So our 56 324 is pretty much toast. The motor was seized, how ever upon breaking it down we determined that the engine blew a head gasket which caused it to meet it’s demise (however many years ago). It is going to need extensive machine work on the block possibly to the point of sleeving, and a complete head rebuilt. So with that being said, the motor mounts for the front are under the harmonic balancer. I did not want to go with a modern small block, but it looks like I may have no other choice unless somebody on here has an engine with a good block? If not, does anyone know where I can look to try to find motor mounts that will convert the front mounting points to the sides of the block like on a modern engine?

 

Find a 394. Made 59-64, mounts the same, looks very similar, 70 more cid. A 59-62 will be best bet as 59-60 used the 4-speed HydraMatic so it should bolt to yours, and the timing cover changed in 63. Transfer the 56 324 timing cover to it and mounting it should be a drop in. Tedd, d2willys or Charlie Jones can say for sure if 394 will work with your slant pan HMT.

Put it this way- 394 ruled the Gasser world till the Chrysler Street Hemi appeared. Early Hemis and cammer Fords were hot but expensive compared to a junkyard 394, which responded nicely to a blower... so a near stock 394 should motorvate your 56 down the road right smartly.

The H.A.M.B. is a great reference for oldskool stuff and can guide you thru swaps like this.

 

If "modern small block" is code for a Chevy motor, you might want to post this in the Non-Oldsmobile Engine sub-forum.

 

Thanks rocketraider. That’s the info I was looking for. I absolutely want to stay away from a different power plant if possible especially SBC. Sorry about the conflicting terminology

 

If mine I would be looking for a 371, it has about 300 hp. it has the look of a 324 (valve covers the same) and use the starter and flex plate off the 324, after it is balanced ( 371's are external balanced and 324's are interior balanced so you can't mix and match) it's not a hard swap. Do you have a Jet-a-way or a Slant Pan in the car now? Both will work but the Jet -a- way is a a direct swap with the dash gear selector being the same as what you have in there now. The slant pan has a different possession for reverse and park is reverse with the key off, a little different if you aren't use to it. Slant Pans are tougher Jet-a way's smoother both are good transmissions. There are a few other things that will need to be addressed and I use to have a list of all that is needed for the swap but couldn't find it the other day when this very same question came up.

If you get into a place that you have questions I'm sure someone here can help you out, this is a good friendly experienced group..... Tedd

 

Thanks for all the info guys. And Ted yes it’s a slant pan. I’m actively looking for a motor now. I appreciate everyone on here trying to help me. Olds is a very different animal. Which is why we decided to join the family. We are excited, but in no hurry to get this build done. So this is just a delay, but once we get a motor and marrying transmission, then everything else will start to fall in line. While I’m looking I think we’re going to take the body off of the frame so we can sandblast it and paint it.

 

If you are interested , I’ve got a56 324 block complete rebuilt. Bored with new pistons/rings , new cam&bearings, new main and rod bearings. Comes with pan and rebuilt oil pump. Also a set of #10 heads with new valves.

This was a factory rebuilt replacement motor used in the ‘70’s. All new but never sold. I had two of these motors, and sold one last month. Motor spins free, but needs cleaning, been setting for years with no lifter cover .

If interested email me. saltracer32@aol.com

Dale Lafferre, Georgetown In 47122

 

Good morning Dale, I sent you an email last night. Interested in the motor