Projects Unknown Olds Rocket Engine for my 55 Olds Rocket 88 Project

While I am thinking of this I should emphasize that the machine shop may send the block back with plugs in the front oil galleys. Seen this before. These require the two plugs that you removed, one has the oiler hole for the chain. Easy to overlook this

 

Yeah right, that's the reason why I did remove those. I don't want to bring them to the machine shop. The whole plan is not complete yet but I think I don't want them to ***emble all of the engine. Maybe just the rotating ***embly. We'll see. Since I'm not sure where to buy all the stuff that's needed, I'll maybe get on the block another time to remove the last bits and pieces like cam bearings and the last few plugs. Oil galley plugs on the rear did stay so far. Should I remove those?
Where to buy oversized pistons?
Where to buy freeze plugs?
Will 57-58 371 pistons fit for 59-60? Pretty sure they don't because of the pin position - no compression, right?

 

Could put a post over on the AACA forum in the Olds section. Lots of Olds folks over there that may have sources for the parts you need.
Yes the rear plugs need to come out so that the galleys can be cleaned thoroughly
After machining of the block and prior to any ***embly the core needs to be washed with hot water and soap to ensure that all foreign particles are removed. This includes rodding out the galleys. Gun cleaning brushes work well for the smaller galley areas. Blow it off really well and then spray the block with a rust inhibitor. Oil the **** out of the cyl bores etc.

 

Sure, why not. Sadly I don't have access to the AACA Forum from Germany. Don't know why.

I will remove all the last pieces and plugs from the engine then. Maybe this weekend if everything works out.

 

That is odd. I will put a post over there for you.

 

YOU CAN BORE TO 4 IN AND USE 57 OLD PISTONS . I HAVE ONE LIKE THIS

 

Here are 2 responses from the AACA guys so far:
1...Interchange says 57-58 won't interchange with 59, part numbers are different and so are the lengths. The Fusick Olds Parts catalog says .010, .020, .030 oversize pistons are available for 371 engines, I would check with them.

2....
Or -------
If you would prefer N.O.S. U.S.A. made pistons ----
Give me a ring......
How many do you need and what oversize of course...
Always best to simply call me -- Craig -- 516 - 485 - 1935 .... New York.. (Eastern Standard Time)