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

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by RocketDaemon, Dec 19, 2006.

  1. there is actually one in the green block, that looks fair and another one, that seems worn beyond repair. Keep in mind, that I need to build a complete engine, for a customer's Super 88. Although, would most likely buy a new cam and lifter package. I can inspect it, for you.
    JT
     
  2. langy
    Joined: Apr 27, 2006
    Posts: 5,730

    langy
    Member Emeritus

    I got the cam for my 59 394 from Herbert cams, it's a lovely cam
     
  3. KingShift
    Joined: Jun 25, 2007
    Posts: 678

    KingShift
    Member

    Yes I make an AL Bell Housing for the 1949-64 Olds engine and the 1949-54 Cadillac engine that allows you to use a Chevy 3, 4, 5, and 6 speed trans. Thanks. Tom King 609 397-0161
     
    chickenshift likes this.
  4. Mac's Speed here in New Zealand also do an Alloy bell for the Early Rockets which will take a bunch of trans options .
    https://www.facebook.com/macsspeed
    These guys have a dealer in Ca and sell a few of these in the US .
     
  5. GOATROPER02
    Joined: Mar 22, 2006
    Posts: 2,059

    GOATROPER02
    Member
    from OHIO

    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1420385392.400013.jpg ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1420385454.944679.jpg ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1420385809.642449.jpg ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1420385982.294691.jpg

    Trans conversions as well as any stock or speed part you can dream up for your early Olds ......We probably have it..... Because we make it.......
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1420386861.369504.jpg
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1420386502.889155.jpg ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1420386796.453681.jpg


    Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
     
  6. Paul
    Joined: Aug 29, 2002
    Posts: 16,389

    Paul
    Editor

    'pulled a virgin '58 371 apart Friday and was a bit surprised to find the head gaskets were a single layer thin steel shim style gasket, measuring about .025 thick
    used by the factory to bump compression, first ones I've found
    anybody have a pair? or singles?

    .025 head gasket.jpg

    .025 head gasket 2.jpg
     
  7. figure8
    Joined: Oct 4, 2006
    Posts: 95

    figure8
    Member

    My memory is that the 57- 58 J-2 had him steel head gaskets. Also had 3x2 intake.
     
  8. Paul
    Joined: Aug 29, 2002
    Posts: 16,389

    Paul
    Editor

    yes but,
    this engine had a single 2bbl but will be getting the J2 manifold and carbs

    here's a couple pictures of it in all it's crusty glory
    mocked up with J2 carbs and manifold, generator moved up top, dimpled valve covers, it's a stick motor from the factory now with the guts and tail of the stock selector transmission transplanted into a '37 Buick top shift case
    and the tear down, dropped the short block off at the machine shop Friday
    it could go with less of a cut but I'm going .060 over because I already had a set of pistons,
    it will get an Isky hydraulic cam

    20150101_145343.jpg

    20150102_063015.jpg
     
  9. How's that rebuild coming, @Paul ?
     
  10. Paul
    Joined: Aug 29, 2002
    Posts: 16,389

    Paul
    Editor

    got the bearings and oil pump kit last friday and bolted the short block together last Saturday,
    pastigauge all bearings looked right where they are supposed to be.
    dropped the heads off Monday for clean and mag,
    haven't heard from the shop yet on them.
    expecting they check out good
    but also expect to put all new in them; valves, guides, seats and probably springs.

    here is the fresh block,

    [​IMG]
     
  11. The_Stig
    Joined: Nov 30, 2012
    Posts: 54

    The_Stig
    Member

    Nice eye candy you posted there.
    What's the purpose of binding those lifter sets together?
     
  12. Paul
    Joined: Aug 29, 2002
    Posts: 16,389

    Paul
    Editor

    roller lifters
     
  13. falcongeorge
    Joined: Aug 26, 2010
    Posts: 18,341

    falcongeorge
    Member
    from BC

    I need to build a transport cradle for a 324 short block by next weekend. I usually use 2x8 on edge, spaced so that the pan rails rest on the top edge of the 2x8, and the body of the pan just drops between the 2x8s. Then I just nail 2x4s across the open ends of the 2x8 across the bottom.
    Then when I get it home, I add casters so I can roll it around easy.

    So what I need to know is the width and length of the pan minus the width of the pan rails. Can anyone measure one for me?
     
  14. 9x21.5
    That's without any clearance.

    Don't forget to put a notch in there for the dipstick!
     
    Last edited: May 10, 2015
  15. falcongeorge
    Joined: Aug 26, 2010
    Posts: 18,341

    falcongeorge
    Member
    from BC

    Perfect! Thanks. I'll bang one togther tomorrow.
     
  16. F&J
    Joined: Apr 5, 2007
    Posts: 13,222

    F&J
    Member

    I get 9.25 on a 55 324 pan.

    Yes 21 long or so

    15 inches from the front of the 2 x 8, is the center of the "bump". Just gouge it with circular saw or whatever..

    The 2 x 8 is not quite tall enough near the front of the sump/drain plug. So either run a strip of 1 x 2 along each 2 x 8, or Maybe two "cross-ways" 2 x 4's at the front and very back, screwed to the 2 x 8's, would also keep the motor from flopping over, while getting the front of sump off the floor?

    DSCN0302 (Medium).JPG
     
  17. falcongeorge
    Joined: Aug 26, 2010
    Posts: 18,341

    falcongeorge
    Member
    from BC

    Fantastic Frank. I probably have some 2x10, I'll use that. Thanks for the info on the location of the hump. I build these things for every motor, its so handy to just be able to roll them around. I dont like to leave motors hanging on engine stands long term, besides, they arent very stable.
     
  18. KingShift
    Joined: Jun 25, 2007
    Posts: 678

    KingShift
    Member

    The Oldsmobile pan width dimension is 10 15/16" from outside to outside the frame rails. The frame rails are 15/16" wide and you have 17" that you can pickup on the frame rail length. On the right side pan rail you have the notch for the dip stick.. Good Luck. Tom King
     
  19. falcongeorge
    Joined: Aug 26, 2010
    Posts: 18,341

    falcongeorge
    Member
    from BC

    Built it yesterday.:D 9.25 inside to inside, so your dimensions verify that it should fit anyway. Thanks Tom. Usually when I build one of these, I have the engine in hand, makes things easier.
     
  20. Paul
    Joined: Aug 29, 2002
    Posts: 16,389

    Paul
    Editor

    It will be in a simple cradle when you pick it up (like below), good for rolling around the shop and short transport but yours will be better for long haul and across borders.

    [​IMG]

    the subject in question..
    [​IMG]
     
  21. WOW, you got more Rockets, than Cape Canaveral!;)
    Good ideas, I need to safely transport my shiny rebuilt 394, from my garage to the shop, where I will be dropping it in the 98. Actually thought of making a little test stand to fire it up, beforehand.
    JT
     
  22. Paul
    Joined: Aug 29, 2002
    Posts: 16,389

    Paul
    Editor

  23. Jep, test stand is a good idea:
    [​IMG]
     
    j-jock, 36 ROKIT, jakespeed63 and 2 others like this.
  24. Paul
    Joined: Aug 29, 2002
    Posts: 16,389

    Paul
    Editor

  25. F&J
    Joined: Apr 5, 2007
    Posts: 13,222

    F&J
    Member

    ^ ^ Those are my personal favorites of all the Olds motor types, and transmission choices. Bar none.

    My Roadmaster just shifts sooooo nice.....

    DSCN8925 (Large).JPG
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2015
  26. falcongeorge
    Joined: Aug 26, 2010
    Posts: 18,341

    falcongeorge
    Member
    from BC

    Holy crap!! Not sure if that 6-71 will fit under the hood of my '39!!:eek::p
    I am so pumped about finally getting my mitts on a rocket for that car. Really excited about the valve covers too, that was totally unexpected. Paul, you truly are the Rocket Man! Thank you sir!

    IMO, wood is really good for these, it wont scratch paint or chrome, and the pan bolts embed into it, so they dont slide around AT ALL.
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2015
  27. U-235
    Joined: Dec 18, 2010
    Posts: 452

    U-235
    Member

    Since we're showin off motors.....
     

    Attached Files:

  28. U235, nice Olds. It is great to see all these Olds engines coming back to life!
     
  29. Are we showing off Olds motors? :rolleyes:
    Alright, here is another one I'm working on. Then I'm out...
    [​IMG]
     
  30. Ok, Ok, enough already; my jeans are getting tight!

    Paul, that left side exhaust manifold, (your post #537) closely resembles the factory unit, but with
    a header flange. Is this something you fabbed up? Looks like a "block hugger" style that would
    clear the early Ford steering box nicely....
     

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