1957 Oldsmobile Golden Rocket Engine - The 21st Century J-2

Modern stainless valves were inserted after a mild valve job and the insertion of hardened valve seats. Despite the heads' low-flow ports, the combustion chambers are pretty efficient in their design.

Another hidden upgrade is the swap from the old, heavy rocker arms to new, lightweight aluminum roller-tip parts. They help the engine achieve all the extra rpm it can muster and free-up a couple of horsepower.

John Denyer, the engine's owner, found this snazzy, finned valley cover for the Olds and Thomson Automotive bolted it on. It was one of the few visual deviations from the stock appearance.

The J-2 engine's original 3x2 carburetor setup left much to be desired in terms of appearance and performance. When new, the setup required regular attention to perform correctly - maintenance that most owners neglected, leading to fouled outer carbs and lackluster performance.

Once back from the resto shop, the carbs and linkage were installed on the freshly painted manifold. The non-progressive operation remains the same as the original setup, with the front and rear carbs vacuum-operated and the center carb being the only one directed controlled by the driver and the gas pedal.

The big visual distinguisher for this engine was the use of aftermarket finned valve covers. They were machined at Thomson Automotive to accept reproduction, but original-style, "Rocket" spark plug wire routers.

Another nod to originality is the use of this vintage fuel pump. It incorporates a vacuum pump that's necessary for opening the front and rear pumps. And for those of you who've never a seen a pump like this, the glass section at the bottom is a sediment bowl that requires periodic removal and cleaning.

What looks like an additional, engine-cooler oil filter is nothing more than a compartment for additional oil capacity. Frankly, we don't know why it was designed that way. If you do, please let us know.

The recipient of the updated Golden Rocket engine is owner John Denyer's smooth and subtle '49 Olds coupe. And although the '49 models offered the same basic V-8, the accessory differences on the 1957 J-2 engine will require some modifications in the narrower engine compartment.

One of the biggest holdbacks to the engine's output is the very restrictive, 90-degree cast iron exhaust manifolds. Thomson Automotive believes there's another 15-20 horsepower to be had with a set of headers.