airlamb

I have a 1966 f-85 with a 330 ... and have a 1976 olds 455 with a turbo 400 that i want to put in
.. the question is how many easy or hard will it be to fit in... motor mounts the same????


will the stock frame body rear end be ok to handle the new torque???
i plan on not doing much to the engine... i hope... still havent took apart the 455 engine

joe_padavano

The stock 330 motor mounts bolt to the 455 block, allowing you to drop it right onto the existing frame mounts. This is the easiest part of the swap. You'll need to slide the trans crossmember rearward for the TH400. Since that trans was not offered in 66, you'll need to drill new holes in the frame rail to accommodate it. If you have a convertible or boxed HD frame, you'll need to weld an extension to the tabs that the crossmember bolts to. I assume the engine and trans came from a full size Olds, so the trans is a long tailshaft unit? You'll need a custom length driveshaft and a larger, TH400 front yoke.

Moving the crossmember changes the e-brake cables, since they hang off the crossmember. You'll need the front and intermediate cables for a 1967 Cutlass with TH400. Use the water pump, pulleys, and accessory brackets from the 330. The 64-67 frames are slightly narrower than on the 68-up cars. so the PS pump is mounted high on the driver's side. Get a larger radiator. When you're done, enjoy. The longevity of the rear axle depends on your traction and your right foot, although in reality it should last quite a while unless you are running slicks at the track regularly.

wjustinmartin

I am considering that swap, too

I have a 1969 455/TH 400 trans out of a 98; considering dropping it into my 1967 CS convertible

I wouldn't be doing the swap, but would be "supervising" (ha ha ha ha). So, although a tight squeeze, completely doable? Considering going full nuts and throwing a 2004r on the 455 instead of the TH400.

Then again, I might stay sane and just have the knocking lifter/valve repaired in the 330 and leave good enough alone - decisions decisions

joe_padavano

It's not even a "tight squeeze". The 455 is externally identical to the 400 motor that was optional in 1967.

wjustinmartin

sweet - I may need to increase my tire budget!

1964F85

I'm about to pull this swap myself and had a few questions about the pulley fitment on the 455. The balancers between the 300 and 455 is huge... The 330 looks more like a flange than a balancer, but it looks like the overall depth of the balancer [as measured from the timing cover/face plate] is damn close. The 455 has a big cast iron 3 groove pulley and the 330 has simple pressed steel pulleys. I see I'm going to have to mark the balancer and transfer my timing mark/tab over to the 455 too. Would it hurt to leave the 455 3 groove unit alone and run the rest of the 330 gear with it, or should I swap over the lower 330 pulley as well? I noticed the cast 3 groove unit has balancing drill marks in it.. is this extra weight item needed to keep the 455 happy? The first 2 pics are of the 455 balancer/cast iron pulley and the last pic is of the 330 set up. They are close... Ideas? Cheers, Mike

BILL DEMMER

i put a '67 425 in my '67 cutlass from a delta driver. grab a radiator from a '67 delta(3 core) and the saddles and rubber pieces. replace the saddles on the cutlass upper and lower plates. it will fit right in. you'll want to upgrade the battery cables. i was able to use the existing e-brake cables, i forget exactly how though.


bill

therobski

It's a classic install, even for a novice like me. Gained alot of knowledge on this build ( not done yet but close). Need any ideas, tips on my selection of upgraded parts, clearances etc. let PM me know. DSCN1723.jpg455incar.jpg