Swap out 394 engine?
June 20th, 2013, 05:41 PM
#1
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Socorro, TX
Posts: 31
Swap out 394 engine?
I have a 1962 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 with a 394 cu. in. engine. The parts are much to difficult to find where I live, so I'm contemplating an engine swap for something more common. Which engine would be the simplest to replace it with?? Thanks!
June 21st, 2013, 06:35 AM
#2
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 48,269
Another 394. Nothing else bolts in. Others have swapped in later model motors, so it's certainly possible, but it requires fabrication and money - totally different motor and trans mounts, different trans, different driveshaft, different exhaust, different linkages - you get the idea. Parts for the 394 are readily available, just not at the local parts store. Since you apparently can use a computer, you can order them on line and have them show up on your doorstep in a couple of days. Fixing the 394 will be by far the cheapest solution.
Stock replacement engine parts are available from Kanter, Egge, and many other sources. Ross has performance parts for the 394s.
Stock replacement engine parts are available from Kanter, Egge, and many other sources. Ross has performance parts for the 394s.
June 21st, 2013, 11:18 AM
#4
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Socorro, TX
Posts: 31
Thank you very much for the info!!! That's quite a bummer! There must not be a single 394 within 200 miles of El Paso! And the one part I need, I can't seem to find online! Damn crankshaft....
June 26th, 2013, 08:47 PM
#5
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Terre Haute IN
Posts: 87
Hey! AHOLDEN I have a crankshaft. I think it fits a 59 or 60. I know it wouldn't fit my 64 -394 it was to short. here is the casting numbers.
GM
078
574544
Maybe someone could chime in and let us know for sure if that is what it is.
It has been turned to 0.10 and I have all main and rod bearings for it.
Don't know what it worth? I know shipping will be high.
GM
078
574544
Maybe someone could chime in and let us know for sure if that is what it is.
It has been turned to 0.10 and I have all main and rod bearings for it.
Don't know what it worth? I know shipping will be high.
June 28th, 2013, 12:57 PM
#9
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: North East Texas
Posts: 174
It can be done. I just finished installing a 455 with a TH400 tranny into my 63 88 Conv. Real happy with the way it turned out and the improved performance. That being said, it was a lot of work. New welded on side frame mounts, new cross me.Ber for tranny, new driveshaft, etc. These are just a few of the problems that would usually base one from the swap unless you are able to do the work yourself.Either way, I'm in east Texas and my old motor(it ran well) and tranny are for sale for $500.
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