The performance aftermarket hasn’t been kind to Oldsmobile, but Bill Trovato works within the limitations to build a 639hp Olds 400.

 To Oldsmobile enthusiasts, Bill Trovato of Rochester, NY, is a celebrity figure. He not only keeps the Oldsmobile light burning brightly years after the division’s demise, but he’s making spectacular power with an engine family that most gearheads have written off entirely. Bill is a regular competitor at the Engine Masters Challenge, and he always brings great running and beautifully dressed Oldsmobile powerplants to the party. This year is no different. A Dale Cubic tweaked 1,150 Holley feeds an Edelbrock intake and cylinder heads. COMP Cams valvetrain gear—including a .750-lift solid roller cam—move the gases through, which exit through stepped 1 ¾-inch American Racing Headers. Rotating components consist of 11.5:1 CP pistons, Eagle forged rods, and a stock Olds crank. The whole package is good for 639 hp—a figure usually reserved for much larger engine running 91 octane pump gas.