I am a novice to the Olds world, not sure on the condition of my engine yet, I just bought the car and have not had a chance to fully evaluate condition yet. it does run and I am assuming the block and heads are original and in good shape,

what parts are readily available to up the performance on the 303 keeping block and heads stock ?

4 barrel
headers
cam

appreciate ideas and direction , copy / paste link below to see photo bucket photos, Allan

https://s958.photobucket.com/user/al...%252088?sort=3

 

I don't know if the 303 had an aftermarket parts base. You need to find a car in a salvage yard to get a 4 barrel intake and carburetor. Headers will have to be custom built. That might be the easiest part to get since it just requires manufacturing your own.

 

Used old speed parts are out there for a kings ransom. You might try Tony at Ross Racing they/ he makes some custom speed stuff. Quality builds and quick first generation Oldsmobile engines ,not cheap....Tedd... Link to come.

 

Here is a link for Ross Racing who is about one of the few who still makes new speed equipment, ain't cheap but it is good. Anything antique will be very expensive and hard to find but there is still stuff to be found in that old barn or garage some where I'm told..... Ross Racing Engines, Rocket and J2 Engine Parts.

What are your expectations? The 303 was the bomb in 49-53 but it will not run with the new crowed. A 700 lb engine and a 250 lb iron transmission is a handicap just for starters. That being said a hot rod first generation Old's powered engine with visible nostalgia type speed equipment is high on my bucket list and I don't care if I lose all my races...... Tedd

 

Here's a thread on the H.A.M.B. that will tell you a lot .
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...4/#post-607360
Used speed equipment is often offered on the H.A.M.B. .

 

thanks for the great replies, I cannot wait to get started on the car.

 

Here's a lead on performance parts:

https://victoria.craigslist.org/pts/...891055455.html

 

I have a lead on a 0lds manifold with rebuilt Rochester 4 bbl , I will go. check them out .
appreciate any comments on this set up, is it olds manifold and came of a 303.
Allan

 

Please post the casting number on the manifold , and we can tell you if it's for a 303 .
Not all Olds manifolds will fit a 303 .

 

Speedway Motors printed catalog is one-stop shopping for early Oldsmobile hop up, if you are not a speed equipment collector who wants period parts. You can try their web site but it isn't a good one in my opinion and the stuff is difficult to find lumped in with parts for other makes, regardless of how you search. The mailed catalogs have speed parts by make of early engine page by page. Carbs, intakes and period looking air cleaners, camshafts, Moon and others valve covers, ignitions, on and on. Great service too, I've used them for years with great results.

Some of the other sources like Summit, Jegs etc have some small amount of the same equipment such as Offenhauser intakes and valve covers, but often their back order time is lengthy as they often don't stock what we want. Speedway seems to have the stuff in stock for shipment at once.

 

thanks , I ordered the speed way catalogs, and will try to get the numbers off the manifold. Allan

 

This is nice to know, thank you.

 

manifold number is 561597, ia the the right one?

 

I saw this on Facebook marketplace today..

 

That's a winner !
1952 & 53 Olds with 4 barrel .

 

I notice 4 bbl manifold has on ly 1 inlet, I assumed it is for heat sensor, my 2 bbl manifold had temp sender an d 2 heater hose holes. confused?? help

 

What you have pictured here is a 3- 2 setup which means three separate carburetors of two barrel design a 6 pack by modern terminology. It will need some sort of linkage (probably progressive in style) and three carbs probably 2 2G Roschesters and one 2GC or something of similar design. That is a cool antique part. What are your expectations on HP or goals..... Tedd

 

thanks Ted, not my 3x2 set up, some one just listed it for sale , I have 4 bbl rochester, which I am trying to figure out. I notice 4 bbl manifold has on ly 1 inlet, I assumed it is for heat sensor, my 2 bbl manifold had temp sender an d 2 heater hose holes. confused?? help, Need help on how to run heater hoses on my 50 303 with the 4 bbl manifold different plumbing?
thanks Allan