371.

 

"You might be able to install a later crank in your earlier engine. I seem to remember researching the substitution of a 394 crank into my 371."

It's been done obviously from this article but my novice opinion is that it's probably better to start with a 371 block like he is thinking. I'm sure someone has a 371 for him. I have two 57 blocks with cranks but I'd hate to think what shipping would be! Maybe Paul can help him out being they're both in Washington.

 

is this the classifieds now?
sorry Eric, I don't have any '57-'58 blocks to spare right now.

 

CG this fella has some 371 intakes for sale in your area. Might touch base with him as he might produce a lead for you:
https://yakima.craigslist.org/pts/d/yakima-1957-oldsmobile-1958-olds-tri/7112971697.html
and further away but a 60 :
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/pts/d/phoenix-1960-oldsmobile-engine-and-trans/7111167628.html

 

Was there supposed to be a water crossover that came with the 6x2 Drag Star?

 

I believe it is separate and an expensive item to find.

 

Yup, thanks, you are correct, I had forgotton that the 49-50 were a bit different.

 

I believe that Offy just put them back into production.

 

It's a 303 with a 57-58 J2 setup. So I imagine the J2 has been machined. There is an adapter and LaSalle trans still hooked up. Apparently it was all put together 50 some years ago by a young 16 year old.