Chapter 4
Rebuilding the Olds 403 & 455 Engines
There is one person who stands outs more than any other when it came to an extensive
knowledge about Oldsmobile engines. That person was Joe Mondello.
Joe Mondello probably knew more about Oldsmobile engines than
anyone else on the planet when it came to making horsepower.
Mondello became knows as “Dr. Oldsmobile“ based on the
fictional character who wore a white jacket in the Oldsmobile
performance ads.
GM officials took note of his cylinder head savvy and was tapped
to design many of GM’s cylinder heads. His cylinder head designs
were used by the Who’s Who of racing’s greatest such as Carol
Shelby, Don “Big Daddy” Garlits, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme,
Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen as well as many others.
Mondello was also a GMC motorhome enthusiast later in life. He and has wife, Mary, were
Eastern States and Dixielanders members in addition to attending a couple of GMCMI
conventions. He had a wealth of knowledge about Oldsmobile engines and he enjoyed sharing
it with club members at rallies.
I recently came across an article written by Mondello titled “Rebuilding Your First Engine.” This
is a six part article with step-by-step instructions on how to rebuild Oldsmobile engines. It’s a
great article, full of information for those of you yearning to learn all you can about rebuilding
your Olds engine.
Get the article in PDF from
this clickable link.
I also discovered, for you hardcore grease monkeys,
Mondello Oldsmobile V8 Engine Technical
Reference Manual
.
This manual is complete with casting numbers, factory
specifications, high performance blueprinting
specifications, drawings, charts, tables, photographs and
much more. The book is a must for any engine builder or
Oldsmobile enthusiast, whether their interest is in racing
or restoration. It contains 80 pages of little known facts
and tips for rebuilding Oldsmobile engines that will
make serious horsepower and stay alive, as well.
Complete Engine Building Tips contains step by step
detailed instructions for the person who wants to learn
by doing or for the experienced engine builder who
needs a quick reference guide. It covers every aspect of
Oldsmobile V8 engines from 1964 to 1990, except the
394.
It is available from MONDELLO Performance Products,
Inc. $26.00.
Go to
www.mondellotwister.com/99cat.html
GMC MotorHome Information
Page 8
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Revised July 2014