I have a 1951 Super 88. Question is will a 324 block bolt right in without changing motor mounts? 2nd question is...If you could build the ultimate 324, how would you build it and what would you use as far as parts go? Reason I ask is I've got about 3500 to blow on the motor. I want to keep an early Olds motor in it.

 

The only guy that i know of with good rep.to build a badass 303-324-371 engine is Tony from Rossracingengines.com He is even driving his own front-engine dragster with a blown 371

 

The 324 should bolt right in. It is just a bored out 303. Can't help you on the second question.

 

303 324 371 and 394 will bolt in. If you have options might as well go for the 394 as it will be in the same price range as building a 324. Ross Racing has quality parts for these rocket motors.

 

If you already have a 324 or have access to one... I would bore it out to 4" (same bore as 371) for about 346 ci. I believe the shorter 371 pistons are the ones that will work. This will not only get you more cubes but help unshroud the valves. Either start with a '56 motor or use the heads from a 324 of that year. They flow much better than 54 and 55. Get some port work done to them and get a more aggressive cam ground for it. top it off with a 4 barrel intake and a holley or edelbrock carb. That thing should rip

 

Oldsmobum...thanks. That's exactly what I was looking for! I will start my quest looking for a 56 324

 

As he alluded to... Why not go for the 394 if you don't already have a motor? Its practically there already, more plentiful, and easier to source parts for. Unless you're going for the nostalgia hot rod vibe... Then again if you go 62 or earlier the 394 will use the same valve covers as a 324, and then it would take a REALLY good eye to spot the difference...

Keep in mind that overboring the motor that much is doable on a GOOD core... 50-60 years of corrosion in the cooling passages can really complicate things.

 

324 and 394 valve covers will not interchange

 

You're right. I was thinking about the smooth valve covers compared to the later finned ones.