as I write this.
I just found out that my 56 Ninety Eight does not have it's original motor or transmission.
I was cleaning crud off the motor and found the remanufactered unit tag (from Simpson Sears/ Allstate rebuild believe it or not). It was a surprise to the gentleman I got it from as he did not know it was a rebuilt unit. But then he surprised me with the comment that he "knew the transmission wasn't original, but he thought the engine was"...choke...apparently he enlisted a local Oldsmobile club member to help him with a rebuild of the transmission and the fellow suggested they just replace it with the rebuilt tranny he already had in his garage...erg

So my question to the forum is: How do I check my engine numbers to 1) see what size engine now resides in my 56 2) what size the engine is 3) what year of engine it is.

Thanks for the help

 

Boy, I do not know..That sounds like a greasy job. I hate getting grease under my fingernails....I hope you find out how to do it....Bye Fellas

 

I for myself would not worry too much. I'm sure they put a rebuilt unit of the same make and model. It may be a .030 oversize. It may not be the original engine, but it is of the original style engine. Also the same with the trans, they had to put the same style of trans in order for eveything to bolt and hook up. At least it was quality units for them to last this long. They did a very good job.

Gene

 

Maybe collecting dolls would be a better hobby for you..Anyways i got some cylinder head numbers for 56olds 1956 is 567321......1957-1958 is 571869. You may have to take the valve cover off to see these numbers. I dont have the engine block numbers. Dont be like some people who cry that the engine isnt original to the car - it was probably an upgrade to a blown, spun, underpowered, abused, molested, frozen, cracked, or crappy engine that was in it.

 

Just drive it and enjoy it. I didn't think they stamped VIN numbers on blocks back in 56. I have had more fun in cars where the numbers didn't match, especially at the track. I sold a 1970 SS454 Chevelle because it was a constant worry about theft and throwing a rod out the side of the block.
IMHO I don't think it will be a huge factor in the value of your car.

 

If it's not cancer or a heart attack....................Don't worry about it

 

FIXED IT!!

 

If you post some pictures members here should be able to help you identify what kind of engine it is.

 

As said earlier in this thread. Don't worry about it. Your 56 is a senior citizen and is lucky to still be alive, fix it up and enjoy it. Remember we are all just saving these cars for the next owner to enjoy.

 

thanks folks
there was never any doubt of not restoring the car even if the engine wasn't original
Now knowing that the motor and tranny are not original has actually made some restoration options easier. For instance I was going to stick with the original drum brakes to aintain originality, but now that the originality is already gone, now I will put disc brakes on it.
Also it is an all black car but I love the two tones so now that I don't have to worry about being original, I can go with the colours I want.

My main question is what size engine it is. I'm hoping they just swapped the 324 with a 324. I don't have enought experience with oldsmobile motors to be able to tell at a glance. I've attached some photos. Still pretty gunky. Sorry

 

Here's a shoy from the other side. Valve covers still have the Oldsmobile Rocket stampings

 

Looks like a stock 324 to me. I know its not a later 371

 

I'm the president of the local Oldsmobile club...who is this person that changed out the original....I'll have him arrested, given a quick trial and have him shot.

Seriously, I wouldn't worry too much about it, I rather have a car I really liked than a numbers matching car I didn't. Bring it to our Oldsmobile Show in the Town of Olds this year and have some fun.

 

Hey Ken (442much)....apparently the switch happened back in 1979 so I'm not sure who it would have been..lol
I've been meaning to join your club. Not sure if I'll have the old gal back on the road in time for the show in Olds. Hopefully

 

Well I guess we're off the hook as we didn't get going until 1991. I heard that there was an Olds club in Calgary years ago. Most of those menbers are in ours now. There's about 40% of members in Calgary and about 40% in Edmonton with the rest in BC, AB.,SK, MB and ON. Hope you come on board. Good luck with the car.