394 performance parts

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Old Apr 20, 2024 | 11:08 AM
  #1  
Mikeyt's Avatar
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Mikeyt
 
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394 performance parts

Going to look at, hopefully make a deal, on a 62 98 with a 394.
The plan is to run it as is and fix the small things for now.
I know myself though and once that's done I'll be looking for something else to do.
More power is always nice.

Is there any aftermarket performance support for these engines?
Intake manifold, headers, etc?

Google can't seem to find any.

Thanks
Old Apr 20, 2024 | 11:33 AM
  #2  
redoldsman's Avatar
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About the only things you may find are used and are on places like ebay.
Old Apr 20, 2024 | 12:32 PM
  #3  
Run to Rund's Avatar
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Isky still has cams, lifters, etc,
Old Apr 20, 2024 | 12:47 PM
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I guess keeping it stock is my only option.
I guess that's a good thing for my wallet. Lol
Old Apr 20, 2024 | 12:58 PM
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Stock but tuned should give more than adequate performance. I'm guessing the 98's were all High Compression 4 barrel engines... anyone???

Dual exhaust would be nice.
Old Apr 20, 2024 | 06:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Sugar Bear
I'm guessing the 98's were all High Compression 4 barrel engines... anyone???
.
yes, they all were .


There are a few speed equipment manufacturers making stuff for 394's.
Besides Isky, Camcraft makes several 394 grinds,
.Automotive Performance Camshaft Production Manufacturer | Camcraft Cams

Offenhauser still makes new tri-carb and dual quad manifolds.
They are available through Exeter Auto Supply.
EAS - Offenhauser Catalog (exeterautosupply.com)
Old Apr 20, 2024 | 06:57 PM
  #7  
rocketraider's Avatar
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Originally Posted by Mikeyt
Is there any aftermarket performance support for these engines?
Intake manifold, headers, etc?

Google can't seem to find any.

Thanks
The SkyRocket 394 in the Ninety Eight was rated 330 horsepower. It would move a Ninety Eight out right smartly.

The 59-64 394 was the engine of choice for Gasser drag racing classes and there was tons of speed equipment made for them until the Chrysler 426 Street and Race Hemis appeared in 1964. The low-compression 2 barrel versions worked quite well with a GMC 71-series supercharger perched on top of them.
Old Apr 21, 2024 | 03:17 PM
  #8  
Mikeyt's Avatar
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Originally Posted by Sugar Bear
Stock but tuned should give more than adequate performance. I'm guessing the 98's were all High Compression 4 barrel engines... anyone???

Dual exhaust would be nice.
She definitely needs a tune.
Runs really rich and Trans shifts way too early.
Dual exhaust is first. Gotta chop off that single glass pack dumped at the axle. Sounds like a beat up farm truck right now.

Thanks for replying
Old Apr 21, 2024 | 03:21 PM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by Charlie Jones
yes, they all were .


There are a few speed equipment manufacturers making stuff for 394's.
Besides Isky, Camcraft makes several 394 grinds,
.Automotive Performance Camshaft Production Manufacturer | Camcraft Cams

Offenhauser still makes new tri-carb and dual quad manifolds.
They are available through Exeter Auto Supply.
EAS - Offenhauser Catalog (exeterautosupply.com)
Thanks
Once I get her running right I'll add some performance parts.
tri carb would be cool
Old Apr 21, 2024 | 03:36 PM
  #10  
Mikeyt's Avatar
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Originally Posted by rocketraider
The SkyRocket 394 in the Ninety Eight was rated 330 horsepower. It would move a Ninety Eight out right smartly.

The 59-64 394 was the engine of choice for Gasser drag racing classes and there was tons of speed equipment made for them until the Chrysler 426 Street and Race Hemis appeared in 1964. The low-compression 2 barrel versions worked quite well with a GMC 71-series supercharger perched on top of them.
Motor purrs just as smooth but she shifts too quick and sounds like a farm truck but I think I'm in love.

Old Apr 21, 2024 | 05:18 PM
  #11  
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Very nice looking ride!!!
Old Apr 21, 2024 | 06:17 PM
  #12  
Charlie Jones's Avatar
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If you don't already have one, an Oldsmobile shop manual is a very good investment.
These are the books Olds mechanics used at the dealership.
In 1962 Olds published a supplement to their 1961 Shop Manual.
You will need both books if you have a '62.
Among the many other things you will find in the shop manual, are instructions on how to adjust the transmission throttle linkage.
Printed original copies are preferred.
1961 oldsmobile shop manual 1962 for sale | eBay

There is a special adjustment tool that has to be used. They are available from JASWEST.
JASWEST - Product Catalog

A good dual exhaust system is highly recommended.
Luckily, the exhaust manifolds were the same in '62 for single or dual exhaust.
All you will need are mufflers and pipes. They are available from Waldron's.
Waldron's Exhaust – Car exhaust, truck exhaust, exhaust pipes, mufflers (waldronexhaust.com)

Old Apr 21, 2024 | 07:34 PM
  #13  
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See you're in NC. Whereabouts?
Old Apr 21, 2024 | 10:08 PM
  #14  
Mikeyt's Avatar
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Originally Posted by Sugar Bear
Very nice looking ride!!!
Thank you
Old Apr 21, 2024 | 10:09 PM
  #15  
Mikeyt's Avatar
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Mikeyt
 
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Originally Posted by Charlie Jones
If you don't already have one, an Oldsmobile shop manual is a very good investment.
These are the books Olds mechanics used at the dealership.
In 1962 Olds published a supplement to their 1961 Shop Manual.
You will need both books if you have a '62.
Among the many other things you will find in the shop manual, are instructions on how to adjust the transmission throttle linkage.
Printed original copies are preferred.
1961 oldsmobile shop manual 1962 for sale | eBay

There is a special adjustment tool that has to be used. They are available from JASWEST.
JASWEST - Product Catalog

A good dual exhaust system is highly recommended.
Luckily, the exhaust manifolds were the same in '62 for single or dual exhaust.
All you will need are mufflers and pipes. They are available from Waldron's.
Waldron's Exhaust – Car exhaust, truck exhaust, exhaust pipes, mufflers (waldronexhaust.com)
Great info Thanks!
Just ordered both manuals. Man that's gonna be a big help!

Last edited by Mikeyt; Apr 21, 2024 at 10:23 PM.
Old Apr 21, 2024 | 10:10 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by rocketraider
See you're in NC. Whereabouts?
Eastern NC, Beulaville
Old Apr 23, 2024 | 07:20 AM
  #17  
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There may not be anything wrong with that transmission. It is what they called a "Slim-Jim." They are a different animal. People tend to say unkind things about them. Damper plate bolted to the flywheel like a manual transmission. No external torque converter - it has a fluid coupling (that fills and empties) inside the trans behind the front pump. It will not shift like Turbo HydraMatic. Adjustment and fluid level are important.
Old Apr 23, 2024 | 08:11 AM
  #18  
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Mikeyt
 
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Originally Posted by Oldsfan
There may not be anything wrong with that transmission. It is what they called a "Slim-Jim." They are a different animal. People tend to say unkind things about them. Damper plate bolted to the flywheel like a manual transmission. No external torque converter - it has a fluid coupling (that fills and empties) inside the trans behind the front pump. It will not shift like Turbo HydraMatic. Adjustment and fluid level are important.
It just shifts way too early no matter how much throttle you give it.
Old Apr 23, 2024 | 01:11 PM
  #19  
Charlie Jones's Avatar
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Originally Posted by Mikeyt
It just shifts way too early no matter how much throttle you give it.
Make sure the linkage between the carb and the transmission is connected properly.



Old Apr 23, 2024 | 01:22 PM
  #20  
kjr442's Avatar
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394

I do know someone selling a bunch of 394 parts. One thing I thought was coo is the two 4 bbl intake.
Old Apr 23, 2024 | 01:22 PM
  #21  
Mikeyt's Avatar
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Mikeyt
 
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Originally Posted by Charlie Jones
Make sure the linkage between the carb and the transmission is connected properly.


Will do.

Thanks again Charlie
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