cmpcpro

Hey guys I'm checking out my engine on my 56 98 and I'm wondering if it's an older engine.. it's got the 563966 intake which is supposed to be a 55-56 intake, and the block looks like it has 1-9-54 stamped on the back and the block casting number shows it's for 54-56 but all of the blocks for 56 I've seen have a different number.. also my heads don't have 10 they have 7 on them which I have no idea where those go. Looks like I may be in the market for a new motor! This one runs fine but it's a dog and leaks all over.. may need to see if I can find a good 56 324.. or maybe call Ross..

Tedd Thompson

# 7 heads are 54. If you don't find a 56 324 that engine can be made to run close to a 56. Compression is less, different cam and the valves are smaller but most everything else is the same. All can be upgraded to 56 specks if need be.. Tedd

cmpcpro

Thanks Ted, it looks like I'm going to have Ross Racing build me a hot 56 324.

Tedd Thompson

Ho my, keep us in the loop. Tony does good work and has forgot more things about first generation Oldsmobile's than most of us ever learned.... Tedd

cmpcpro

Yeah he seems great! I talked to my friend who knows and builds these motors too and he gave me a list of things that are better on the 56's like bigger bearings etc.. so I don't want to spend anything more on this motor. I would have had my friend build the motor as he knows a lot on Olds motors too but he didn't have a core and then Tony said he could do all these great things that sound great. Only downfall is he's so busy it won't be done until April but I'm sure it will be great! I will absolutely keep you guys in the loop!

cmpcpro

Well I pulled the trigger! Deposit left on a fire breathing 56 324! Roller cam, aluminum heads, etc.. just shy of 400hp It will be ready sometime around March-April so that's gonna be a practice in patience but well worth it!! Tony sure knows his stuff!

Tedd Thompson

That seems like a blast (and expensive). What transmission are you running?

cmpcpro

Yeah well about 15 grand expensive but I figured what the hell this is my only hobby and I work very hard. I have the Jetaway. I'm not going to be doing brake stands or burn outs so I think I'll be ok.

redoldsman

It is good to see somebody doing that inste of doing an engine swap. It will. Be fun to watch this one.

Tedd Thompson

Well in my opinion 400 RWHP is about all I would put on a Jetaway but when in doubt ask Tony. You will have somewhat of a safety valve if you are using a pegleg rear end. I know it was common in the early 60's to run as much as 600 hp on a slant pan with not many modifications and a 800 on dragsters with a bunch of stuff done. B and M became famous with that transmission.... Tedd

cmpcpro

I am betting it's not 400 rear wheel though. But yes it's very expensive vs a motor swap with way more power but to me that's no fun. A stock looking 98 with original motor that's putting out 400hp is whast fun to me

Tedd Thompson

And I can only imagine, surprise surprise what a sleeper. Better start looking for a LS for the *** end, you'll be looking for a little traction.... Tedd

cmpcpro

Yeah that's a good idea! What is the best setup to put in this rear end? thanks!

Tedd Thompson

I think a 57 Pontiac is a direct fit if I'm remembering correctly but you might check on that it's been a while and probably very hard to find anymore as I believe it was the first year for Pontiac.... Tedd

cmpcpro

Thanks Ted, I had a 55 Pontiac and I know that axle was junk. I know in Pontiacs 57 was the first year of good box axles. I thought the 56 Olds rear end was the same as the 57 Pontiac is that wrong? thanks!

cmpcpro

So it looks like 57 was the start for both years. Then 58 was the first year of posi. Is there a specific size rear end I should be looking for? I'm assuming a Pontiac may not be a direct fit. thanks!

Tedd Thompson

I'm going back on a very old memory(high school days) but the transmission first gear in a 56 Olds is quite low to start with unless you are planning to build a strip or stop light car it's doubtful if you would need anything lower than 308's or around there. The hard part will be if you can find a rear end in the first place, they weren't common back then rarer now.... Tedd

cmpcpro

Thanks Ted I meant would a 58 drop in directly?

m371961

First time I read this. Don't know anything about those engines. Just want to say it is great to hear someone wanting to keep it period correct with at least the original style block. Takes courage and desire to do that.

cmpcpro

Thanks Patrick! It's going to be more than just the original style block it IS a 56 324. Everything besides the insides and the aluminum heads will be original! I agree with you though, I could have gotten A LOT more power with a fuel injected LS and a modern tranny, but where would the fun be in that? If you've ever seen that street racing show on Discovery, most of them are fools but I am more like that guy Farmtruck. I like keeping it correct, and that sleeper aspect is a quite nice bonus on top

Tedd Thompson

I do not know about direct bolt up on a 58 you would need someone with a Hollander to see if they were the same.It may pay you to look into something more modern if you don't mind going new school on the rear end..... Tedd

cmpcpro

Thanks Ted, I found a place that specializes in these rear ends and can build a new one for me but they are asking for all the measurements and I'm out of town for a while. Was hoping someone with a 56 rear end knew the measurements already.