Got some little rubber boogers on ya didn'y ya...? You get real sticky ones at the drag strip I still find them occasionally on the helmet! After that experience I guess I don't have to explain the dangers of doing a "Bleach burnout" in an open car without fenders! (I've got all sorts of tie-died looking rags that used to be prized T shirts in my garage!)
I think I've just seen a couple kids become future "Hot Rodders" in the front row of the "Peanut Gallery" just because of that burn out!
Olds used the Rocket name well into the 70s and maybe later, even tho the engine design changed from the original 303-394 Kettering V8. Frank C.
I just found a "ran when pulled" Rocket engine this past Friday. Comes complete, with 4spd auto tranny. How much should i offer for it, assuming its still a good motor? Came out of a '50 Olds.
"Ran when pulled" means about as much as "I think it's a Corvette engine". I wouldn't offer much if I couldn't pull at least one cylinder head and see inside.
If the starter is still attached, you could hook up a 6V batt and do a compression test. Then flop it over and pull the pan. Frank C.
Offer as much as you would for one that you might have to overhaul. Unless I am real sure about something, like in I have known the vendor all my life and he is a better mechanic than I am, I pirchase everything as though it will have to be rebuilt. I am never disappointed that way. Just to tear down and inspect will run you close to $200.00, that's what a gasket set runs. Give or take.
I was thinking about offering him $500 if it turns. The guy is a prof mechanic and has been in the same shop for over 50years. The car he pulled it out of sits 5 feet from it, and i doubt the car has moved it since he pulled the motor. The only reason he pulled it is because he wanted a modern 350. He never finished the install. The only reason he is considering selling anything is because he is closing up shop. I'de assume its 303 motor. and it is complete from carb to pan, fan to tailshaft.
Well I need the slip yolk for the tranny if you don't want it. I would think that you couldn't go wrong if the engine turns and you can get it for between 500 and 800. Seems like that is what Olds cores go for these days and hydros are also pretty pricey. I've seen slant pan hydros unknown condition go for pretty close to that price. Oh hey by the way. You fellas with the purdy engines are just killin' me. I'm sure glad that I own a car with a hood.
The Jalopy Journal
