hope pic opens ok

 

What the heck!!! Got to have one!!!!!!!!!!!

 

These kids...

That's the OW-43, Oldsmobile's attempt to build a world-beater engine. It's a four-valve per cylinder 455. The W-43 production version, slated to be offered in the 1970 cars, was a pushrod hemi motor. Early dyno tests showed over 550 HP. The picture is the dual overhead cam racing version. This was intended to compete with Ford's 427 SOHC motor. Olds killed the development program when it was clear that performance cars were on the way out due to federal emissions requirements. One of each is available for viewing in the R.E. Olds museum in Lansing. The May 1971 issue of Hot Rod Magazine has a very complete article on these engines. Note that I still have the copy of that issue from my subscription...

 

Joe, how come I somehow knew you wouldn`t be fooled by this !!!!! I "stole "the pic from a neighbouring site cos I found it so intriguing.
What a shame it came so close to production --and yet so far .
mike

 

That was the sentiment in the Hot Rod article also.

 

The patterns and core box for the W-43 headscame up for auction this spring.
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wow thats interesting--does the olds community know who won this auction?? wonder what the new owner intends to do with them ??

 

The auction ended early and was to be relisted but as of today nothing. I contacted the seller but no reply. I would would of liked to had a few sets made then started on the block and the rest of the parts needed to make a few of the W-43 engines. If anybody knows where these patterns ended up please contact me.

 

The problem with the pushrod W-43 was that since each pushrod was opening two valves, the pushrods were failing. When larger diameter pushrods didn't solve the problem, Olds created special 455 blocks with a raised camshaft to shorten the pushrods and improve the lines of action. The cam was housed in separate cam carrier that mounted in the valley above the normal cam location. This cam carrier also had the lifter bores machined into it. A dummy cam in the original location was used to operate the distributor and oil pump.

 

It would be so cool to have a dual overhead cam Olds 455. It would be especially cool if you could put newer technology on it like variable valve timiing, distributorless ignition, and multi point fuel injection. That would be an engine worthy of the 200X Olds 442 that was never built!

 

Then I think we should book in now for these heads when Hairy Olds finds the lost patterns
mike