394 rebuild or replace

Jody Karls · October 22nd, 2008, 02:54 PM

I havce a 1964 Olds dynamic 88 rag top. 394 & trany need major rebuild. Does one rebild tham both or replace with another GM motor & trany?

Thanks

jodypackerfan1@yahoo.com

justinj · October 22nd, 2008, 02:58 PM

Rebuild the 394, or at the very least, find another running one!

-Justin

csstrux · October 22nd, 2008, 05:18 PM

You may want to consider a 350/350,455/400 combo or something of the sort for day to day driving and parts availability, but I would not get rid of the original equipment. Though I am not sure that would be a simple bolt in conversion

. Chubbies from that era are more familiar than Oldsmobubbles are.

Just a thought.

88 coupe · October 22nd, 2008, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jody Karls

........ Does one rebuild them both ........

Do you have anything against your Olds engine and transmission?

Norm

59-59-59 · October 22nd, 2008, 11:29 PM

[quote=csstrux;47587]You may want to consider a 350/350,455/400 combo or something of the sort for day to day driving and parts availability, QUOTE]

Why wouldnt he consider the 394 for day to day driving? I put 15k on mine last year with no problems. Parts availability for these motors are easy to find if you know where to look - its just the prices that will kill you

csstrux · October 23rd, 2008, 05:24 AM

[quote=59-59-59;47628]

Quote:

Originally Posted by csstrux

You may want to consider a 350/350,455/400 combo or something of the sort for day to day driving and parts availability, QUOTE]

Why wouldnt he consider the 394 for day to day driving? I put 15k on mine last year with no problems. Parts availability for these motors are easy to find if you know where to look - its just the prices that will kill you

I have nothing against them, I'm just a cheap azz

. Seriously, My impression is that these pieces are getting to be rare/valuable/hard to get parts for. So get something that is "run of the mill" to pound on in day to day driving, without giving up the original goods

. Is my thinking wrong for a driver

Olds64 · October 23rd, 2008, 06:36 AM

The 394 is a strong engine. Unfortunately, the transmission on your car is a POS. If you rebuild the 394 you will probably have to get the transmission serviced as well. Unless you live in a major metroplex it will be difficult to find a technician to service that transmission.

The other choice is to put a more modern motor and transmission in it. This is quite a task though. Citcapp just finished a 455 swap into his Olds. Check out his post for pointers and tips.

http://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/...gine-swap.html

88 coupe · October 26th, 2008, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csstrux

........ Is my thinking wrong for a driver

At what point do you think it would be appropriate to change back to the original engine/trans, in order to experience the full Oldsmobile?

Easier to store the whole car, and drive a modern "throwaway" until that time comes.

Now, if the OP does have something against the existing engine/trans, that would be a different discussion.

Norm

88 coupe · October 26th, 2008, 11:07 PM

Jody Karls: You need to take this one with, more than a few, grains of salt.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olds64

........ Unfortunately, the transmission on your car is a POS ........

Because Olds64 failed to correct the "problem", during his half azzed trans "repair", he has concluded that yours is a POS.

In many cases, a proper engine tuneup and correct TV rod adjustment, has cured a "broken" trans.

How sure are you, of its condition?

Norm

88 coupe · October 26th, 2008, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 59-59-59

........ its just the prices that will kill you

If the comparison is, a "budget" rebuilt "Brand X" to a "quality" rebuilt 394, you would be correct.

Machine work, of a comparable quality, will cost the same.

You get what you pay for.

Norm

Jamesbo · October 27th, 2008, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88 coupe

You get what you pay for.

Norm

If you're lucky

citcapp · October 27th, 2008, 10:02 AM

Once again its all about finding the quality engine and tranny shops we talk about on a daily bases. I live 15 miles from Seattle, WA and have lots of choices others are not so lucky

October 22nd, 2008, 02:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jody Karls 1964 dynamatic rag Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: wisconsin Posts: 21	394 rebuild or replace I havce a 1964 Olds dynamic 88 rag top. 394 & trany need major rebuild. Does one rebild tham both or replace with another GM motor & trany? Thanks jodypackerfan1@yahoo.com

October 22nd, 2008, 02:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
justinj Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 65	Rebuild the 394, or at the very least, find another running one! -Justin __________________ 1962 Olds 88

October 22nd, 2008, 05:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
csstrux Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Janesville wisconsin Posts: 1,659	You may want to consider a 350/350,455/400 combo or something of the sort for day to day driving and parts availability, but I would not get rid of the original equipment. Though I am not sure that would be a simple bolt in conversion. Chubbies from that era are more familiar than Oldsmobubbles are. Just a thought. __________________ Chad Greed: in psychology is an excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth

October 23rd, 2008, 06:36 AM	#7 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 4,286	The 394 is a strong engine. Unfortunately, the transmission on your car is a POS. If you rebuild the 394 you will probably have to get the transmission serviced as well. Unless you live in a major metroplex it will be difficult to find a technician to service that transmission. The other choice is to put a more modern motor and transmission in it. This is quite a task though. Citcapp just finished a 455 swap into his Olds. Check out his post for pointers and tips. http://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/...gine-swap.html __________________ Ferris, my father loves this car more than life itself... Apparently, you don't understand! Ferris, he never drives it! He just rubs it with a diaper! Cameron Frye Ferris Bueller's Day Off 1986 Last edited by Olds64; October 23rd, 2008 at 06:40 AM..

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October 22nd, 2008, 11:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
59-59-59 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 308	[quote=csstrux;47587]You may want to consider a 350/350,455/400 combo or something of the sort for day to day driving and parts availability, QUOTE] Why wouldnt he consider the 394 for day to day driving? I put 15k on mine last year with no problems. Parts availability for these motors are easy to find if you know where to look - its just the prices that will kill you

October 27th, 2008, 10:02 AM	#12 (permalink)
citcapp Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 3,445	Once again its all about finding the quality engine and tranny shops we talk about on a daily bases. I live 15 miles from Seattle, WA and have lots of choices others are not so lucky

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