I'm doing what others tell me is impossible. I'm building an '83 cutlass to run in the pure stock class with a 455. I plan on using a larger capacity oil pan, and make improvements for oil drain back. also considering an oil cooler. and HV pump. any tips ? anyone else race an Olds in circle track?

 

Why do they say it's impossible?

Welcome to ClassicOlds.

- Eric

 

small block chevy guys think only a chevy can run circle track.

 

Welcome. I'm not familiar with the Pure Stock class rules. Obviously a 455 was never stock in an 83 Cutlass, so what, exactly, are the rules? Cool project and hopefully we can provide some useful info. I know many will want to hear about your project. Certainly there are a lot more drag racers than roundy-round racers here.

 

I can use any GM engine but must be all stock. I'm mostly concerned with making the engine survive. here are the rules. http://www.shadybowlspeedway.rocks/pure-stocks.html

 

So the real limitation to "stock" is the $1,000 claiming provision. Good news is that few people would want an Olds motor.

The next question is, what is the typical RPM range for one of these motors?

If SBCs are the tool of choice, I'm guessing the gearing and track length would likely better suit a small block. You might want to look into an Olds 350 built roughly to W-31 specs. These motors have a shorter stroke and longer bore than a 350 Chebby. I'd build mine using a forged crank from a 330 Olds motor. Same stroke as the cast 350 crank and I suspect no one would know it isn't "stock" for a 350. The W-31 used flattop pistons and big-block Olds valves for better breathing. The 308 deg cam is pretty radical also and designed to work with the stock non-adjustable valvetrain.

 

I bought what was supposed to be a 350 but turned out to be a 260. guy took it back with no problems. I wasn't able to find a good 350 around here but I found a '71 455 from a hearse and bought it for $350.
I planned on keeping the rpm's below 5000. probably peak at 4500 if I can figure out the rite gear ratio.

 

Where is "around here"? Certainly the torque of the 455 will let you run a lower numerical gear to keep the RPMs down. Oiling might be your big problem, due to the larger bearing diameters. I'm curious that there don't seem to be displacement limits. I guess the $1000 claiming clause prevents people from using BBCs.

 

I have lots of 350 engines in Brazil Indiana if you find you need one. I would love to see how the 455 does. A little heavier but the torque coming out of the turns will be great. For sure not a high RPM engine so you will have to make use of the torque and find the right gearing. The bearing speed on a 455 is high so if you plan on running 5000 RPM for extended amounts of time be sure your oiling system is up to the task. I am not an expert but be sure to understand the weak points of the engine and build around that.

 

"around here" is just north of Dayton OH

 

You guys are just a couple hours apart. Hook him up.

 

Asphalt or dirt? What size track?

 

3/10 mi. asphalt

 

I am an Indiana boy and was thinking dirt the entire time...

 

Interesting, very interesting. Keep us posted if you do it.

 

A freind of mine built a Pontiac 455 years ago for a similar class of circle track.
He started with a junkyard 455 short block , put a Ram Air cam and a new timing set in it. Bolted 350 Pontiac heads on it . Gave about 10 to 1 compression without buying pistons .
Perhaps the same thing could be done with an Olds.
That thing had so much torque that it ate everybody's lunch coming out of the corners .
He always used synthetic oil (Amzoil) . Claimed it provided protection even if the bearings starved for oil in the corners.