303 or 455 for my 50 olds
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Joined: Jun 2024
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From: Berthoud, CO
303 or 455 for my 50 olds
I’m on the horns of a dilemma and would like opinions and advice.
I recently became the very proud owner of a 1950 Olds 88. I was very disappointed with the fact that the car came with a ‘72 455 engine with a 3 speed Turbo-hydromatic. The original engine had a cracked block that could not be repaired. The car runs great with the 455 and basically has no issues.
My problem is, I have recently found a ‘52 Olds 303 engine and 4 speed hydro-matic in good condition. I’m torn between leaving well enough alone or pulling the 455 and replacing it with the 303. I know that having a ‘52 engine in a ‘50 is not a 100% restoration but how much does that matter? Also I’m not sure if the original motor mounts were removed. Are the motor mounts the same or are the rear motor mounts on the sides of the transmission like thy are on my ‘58 GMC pickup with a 4 speed Hydro-matic transmission.
Opinions please!!!
I recently became the very proud owner of a 1950 Olds 88. I was very disappointed with the fact that the car came with a ‘72 455 engine with a 3 speed Turbo-hydromatic. The original engine had a cracked block that could not be repaired. The car runs great with the 455 and basically has no issues.
My problem is, I have recently found a ‘52 Olds 303 engine and 4 speed hydro-matic in good condition. I’m torn between leaving well enough alone or pulling the 455 and replacing it with the 303. I know that having a ‘52 engine in a ‘50 is not a 100% restoration but how much does that matter? Also I’m not sure if the original motor mounts were removed. Are the motor mounts the same or are the rear motor mounts on the sides of the transmission like thy are on my ‘58 GMC pickup with a 4 speed Hydro-matic transmission.
Opinions please!!!
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 16,746
If the 455 installation is neat and complete and the car is running well then I'd leave it for now, but buy the 303 just in case I wanted it later or wanted to sell the car to a purist. Your point is well taken; a '52 engine in a '50 isn't a correct restoration but is certainly much more accurate visually.
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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 5,220
From: St. Paul Minnesota
I’m on the horns of a dilemma and would like opinions and advice.
I recently became the very proud owner of a 1950 Olds 88. I was very disappointed with the fact that the car came with a ‘72 455 engine with a 3 speed Turbo-hydromatic. The original engine had a cracked block that could not be repaired. The car runs great with the 455 and basically has no issues.
My problem is, I have recently found a ‘52 Olds 303 engine and 4 speed hydro-matic in good condition. I’m torn between leaving well enough alone or pulling the 455 and replacing it with the 303. I know that having a ‘52 engine in a ‘50 is not a 100% restoration but how much does that matter? Also I’m not sure if the original motor mounts were removed. Are the motor mounts the same or are the rear motor mounts on the sides of the transmission like thy are on my ‘58 GMC pickup with a 4 speed Hydro-matic transmission.
Opinions please!!!
I recently became the very proud owner of a 1950 Olds 88. I was very disappointed with the fact that the car came with a ‘72 455 engine with a 3 speed Turbo-hydromatic. The original engine had a cracked block that could not be repaired. The car runs great with the 455 and basically has no issues.
My problem is, I have recently found a ‘52 Olds 303 engine and 4 speed hydro-matic in good condition. I’m torn between leaving well enough alone or pulling the 455 and replacing it with the 303. I know that having a ‘52 engine in a ‘50 is not a 100% restoration but how much does that matter? Also I’m not sure if the original motor mounts were removed. Are the motor mounts the same or are the rear motor mounts on the sides of the transmission like thy are on my ‘58 GMC pickup with a 4 speed Hydro-matic transmission.
Opinions please!!!
How did you happen to buy this car ?
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,269
From: Edmond, OK
Is a 50 303 that much different than one from 52? As long as it's running with the 455 I'd say leave well enough alone.
@Oldsguy had the 455 and TH400 from his 69 Delta 88 in his 48 66. As I recall, he said it was a tire roasting machine. You might want to consider the longevity of the 3rd member if it wasn't changed with the 455.
@Oldsguy had the 455 and TH400 from his 69 Delta 88 in his 48 66. As I recall, he said it was a tire roasting machine. You might want to consider the longevity of the 3rd member if it wasn't changed with the 455.
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Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 26,299
From: Earth
The OP has previously posted images >>> https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...newbie-179833/
Leave the 455
Leave the 455
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,125
My $0.02 USD...
Leave the 455 in it because it is already there, runs well and has a lot more power than the 303, parts are easy to get for the 455 and swapping it to the 303 may not be as easy as it looks depending upon what was done to install the 455. I'm guessing the 455 is coupled to a TH400 or 350, both are great transmissions that will probably be trouble free.
If most of the car is nice and original I would get the 303 and thoroughly prep it for storage in case you change your mind. If you get the 303 don't let it sit without protecting it from the elements.
Leave the 455 in it because it is already there, runs well and has a lot more power than the 303, parts are easy to get for the 455 and swapping it to the 303 may not be as easy as it looks depending upon what was done to install the 455. I'm guessing the 455 is coupled to a TH400 or 350, both are great transmissions that will probably be trouble free.
If most of the car is nice and original I would get the 303 and thoroughly prep it for storage in case you change your mind. If you get the 303 don't let it sit without protecting it from the elements.
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