Help......Olds Rocket v8 motor 324 or 371??????:

[Rocket_Hot_Rod]

I'm looking for some help here. I have an Olds Rocket v8 motor with a Hydramatic transmission. I was told from the guy I bought the car from that it was a 324 CI. But the issue is that I have a Olds factory Tri-Power (with rochester carbs) sitting on top, which would make it a 371 ci. The following cast numbers are:

Number on the rear of Block - 568929

Number on the Intake - 571145

Number on Block just in front of left rear cylinder - A377506

I was told that the factory Tri-Power will not fit on a 324 ci.

Can anyone out there positively Identify this motor for me with the information provided?

Thank you.

[mitsudave]

There is a lot of good Olds information at www.442.com. The OldsFAQ there states that the factory tri-power setup will not fit the 324 and that casting number 571145 is a 371 intake.

Here's a quote from the OldsFAQ:

"J-2 Intake Details

First off the J-2 will have "571145" cast in the front.

Secondly, the throttle plates of the appropriate 2-Jet carbs were small, about the size of quarters, the later 2 barrel throttle plates (and appropriate holes in intake) were visibly larger from about 1965 and after.

Further, this intake will only bolt onto the Oldsmobile 371 CID engine made from 1957-1963 due to clearances with cylinder heads and block.

Further, a special vaccuum linkage was used to allow the end carbs to go from closed to WOT at 68° throttle opening on central carb. Central carb provides all fuel for idle and off-idle!

Lack of this vacc system will require a jury-rigged mechanical linkage, if you can scrape up the carbs at Ye Olde Junque Yardes. There are 371's lying fallow. Just gotta find them!

I have this intake, a 371 lined up, and one of the three carbs rebuilt. I will still need the appropriate jets, and some form of linkage that staggers carb opening to eliminate the bog of both ends opening at once.

The J-2 intake fits 371cid blocks and 1957-58 heads ONLY. Have heard of it being adapted for similar applications, but Karl is reluctant to perform non-reversible operations on antiques.

The J-2 intake is a dual-plane intake that used a vacuum-actuated linkage. The center carb provided all idle and off-idle. At a centre carb throttle plate angle of something like 68' (degrees) the vacuum linkage would actuate, and open the end carbs, which operate at WOT only.

The linkage, if complete, is worth more than the bare intake, but probably not as much as a set of correct end carburetors. Not to mention air cleaners, or correct Air cleaner shroud (covered all three).

2GC uses an integral choke, while the 2GV uses a vacuum-break choke. The choke is actuated by a small diaphagm connected to steel tubing that disappears in the area of the exhaust manifold.

Not positive about functionality/routing of tubing.

The Original J-2 carbs are 2x2G (ends) and 2GC (center). These are, again, the small throttle plate variety."

[Oldsfan]

Number on cylinder head falls within '56 parameters, but could also fall within '57 parameters if we knew what the final '57 number was. Apparently '56 and '57s both started with As.

Block casting number is not '56, according to Olds FAQ. '56 block numbers are

568922, or , it looks like, 568928.

I'd make an educated guess at a '57.

Paul

Paul

[muledaze]

I have a J2 manifold complete with Carbs and the vaccuum linklage. Also have a rocket V8 with a manual Tranny housing complete with flywheel and clutch.Having trouble being sure if they will match up. Thinking about setting it down a 57 chevy I have or a 29 ford 2 door.

[muledaze]

My engine numbers are ,,,Rear 559948 and over the clutch 560766,, Mainfold # 559992

Any clue?