Could anyone tell me what engine I could sub for the 394 in my 64 Starfire? I don't have the money to rebuild the original, but if I could find a suitable sub for less than $800, I might be able to put on the road. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 

Any 303 324 371 or 394 will bolt into your car. The mounting style is the same with one motor mount up front.

 

The engines 59 lists are the only ones that are a drop-in, and even then you have to make sure it will connect to your Roto-HydraMatic as 303-324 have beaucoup bolts holding the coupling to the engine flywheel. Another 394 is your simplest swap but odds are will need rebuilding too.

A 65-later Olds engine (or anything else for that matter in case you're thinking Chevy 350 or GM LS) mounts completely different than the original 394. It requires a 61-64 Pontiac RHM bellhousing to connect the Roto to it. A Chevy/LS engine will require changing the transmission and that opens up another can of worms.

Time you've made all those mods, you'd be about as well off moneywise to rebuild the 394.

 

What is wrong with your 394?

 

Save up till you can rebuild the original 394. It doesn't cost any more to rebuild than any other engine.
There is no simple, cheap swap for these cars due to the fact they were originally built with one engine only.
Unless you can find a running 394 or 371, the rebuild will be least expensive way to go.

 

What! I hope you are referring only to 303-394's. Some of these prices just for camshafts would make you sick to your stomach!

 

I'm talking about rings/bearings/gaskets and machine/assembly work involved in a standard overhaul. Those costs are pretty similar no matter what engine is in question.

If you're talking about replacing major components and/or a high performance build, then yes, 394 parts can be expensive or hard to find. That's true for just about any obsolete engine.

 

Been away for awhile. My 394 has a broken connecting rod. Gauged the cylinder wall and crank. Cylinder should be fine as it is outside of the compression are. crank will cost $250 min to replace. Last time I checked the rebuild kit is $1800 unless anyone has a more reasonable source.

 

I'm sorry to hear of your misfortune. I recently picked up a back-up engine and slim Jim trans off Fleabay for $45. I spent $120 in fuel to pick it up. There are deals out there you just have to be patient & diligent about your search. I've seen the rebuild kits for $1200, but I'm sure they could be had for even less if you know somebody like a machine shop owner that can score a much better deal. If your engine doesn't need a full rebuild why not just replace the crank, rod, rings and call it a day. Of course I would suggest you have the block boiled out to make sure there's no metal shavings in any of the oil galleys. If you did go the full rebuild route you'd probably be looking at close to $3000 with machining & parts. I saw this engine on Fleabay and thought it had some pretty cool bolt ons, but who knows about the internals (very risky)-
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111026454548...84.m1423.l2649
Here's a shot of my junk after some major degreasing. Still needs to be put back together and some paint-
114-1482_IMG.jpg

 

Sent you a PM

 

I'll be looking to snag some tax money if the wife will let me. Think I may sell my 59 Tbird to fund the rest of restoration.

 

Fingers crossed, a guy is coming down from Detroit to look at the T-Bird this weekend and then I will start on my Starfire! I will start combing the net for 394s. Still can't get an affordable price for rebuilding the mine, but lots of nice 455s out there.

 

If you go with a 455, you will have to fabricate engine a trans mounts. So if you have fabricating and mechanical skills, should be no problem. Muffler shop can do you exhaust hook up and a drive shaft shop can adapt your drive shaft to the T-400 trans. Just some planning and time to do it.
On the other hand a good used 394 surely is in driving range to pick up and bolt in.
more info, PM me.

Gene
Here is a parts car with a good engine and trans. May have other parts you could use or sell to recover your investment.
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/3853763468.html

 

That's awesome. I'll drop him a text.

 

UPDATE: Machine Shop says my engine is toast. Not sure how it becomes toast just sitting on the floor board of the car, but....

Will bounce around CL and Ebay and whats out there, but not hopeful (nothing on Dayton CL).

 

Be aware that only the 63-4 394s will accept the aluminum front cover. The iron front cover is not interchangeable, nor are the blocks.

 

This is a little far for you, but keep looking they are out there. Like has been said, the years do not interchange in some things, but again a complete might help.
Did you get an explanation as to what is bad (toast) with your engine ?
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/pts/4051585622.html
Gene

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=704390

granted, far away, but stranger things have happened

 

Why can't you just put a 330 in it?
You can bore one to 350 and beyond and use just about any small block head, intake etc.
Just my opinion.

 

If he goes 330/350 style engine and trans, will need to fab a mounting sys. Would be difficult to find the mounting hardware from a '64 big body w/the 330 engine.
Also if they could be found might as well put the 455 in. I would go with the 455 myself and fab the mounts. On the other hand the 394 is a killer engine and runs and drives a whole world of difference when using the T-400 conversion.

Gene
P/S something to consider
http://dayton.craigslist.org/search/...ile&catAbb=sss