I get concerned sometimes taking the Olds on trips, not because of the mpg, but because of the engine and tranny (original Jetway Hydramatic). Not parts you can find at an AutoZone. But we use it because it's fun. Have taken it to the Turkey Run in Daytona twice and may do it again this year if gas stays below $3 a gal. When I first got it family members tried to get me to buy a 400 gal tank on wheels to tow behind it. Probably would be good for the Daytona trip.

You are so right about the old engines. Getting rebuild part is getting more difficult but it can be done. A friend who had a period perfect original 57 J2 ragtop needed a new crank and had a difficult time getting one, but finally did. He rebuilt the engine then sold the car for $54k. It was a beauty.

One of the car clubs up here has a old style front engine dragster powered by blown 394. Quite the screamer.

Good luck with your engine build, it will be good to see the car when done. I posted a pix of my Olds and engine in my gallery, in case there were some youngin's on here that had never seen a real engine.