We picked up this beauty a couple of weeks ago and have been working on seeing what we are in for on the restoration. So far it is not too bad... the biggest issues are a rusted floor and trunk pan. The floor is due to the car sitting outside with a bad window seal. The motor runs, but is in serious need of a rebuild as it is blowing oil out of the main bearings. It has a 350 in it now, but looking at options for replacement. The numbers don't match so we are thinking why not upgrade to the 455 BB. Anyway just wanted to introduce myself and I am sure I will have plenty of questions as this is my first restoration (and Olds)....

 

Nice car man, I also just picked up a 68 cutlass S hardtop. This is my 5th Olds and I have to say, I love Oldsmobiles. Goodluck with with your resto job. I look forward to seeing pictures of your car.

 

That is a pretty car. There is alot of good information on this site for your project. I would suggest rebuilding the 350 that you have unless you just desire the bigger displacement of the 455. SBO engines are stout.

 

No I'm not completely sold on the BB. I just want a car that is for the street with plenty of throw your head back torque. Right now, the motor can barely spin the tires. I assume with some work I can get good performance out of this motor. My neighbor keeps telling me to drop a new SBC in there and be done with it, but that just seems wrong to me. I have been told the Olds motors have oiling issues, and that is his basis for going with the modern SBC over rebuilding what I've got.

Craig

 

don't waste that olds by putting a chevy engine in it.

 

I too have heard that they have oiling issues, also that they dont at all. I hear a lot of people during rebuilds install oil restrictors, or get a high volume oil pump. the only problem with the pump is you can actually lose a decent amount of HP at the rear wheels with it. But of course if the engines had MAJOR issues, they would have been corrected before production. You got nothing to worry about. That is one hell of a car though, makes me really want to go ask about a 68 about an hour away from me. Just sitting under a tarp. Good luck, and i guarantee you, your car isn't near as bad as some of the oldsmobiles I have seen. Heck even mine is in way worse condition. of course thats another story. : ) Take care of her though, she will make you a happy man

 

That is kinda what I am thinking... Motor is coming out this weekend, let the fun begin

 

Restoration my ***!!! Looks perfect!!!!

I don't know. But I've been told. A 350 rocket should stay in the Oldsssss.

 

This car is about a 20 footer...
It looks good in the pics from a distance, but the paint is in very tough shape. It was a poor job over the factory finish and is bubbling everywhere. I am a little scared to peel off all of those layers and see what's underneath.

 

I have also heard that.

Never heard it from a competent machinist. Following links might be of help:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums....html#post9956

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...il-issues.html

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-oil-pump.html


Norm

 

Extending the length of the gears, causes a power loss? How is that possible?

Norm

 

Well, theoretically the larger pump is doing more work, hence it requires more HP to drive. Could you actually measure the difference? Doubtful.

 

Not according to the post I replied to.

Norm