smooth1967

I bought a 63 Starfire a while back and the previous owner put a 455 in it. The headers on it had to be fabricated to fit and one had rotted out. I paid $400 to get my $300 headers fabricated and they still don't fit and I just wanna go back to stock. Stock is almost the same horsepower anyway. I live in Upstate NY. Any leads??? Ron 716-438-6563

rocketraider

To be correct you'll need a 63-64 394. A 59-62 will bolt in but the timing cover and water pump are different. You really need to get one from a dual exhaust car with manifolds still attached otherwise you'll have to search for the LH and they're getting scarce, meaning expensive.

Just curious how they set that 455 in there as the mounting system is completely different between those engines. What transmission is currently in it? a THM won't bolt to a 394 without heavy case modifications. You may be as well off to stick with the 455 if it's already in there, and just find compatible exhaust for the 63 chassis. I'm wondering if a 65-70 S casting LH manifold will work here.

f-85

I put a 455 and th400 in a 64 Super 88. I made my own motor mounts and just used stock manifolds. Worked fine. I forgot what manifolds i used. But im sure it was just a body stock manifolds. Ill dig around and see if i can find pics.

smooth1967

Damn. This is turning into a lot of work! The exhaust manifolds were extremely different which I assumed is why the last guy had custom made headers to fit. I wonder if regular manifolds would fit. I may have to check into that. We've had the car sitting in his garage for 10 years and just started playing with it. I'd assume the 64 88 must be the same setup under the hood so I guess I'll start searching for manifolds

NAS Backyard

Hi, I'm actually considering installing a 455 in my 61 Olds. .I also have a complete 63 394 core but I'm in CA. I also have the LH Starifire manifold. If i were you i would stick with the 455 and would have to assume its a Turbo 400 trans. FYI, The 64 Jetfire 88 had the new 330 in it and had a 1 year only mount but it was basically a flange welded to the frame. I have a picture of it. The 394 is as good an engine as a 455 and they both cost a small fortune to rebuild. Speed parts a scarce for the 394 and the slim jim trans is a turd.What ever way i decide to go i will be going manual transmission and that creates even another challenge that i will have to deal with, You can email me at 61olds88atgmail if you want more info. Good Luck.

Red71

hmmm....

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-394-part.html

TDAD

I have a running 394. It is still in the car and I can send you a video of it running.