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

 

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

-Justin

 

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.

 

Do you have anything against your Olds engine and transmission?

Norm

 

[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

 

[quote=59-59-59;47628]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

 

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.

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

If you're lucky

 

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