engine swap

78olds · 01-03-2007, 01:53 PM

i have a 78 cutlas with a 260 olds in it id like to change moters and tranny what will bolt right up with no problems will a 350 and 350 turbo tranny work that was in a chevy? id like to find an olds moter but dont seem to have any in my local area and 350 chevy small blocks are a dime a dozen thanks for the help.

texasred · 01-03-2007, 08:59 PM

Welcome to the grand illusion. Ch#vy motor swaps require a LOT of work. Do a search on this site. I think you'll find the answers.

Be patient. You'll find an Olds motor.

C.J.

2blu442 · 01-03-2007, 10:06 PM

Where are you? I'm in Oregon and I have several extra engines. Also.... a few years back I saw a 455 in a 1978 Cutlass. It filled the engine compartment, but it worked!

Eightupman · 01-04-2007, 06:12 PM

Yes a 455 will fit, but I recommend finding the stock notched valve covers if you want a little extra clearance near the AC unit.

I did a 260 to a 307 swap. Took the 307 from a Buick Riviera and got SCHOOLED on the rebuild. If memory serves I hade to change over the oil filter mount, the exhaust manifolds, a few accessory brackets, the fuel pump...and the kicker....the FLYWHEEL! I say this because I had the whole thing back together and all bolted up, jumped in it for the moment of truth and the starter never touched the flywheel.

ANYWAY I digress. Small block Olds motors are still very easy to find. Look in the local yards in big Olds and Buicks, and the 78-80 Firebirds had an Olds 403 (they are harder to find). Everything will bolt up to stock locations however you may have to reposition a sensor or two depending on what the motor comes out of.

And last of all PLEASE PLEASE I BEG OF YOU....DON'T desicrate your Olds with a Chebby motor!!!

Have Fun!

John

78olds · 01-05-2007, 07:29 AM

thanks for the info id really like to find an olds motor sounds like a 403 would be a nice motor what would be a good tranny to put in with a sm. block

78olds · 01-05-2007, 07:30 AM

im in delaware if any sm block olds in the area let me know

Eightupman · 01-05-2007, 02:43 PM

I have a 1972 350 shortblock, and can get some #8 heads that I would consider delivering or meeting halfway from Fayetteville NC. I'm thinking Richmond would be halfway. HOWEVER I am about to score a running 403 (I keep fingers crossed and HOPE) out of a 1978 Electra...heh heh hehe.

And a TH350 is ample behind a smallblock. Heck my dad runs a metric 200 behind a 455...but never sees over 70MPH.....

John

78olds · 01-05-2007, 03:43 PM

that would be great john i can be to richmond in 3.5 hrs

Eightupman · 01-05-2007, 09:30 PM

I can get to Richmond Raceway in about 4 hours... Check your PM's

John

01-03-2007, 01:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
78olds Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dover,De Posts: 17	engine swap i have a 78 cutlas with a 260 olds in it id like to change moters and tranny what will bolt right up with no problems will a 350 and 350 turbo tranny work that was in a chevy? id like to find an olds moter but dont seem to have any in my local area and 350 chevy small blocks are a dime a dozen thanks for the help.

01-03-2007, 08:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
texasred Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 805	Welcome to the grand illusion. Ch#vy motor swaps require a LOT of work. Do a search on this site. I think you'll find the answers. Be patient. You'll find an Olds motor. C.J. __________________ Home of the 1971 Cutlass Supreme convertible Super Karate Monkey Death Car.

01-03-2007, 10:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
2blu442 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Medford, Oregon Posts: 775	Where are you? I'm in Oregon and I have several extra engines. Also.... a few years back I saw a 455 in a 1978 Cutlass. It filled the engine compartment, but it worked! __________________ 1964 Cutlass Factory 4spd 1965 442 4spd 1967 442 Auto 1967 Cutlass Convertible 1968 442 Auto 1969 442 W30 Auto 1970 442 4spd 1971 Cutlass Flat Top Wagon 1973 Che*vy 3/4 Ton 454/TH400 Tow Vehicle Only the tow vehicle is finished!

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01-04-2007, 06:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
Eightupman Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 251	Yes a 455 will fit, but I recommend finding the stock notched valve covers if you want a little extra clearance near the AC unit. I did a 260 to a 307 swap. Took the 307 from a Buick Riviera and got SCHOOLED on the rebuild. If memory serves I hade to change over the oil filter mount, the exhaust manifolds, a few accessory brackets, the fuel pump...and the kicker....the FLYWHEEL! I say this because I had the whole thing back together and all bolted up, jumped in it for the moment of truth and the starter never touched the flywheel. ANYWAY I digress. Small block Olds motors are still very easy to find. Look in the local yards in big Olds and Buicks, and the 78-80 Firebirds had an Olds 403 (they are harder to find). Everything will bolt up to stock locations however you may have to reposition a sensor or two depending on what the motor comes out of. And last of all PLEASE PLEASE I BEG OF YOU....DON'T desicrate your Olds with a Chebby motor!!! Have Fun! John

01-05-2007, 07:29 AM	#5 (permalink)
78olds Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dover,De Posts: 17	thanks for the info id really like to find an olds motor sounds like a 403 would be a nice motor what would be a good tranny to put in with a sm. block

01-05-2007, 07:30 AM	#6 (permalink)
78olds Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dover,De Posts: 17	im in delaware if any sm block olds in the area let me know

01-05-2007, 02:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
Eightupman Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 251	I have a 1972 350 shortblock, and can get some #8 heads that I would consider delivering or meeting halfway from Fayetteville NC. I'm thinking Richmond would be halfway. HOWEVER I am about to score a running 403 (I keep fingers crossed and HOPE) out of a 1978 Electra...heh heh hehe. And a TH350 is ample behind a smallblock. Heck my dad runs a metric 200 behind a 455...but never sees over 70MPH..... John

01-05-2007, 03:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
78olds Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dover,De Posts: 17	that would be great john i can be to richmond in 3.5 hrs

01-05-2007, 09:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
Eightupman Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 251	I can get to Richmond Raceway in about 4 hours... Check your PM's John