Oldsmobile V8 Engines: How to Rebuild 1964-1990 & Build Max Performance

Bring that old Oldsmobile engine back to life with this new,
all-color Workbench-edition book.

Oldsmobile caught the performance world by surprise
when it launched its new overhead valve (OHV) V-8 in 1949
called the Rocket. These engines, along with Cadillac, were
the first post-war OHV design produced by General Motors. In
a world of flathead V-8 performance, they were a major step
forward and an instant hit. As was the norm for all American
car manufacturers in the 1950s and 1960s, the Rocket V-8s
grew in size and performance capability until the Generation
II engines began production in 1964. Offered in a variety of
displacements over the 27-year run, the Generation II engine
was offered in sizes ranging from 260 to 455 ci, suiting every
possible need from reliable fuel economy to all-out performance.

In Oldsmobile V-8 Engines 1964–1990: How to Rebuild,
veteran author Mike Forsythe takes you through the complete
process of rebuilding and restoring your Generation II Rocket
V-8 to its original glory. Covered in a thorough step-by-step
format are the tools required, the disassembly process,
analysis of what went wrong, parts selection and replacement,
the machining process, pre-assembly, final assembly, and the
break-in process. Some performance upgrade options are
also included.

The Oldsmobile Generation II engine had a lengthy and
productive run not only powering Oldsmobiles but also a
variety of Buicks and Pontiacs. If you are in the restoration
process or simply want a return to factory-original performance
in your Cutlass, Delta 88, Vista Cruiser, Toronado, 98,
or 442, this book is an essential tool in bring your Oldsmobile
back to its original glory.

• This is the first book published on rebuilding these
popular Oldsmobile engines

• Oldsmobile engines were produced in the millions from
1964 to 1990

• Many of the most popular cars GM produced during this
era were powered by Oldsmobile engines, even many
late 1970s Pontiac Trans Ams

About the Author
Mike Forsythe rebuilt his first engine at age 13. Over the past
45 years, he has rebuilt too many engines to count, whether
they resided in cars, trucks, or aircraft. Mike has also authored
numerous overhaul books for major automotive publishers. In
addition to his expertise with Oldsmobile engine overhauls,
Mike earned certification as an Automotive Service Excellence
(ASE) master automobile technician and is an Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA)–certified aircraft mechanic. As an avid drag
racer, Mike also knows the tricks to ensure that engines reach
their power potential.

Author Bill Trovato is recognized for being one of the most aggressive and successful Oldsmobile engine experts, and he openly shares all of his proven tricks, tips, and techniques in How to Build Max-Performance Oldsmobile V-8s. His many years of successful experience racing and winning with the Olds V-8 in heads-up, street-legal cars proves he knows how to extract maximum power from the design without sacrificing durability.

A complete review of factory blocks, cranks, heads, and more is teamed with a thorough review of all the aftermarket equipment available. Whether mild or wild, the important information on cam selection and Olds-specific engine-building techniques are all here. Fans of the traditional Olds V-8 will appreciate the level of detail and completeness Trovato brings to the table, and his frank, to-the-point writing style is as efficient and effective as the engines he designs, builds, and races.

Anyone considering the use of an Oldsmobile V-8 to power their ride will save time, money, and headaches by following the clear and honest advice offered in How to Build Max-Performance Oldsmobile V-8s. Plenty of photos and step-by-step engine builds showcase exactly how these engines should be built to deliver the most power per dollar.

The first-ever complete guide to the traditional Oldsmobile V-8 for high-performance applications.

• Covers both small- and big-block Olds V-8s using both factory and aftermarket components.
• Addresses component selection, durability mods, and tuning for both street and racing engines.

About the Author

Bill Travato worked for 20 years as an automation mechanic at Delco Products General Motors and has operated his high-performance engine shop for five years. He has competed in a number of Popular Hot Rodding Engine Masters Challenges and is the current record holder in the National Muscle Car Association's X-treme Street class at 7.97@171 mph.