[Tigers] "My Father's" Oldsmobile Engine

[Steve Laifman]

Tigers,

I am very familiar with the "Olds V-8", however this is the red 1949 
Oldsmobile 88 convertible my father owned, and let me drive.  It had the 
"Rocket V-8 engine".   This was from the higher compression version of 
the "98 series and the "light weight (4,000 Lbs) 303 CID for $2300, with 
the optional high compression version. It sported a red 
body/upholstery.  It was proclaimed the NASCAR Crown and Mexican Road 
Race class wins.

With  four wheel coil springs, the car leaped up and forward under 
acceleration.

Well, when I was driving it, I had a "Stop Light Grand Prix".  Even with 
the 4 spd Hydramatic, I thought it was slow off the line.  Soooo I 
revved up the engine in neutral, and when the stop light turned green I 
dumped it into "Low".  I saw the competition's disappearing tail lights, 
and heard a large "thump".

Well, I had broken both sets of u-joints, and the drive shaft was lying 
in the road.  Had it towed to the Olds dealer, and he replaced all "U" 
joints and drive shaft.  I told my father that a part failed (and not why).

That's when I learned to rev the engine in low with the brakes on, then 
let it go.  And it surely went.  I learned 2 lessons. Don't dump the 
engine into gear. Don't get caught telling your father a lie.  He didn't 
catch me, but I felt really bad about it.

(See the story at "My Life With Cars".  Have your sound on for the great 
music,  The other pages have interesting stories as well.

/http://tigersunited.com/articles/sl-mc/stevelaifman2.asp
/