Thread: weird problem from the new guy

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Personally I would be attracted to the 331 Caddy engine and whatever vintage speed equipment you could lay your hands on.

Unfortunatly with any vintage engine (with the exceptions of the SBCs of course) NONE of them are cheap to build. The parts appear to be out there to do them but by the time you get done I believe that you will be looking close to the same money no matter which way you go.

I don't know how much pricing you have done so far but just some examples from E Bay for the engine master kits:

303 Olds $1247.43

331 Caddy $1476.14

331 Hemi $1194.37

You machine work and trans adaptors will also likely be close in price.

The only advantage I can really see here would go to the HEMI believe it or not. Primarly because currently used speed equipment is so readily available for these engines.

You could cut the costs somewhat by building the engine over time like I did and shopping for bargins......but do you want to wait for 15 years to hear it run like I did

I have owned both the Hemi and the 303. I would keep it olds too. The 303 I had with 56 324 heads and intake. It ran real sweet. I also wouldn't just assume every engine needs rebuilt, I have actually rebuilt very few for myself. I find runners in decent usable condition.
BTW, The book I have says the Ed Roth 55 was a 406.

"Yes, Ed Roth swapped an FE into a '55 Chevy in a swap that appeared in a popular 1960s book on hot rodding. It was likely a lot faster and quicker than an iron 283 with a tunnel ram"
Looks like it had several engines according to the article I read.
Sorry for the highjack... but Ed Roth fans might find this a interesting read
Ed Roth's Orbitron Found in Mexico!
http://jalopnik.com/cars/ed-roth/ed-...ico-295010.php

well I did it now! not only did I buy the hemi but Im also just closed the deal on a 1953 olds 303 that I will be starting on the tear down sence there is no history available on that motor. WOW I didnt think that would happen! Ill post some picts of the 303 after I pick it up in the next few days. also may be looking for a set of manifolds if he cant find the ones that came off the motor.