hp and exhaust questions

[sleds]

to start off im new here, my name is jake, im 17 and live just north of seattle

alright guys so i got a '53 303 rocket and im thinkin about building and "old school" hot rod or some people call them "rat rods". whats the scoop with hp and torque ratings on this engine? i know theres lots of performance intakes from offy, cragar, and more of the like. what style intake would give me the best street power? triple dueces? six 97's (or similar)? four barrel? dual quads? double deuces? also i was thinkin it would be cool to make my own intake manifold and bolt on some weber DCOE's or SU's. any ideas?

also what else is there for internal performance enhancing parts? any cams out there? different compression gaskets, or should i have the heads machined down slightly? should i port the heads?

also what manual trannies will bolt up to a '53 303.

are there conversions to put the shifter on the floor for hydramatics? ive seen something about a B&M hydrostick. do these fit hydramatics?

thanks all.

[sleds]

no one knows?

[Guest Doug Blake]

Jake,

Welcome, hope this helps you out. Sounds like you have some good ideas, keep us posted how it's going.

<span style="font-weight: bold">'53 303 Specs:</span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">Deluxe 88</span>

2-Brl 8.0 Compression 150hp @ 3600rpm, 255tq @ 2000rpm

1.750-IN/1.442-EX (Valves) .336/.336 (Lift)

<span style="font-weight: bold">Super 88, 98</span>

4-Brl 8.0 Compression 165hp @ 3600rpm, 275tq @ 2200rpm

1.750-IN/1.442-EX (Valves) .336/.336 (Lift)

As for cams, check out CamCroft, Vintage Speed, or Daytona Cams

To update the ignition from points to electronic ignition, (find a 394 Olds distributor, install the '53 gear on it, and install a Pertronix, or similar electronic conversion kit for $75-82)

[rocketraider]

I like this boy already <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />. Make sure you get to the 2005 OCA Nationals in Seattle.

I don't know enough about the 50s cars or engines to help you, but there was a ton of speed equipment made for the 303-324-371-394 engines- the 394 ruled the NHRA Gasser classes for years until the Ford SOHC Cammer appeared. There's an Offy dual-quad intake on ebay right now, but I think it's 371-394.

Yup- the HydroStick was made for 4-speed HydraMatics. Just make sure yer car doesn't have a Buick Dynaflow- the HM plant burned down in 53 and they had to resort to Dynaslushes to keep the automatic transmission buyer happy. If it's got a P in the shift indicator, it's a Dynaflow car.

Doug- does Tanovitz have a website? I've never seen it. Tanson Enterprises in CA is in tune to 50s Olds hotrodding, and a couple guys in NAOC offer stock and performance engine building services. Tanson also sets up later GM automatics to work behind an early Rocket engine. Seems like 30s Cadillac-LaSalle 3-speed sticks were a pretty popular transmission behind the Rocket, but those, like Olds stick trannys, are few and far between now.

Stick with us Jake- check out the National Antique Olds Club too (link from bar to your left). Lot of them guys are into old-school. They had fast Rocket-era Olds back in their day, and they still like to play with them.

[Guest Doug Blake]

Glenn, I'm not sure about Tanovitz, but here's Tanson Enterprises for the transmission conversions, and Dampers. Egge will have some basic engine parts, But <span style="font-weight: bold">Blownolds</span> also has his share of hi-po parts, including Hi-Tork starters.

[rocketraider]

I had forgot Blownolds was cruising this forum now- usually see him over on realoldspower.com . He'd be a good hi-po guru for what Jake wants to do.

I need to talk to Tanson/Tanovitz about a transmission for my blue Starfire. If I can get rid of the Slim Jim, I can also get rid of the aggravating-ass 4GC carb. I like the idea of keeping the 394 in it though. Otherwise it would be 455/400, and I've started accumulating stuff to make that swap- J88 mounts, 64 330 water pump and lower hose- the next thing is will it ever get done.

[sleds]

thanks a bunch for the replies guys, ill let ya know how the build goes

[franks 66 starfire]

does any one know what is the correct height my 1966 starfire should be

i was thinking that i should replace all the coil springs the car is not low or sagging but for its age i think it would be a good idea

let me know