Rocket 303 engine & trans number info

[roadster-rob]

Hi all,
I'm in the Uk, got a hot rod that has I am told a 303 out of a '53 Olds 88, and the hydramatic trans. I have the numbers of both, was wondering if anyone could confirm their year of manufacture, spec, engine size etc.
Engine number (on engine block drivers side to the rear just below head) is R64097.
Trans number on the plate is 052-35419.
Engine has had some work and fires up great. Trans works but this has not been on the road yet. Any help would be greatly appreciated. i can post pics if anyone is interested - all sits on modified A rails in front of a '27 T roadster. This is not a rat rod, but built to look like it was put together in around 1955-7. Rolling frame is complete, but I would like to try and get some info on the engine and trans as explained, for spare parts etc if nothing else! Thanks a lot. Rob.

[88 coupe]

Originally Posted by roadster-rob

........ I am told a 303 out of a '53 Olds 88 ........

Post the engine serial number:

Should be stamped on a machined pad, on the left cylinder head surface. With stock manifolds in place, you can see it between the center and rear exhaust ports.

........ Trans number on the plate is 052-35419 ........

That makes it a '52. First year for the Dual Range. Three positions (N-D-S-L-R) replaced the two (N-Dr-Lo-R) that were used from the beginning.

........modified A rails in front of a '27 T roadster ........

'27 T roadster on a '28-31 frame? Good choice if its been boxed.

........ built to look like it was put together in around 1955-7 ........

My favorites were done in the 1920-40 era, but I'm also very familiar with the 50s. Post pix as soon as you can.

Meanwhile, check out the H. A. M. B. site. It's all about the early stuff.

Norm

[roadster-rob]

Hi Norm,

Thanks for the info, I have since found out the engine is definitely 1952 so is a 303.7, it would have been manufactured around March 1952. Thanks for the info on the trans, I thought the 052 might have been a little obvious.
Yes, the frame is fully boxed and very solid. I've attached a couple of pics without the body which I am working on at the moment, but it is an original steel that needs some work - maybe even the only 27 T roadster body that is steel over here, not sure.
The engine has vintage split Cragar log inlet manifolds with 6 97s on top, middle 2 are primary, but progressive linkage picks up all 6. We have had it fired up with the open pipes and it sounds pretty good!!
I have kept the Olds theme from the engine and trans to the steering box, cut down column and wheel, and also the instrument cluster. I could do with finding a real nice steering wheel though as mine is tatty - it's the 3 spoke from 48-51 I believe with the horn button in the middle - no ring.
Thanks for the reponse, I haven't been on the HAMB for a while and thought for specific Olds info here would be better first port of call.
Rob.

[88 coupe]

Originally Posted by roadster-rob

........ 052 might have been a little obvious ........

I would not have placed a large bet on it, and didn't post, until I verified it. The first unidentified Hydro I acquired had 055 on the plate. Using the same logic, it should have been a '55.

So much for logic. '54-'56 used slant pans and the trans was a '52-'53.

........ attached a couple of pics ........

I like it. A couple of deviations from the era, but that is to be expected.

I don't think the engine/trans color is correct for that era, but it may have been popular in other areas of the country.

The shifter is a late '70 "retro" add on, and the carb "stacks" look like '90s billet.

Upside is, you won't find many who know the difference.

........ for specific Olds info here would be better ........

Which is "better" might depend on the information you are looking for.

Keep us up to date.

Norm

[roadster-rob]

I painted the engine and trans gold - it had been red before. I think the colour works well with the anthracite frame and whitewalls and white HT leads.
The shifter is a Genie shifter, brand new.
The stacks are in fact cast, you wouldn't see me with anything billet, it's not for me at all. Cheers.

[88 coupe]

Originally Posted by roadster-rob

........ it had been red before .........

Red was the most popular engine/chassis/wheels color during the late forties-early fifties. Bright yellow gained some popularity in the mid fifties.

I've always used black.

........ you wouldn't see me with anything billet ........

Yep, billet is for "Check writers" who have no imagination. http://www.billetproof.com/

Norm