Hi all, I've stripped down my 350 rocket out of my 68 cutlass and I have a couple of questions-

How can I tell if the valve seats have been replaced so the engine will run well on unleaded?

I could do with a set of big end ( connecting rod) bearings the numbers that are stamped into my set are-
GMMA 68299 & 283AT

Can anyone tell me what size they are?

That will do for now I'll think of some more soon.

 

And... What do the numbers on the heads mean? Mine are no.5

 

The heads are correct for 68-69 350's. The bearing numbers don't mean anything to me, but I'd guess they are original.

 

For me, hard seats are for people that drive there old cars 50,000 miles a year.
If you only drive 5,000 a year, then it is not that important.
So if you took the heads off and there was steel shim head gaskets, then your heads are bone stock, no hard seats. If you are worried about unleaded fuel get some #7A head from a '72 350 Olds, that have factory harden seats.

As far as bearings go, you will have to go after market bearings. The machine shop will measure and determine from there as to what size to use.
same with the pistons, as to bore or not to bore.

Gene

 

some pics.....

 

WTF? Was it face down in the mud?

 

That's the way engines in the rest of the country look.

We have this thing called rain, which causes this thing called rust.

- Eric

 

It sure looks that way given all the mud that is packed into that crank pulley.

 

Rain??? Whats that, we here in N Texas have forgotten what that looks like!!

 

There seams to be normal amount of dirt in the crank pulley. There is a plate in the pulley with two bolts to hold it in, just for that reason to keep a huge amount of dirt off the pulley. If you look close you can see the bolts. My '68 also has that.
Gene

 

You'll know when it comes -
The temperature will drop below 105!

- Eric

 

Wow I've never seen one of those before. It looked like the pulley was PACKED with mud.

 

Is this better?

 

You know if you use a rubber mallet and tap back a fourth, and pull up at the same time . that oil filler tube will come out. Use a rubber mallet and smack the tube pretty hard and pull up. It will come.
Gene