Read the letter at the lower left corner of the head, near the #1 or #8 spark plug hole, a letter about 1.5″ high indicates a big block, while a number indicates a small block. (Good luck finding a 455 with D’s, E’s and F’s (especially E’s and F’s which are rare.
How do I identify a Oldsmobile 350 engine?
Look at the top of the engine aft of the water pump and fwd of the intake. On the shelf there it should say “395558 2” if it is an Olds 350. Larger “2” on the end. All Oldsmobile V8 engines from oh maybe 1949 on are probably under the vast umbrella of a “Rocket” engine.
How do I know what engine my Oldsmobile is?
A 2-letter code on the oil filler tube identified the engine. 1968-72 V8 models have the last six digits of the VLN number, the year of the block, and the assembly plant stamped on the driver’s side of the block below the cylinder head. A 2-letter code on the oil filler tube identified the engine.
What is a 455 Oldsmobile engine?
In 1968 Oldsmobile debuted the Rocket 455, an engine that was part of a family of 3 (with 400 and 425 cubic inch engines sharing a similar architecture). Offering between 310 and 400hp, and pushing out a spectacular 500 lb-ft of torque, the 455 big block was most famously used in the 442 muscle car.
How do I identify a 1968 442?
From 1968 to 1971 the VIN will identify if the car is a factory 442. You’re looking for a 344 in the start of the VIN on dash or door decal. This signifies an Olds 442 model. The next two numbers afterwards should decode to either a hardtop, pillar coupe or convertible.
How much HP does a 455 olds have?
Its 455-cu.in. engine, which was introduced in 1968 and featured in the Hurst Olds, Toronado and full-size models, became the standard 4-4-2 powerplant, rated at 365 hp.
How can you tell the difference between the Olds 350 and 455?
Easiest way I know is to measure the width of the intake manifold. If it’s about 14” it is a 455. Oh, and @porknbeaner , I had a ’73 Cutlass, 350 4 bbl, factory 4 speed. Four barrel 350 Oldsmobiles were never unusual even in the smog years.
What is a 350 rocket motor?
350. Produced from 1968–1980, the Rocket 350 was entirely different from the other GM divisions’ 350s. It used a very oversquare 4.057 in (103.0 mm) bore and Oldsmobile small-block standard 3.385 in (86.0 mm) stroke for 350 cu in (5.7 L). Output ranged from 160-325 hp (119-242 kW).
How do I identify Oldsmobile heads?
The Oldsmobile factory-production small-block cylinder heads are identified by a number cast into the front lower portion of the head next to the number-1 and number-8 cylinders. The oldest castings have a lower number and the latest production castings have a higher number.
How much horsepower does a 455 big block have?
How Much Horsepower Does An Oldsmobile 455 Big Block Have? The 455 V8 engine developed between 310 and 400 horsepower, and pushed out an incredible 500 horsepower. The car that gained the greatest notoriety in the history of Oldsmobile was the 442 muscle car.
Is an Oldsmobile 455 a good engine?
Is The Olds 455 A Good Motor? The motor is very good. There are very few gains to be made when comparing torque and power. Power will be greater with a mild cam or a decent carb, and headers will boost the economy much more than most cars.
How much horsepower does a 1970 455 have?
The result was the 1970 Pontiac GTO 455, which was stuffed with a beefy 455 HO V8 long-stroke engine. Rated conservatively at 360 horsepower and producing a tremendous 500 pound-feet of torque, the 455 HO gave the GTO the powerful aggression needed to appeal to performance-minded buyers.
