Howdy, folks. New guy on the Olds forums.

I own a 1954 Super 88 Holiday Coupe. If I'm right, that means 2-door hardtop, right? Well, it IS a 2-door hardtop.

I haven't had time yet to go over all the forums so I'll just come out and ask this question even if it may have been answered already somewhere else.

According to http://www.442.com/tech/tech.html Olds managed to increase HP from 1954 to 1956, apparently by increasing compression ratio (see below). Is this a change in cylinder head design or what?

Could it be done to increase HP on my '54? Is it a Very Bad Idea?

ENGINE SPECIFICATONS 1954-1963

YEAR/SERIES BORE AND STROKE C.I.D HORSEPOWER TORQUE C.R.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1954 88 3 7/8 x 3 7/16 324.3 170@4000 295@2000 8.25-1
1954 S88/98 3 7/8 x 3 7/16 324.3 185@4000 300@2000 8.25-1

1955 88 3 7/8 x 3 7/16 324.3 185@4000 320@2000 8.5-1
1955 S88/98 3 7/8 x 3 7/16 324.3 202@4000 332@2400 8.5-1

1956 88 3 7/8 x 3 7/16 324.3 230@4400 340@2400 9.25-1
1956 S88/98 3 7/8 x 3 7/16 324.3 240@4400 350@2800 9.25-1

 

I know they made changes in the ports and valves each year, to increase flow. Don't remember if they made changes to the pistons or combustion chambers.

Depends what you want to achieve. First, be aware that (aside from bragging rights) HP numbers, are all but meaningless.

Norm

 

Yeah, I guess domed pistons would also do it.

Just hoping for a little extra response as always, I guess. I'll bark up a different tree if I need 1070 HP, like Jay Leno's Torino (or whatever it was). Such HP would leave my '54 Rocket all over the road and the ditch as well.

Thanks, Norm.

Keith

 

One of the major problems with increasing horse power is the detrimental effect it has on the rear tires...depending on how large your right foot is!!!