Olds 98 394bb exhaust swap
February 3rd, 2018, 01:25 AM
#1
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Australia
Posts: 8
Olds 98 394bb exhaust swap
Hi all, New Australian member here 
I have recently started doing the engine on my 1961 Oldsmobile 98 'Sport Sedan" and wan to change the "2 manifolds to 1 pipe" set up and put a true dual exhaust system on her.
I am hoping I am able to get some ideas and direction to a set of manifolds that will fit.
I was told that a LHS 403 manifold will fit. But am unsure.
I was going to put the manifolds on the opposite sides and cap the port on the 1 side, but that manifold will foul on the steering box.
If there are a ser of extractors out there I would be keen to hear of them and hope that the seller will post/freight to Australia.
I will attach a couple of pics of my current exhaust,
CHeers,
Shaun
I have recently started doing the engine on my 1961 Oldsmobile 98 'Sport Sedan" and wan to change the "2 manifolds to 1 pipe" set up and put a true dual exhaust system on her.
I am hoping I am able to get some ideas and direction to a set of manifolds that will fit.
I was told that a LHS 403 manifold will fit. But am unsure.
I was going to put the manifolds on the opposite sides and cap the port on the 1 side, but that manifold will foul on the steering box.
If there are a ser of extractors out there I would be keen to hear of them and hope that the seller will post/freight to Australia.
I will attach a couple of pics of my current exhaust,
CHeers,
Shaun
February 3rd, 2018, 07:39 AM
#2
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,295
Hi all, New Australian member here
I have recently started doing the engine on my 1961 Oldsmobile 98 'Sport Sedan" and wan to change the "2 manifolds to 1 pipe" set up and put a true dual exhaust system on her.
I am hoping I am able to get some ideas and direction to a set of manifolds that will fit.
I was told that a LHS 403 manifold will fit. But am unsure.
I was going to put the manifolds on the opposite sides and cap the port on the 1 side, but that manifold will foul on the steering box.
If there are a ser of extractors out there I would be keen to hear of them and hope that the seller will post/freight to Australia.
I will attach a couple of pics of my current exhaust,
CHeers,
Shaun
I have recently started doing the engine on my 1961 Oldsmobile 98 'Sport Sedan" and wan to change the "2 manifolds to 1 pipe" set up and put a true dual exhaust system on her.
I am hoping I am able to get some ideas and direction to a set of manifolds that will fit.
I was told that a LHS 403 manifold will fit. But am unsure.
I was going to put the manifolds on the opposite sides and cap the port on the 1 side, but that manifold will foul on the steering box.
If there are a ser of extractors out there I would be keen to hear of them and hope that the seller will post/freight to Australia.
I will attach a couple of pics of my current exhaust,
CHeers,
Shaun
February 3rd, 2018, 07:00 PM
#3
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Australia
Posts: 8
Left manifold
I have looked at the parts manual there and it seems the 62 left manifold is different.
this one exits forward of the steering box.... this would mean I’d have to run a pipe under the steering box, which could foul with the front suspension..... I would like to find an exhaust manifold that exits to the rear of the steering box.
this one exits forward of the steering box.... this would mean I’d have to run a pipe under the steering box, which could foul with the front suspension..... I would like to find an exhaust manifold that exits to the rear of the steering box.
February 3rd, 2018, 07:17 PM
#4
Acceleratii maxim rapidus
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Great Southern Taxland...
Posts: 369
Hi Shawn and welcome mate, another Old's down under on the Gold Coast by the look of your pic.
Cant help with your exhaust issue, but we would all like to see some pics of your '61 Old's 98. Is it LHD still, or has a RHD conversion been done?
I haven't found many useful parts here in Oz for these cars, I've had to import $$$'s worth of parts myself and shipping is sometimes more than the parts cost, even went to the U.S last year with empty bags and brought back a swag of parts in my luggage!
Cant help with your exhaust issue, but we would all like to see some pics of your '61 Old's 98. Is it LHD still, or has a RHD conversion been done?
I haven't found many useful parts here in Oz for these cars, I've had to import $$$'s worth of parts myself and shipping is sometimes more than the parts cost, even went to the U.S last year with empty bags and brought back a swag of parts in my luggage!
Last edited by 73aussie455; February 3rd, 2018 at 07:20 PM.
February 3rd, 2018, 11:58 PM
#5
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Australia
Posts: 8
Hi Shawn and welcome mate, another Old's down under on the Gold Coast by the look of your pic.
Cant help with your exhaust issue, but we would all like to see some pics of your '61 Old's 98. Is it LHD still, or has a RHD conversion been done?
I haven't found many useful parts here in Oz for these cars, I've had to import $$$'s worth of parts myself and shipping is sometimes more than the parts cost, even went to the U.S last year with empty bags and brought back a swag of parts in my luggage!
Cant help with your exhaust issue, but we would all like to see some pics of your '61 Old's 98. Is it LHD still, or has a RHD conversion been done?
I haven't found many useful parts here in Oz for these cars, I've had to import $$$'s worth of parts myself and shipping is sometimes more than the parts cost, even went to the U.S last year with empty bags and brought back a swag of parts in my luggage!
hey mate. This old girl is in Mount Isa in NW QLD..... it is still LHD I’ll try and attach a few pics.
February 4th, 2018, 06:45 AM
#7
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,295
I have looked at the parts manual there and it seems the 62 left manifold is different.
this one exits forward of the steering box.... this would mean I’d have to run a pipe under the steering box, which could foul with the front suspension..... I would like to find an exhaust manifold that exits to the rear of the steering box.
this one exits forward of the steering box.... this would mean I’d have to run a pipe under the steering box, which could foul with the front suspension..... I would like to find an exhaust manifold that exits to the rear of the steering box.
February 5th, 2018, 02:24 AM
#8
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Australia
Posts: 8
So I need to find this 3.609 "Front pipe"?
I would hope it would clear and not foul on either the pitman arm and seering box.
Where would I find this part code, so I can begin looking?
I would hope it would clear and not foul on either the pitman arm and seering box.
Where would I find this part code, so I can begin looking?
February 5th, 2018, 02:27 AM
#9
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Location: Australia
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I have not yer found a floor panel that isn't going to cost me $230AUD to send here to australia either lol
February 5th, 2018, 05:18 AM
#10
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,295
February 5th, 2018, 05:51 AM
#11
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The actual part number for the pipe is shown in the table below - 581537 (D.E. = dual exhaust). You are highly unlikely to find one. These have been out of production for over half a century. You may find an exhaust vendor who offers reproductions of the original pipes, or you will have to have one custom bent by an exhaust shop or welded up from mandrel bend sections.
I owned a 64 98 many yars ago and I never ran across a driver's side dual exhaust manifold for it. Your best bet is to find an exhaust shop that can make you a set of custom headers. At least that way you won't have to pay big money for shipping. FWIW, here is the manufacturer that reproduces later model Olds exhaust manifolds. I don't know if they've ever considered doing the dual exhaust manifolds for the 394. There's probably not much demand for a reproduction like that.
https://www.themotorcompany.com/home.php?cat=108
BTW, that is an AWESOME car. Welcome to the site and good luck with your project.
February 5th, 2018, 05:54 AM
#12
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,295
Just to be clear, the OP has a 1961. The parts book does NOT show a separate dual exhaust manifold for the 1961-62 cars, only for the 63-64 cars.
February 5th, 2018, 08:47 AM
#13
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: Bradford, Ontario
Posts: 782
The 63/64 dual exhaust manifold does work on a 62 full size car, I can't see any reason it shouldn't work on a 61. I have used this manifold on my 62's. (starfire and wagon) without any interference with the transmission or starter motor.
You will find these manifolds are becoming more scarce as the Starfire people with 62's and I guess 61's are buying them up.
When I added the L/H dual exhaust manifold to my car I sold the original pipe to a member here to add dual to his 62 88.
The pipe section Joe is showing I've seen for sale in the past on Evil-Bay and several years ago at the Nationals meet.
This manifold was available on the Starfire and the 98 custom sport coupe, you could also special order this when you ordered your car at the dealer.
Steve
You will find these manifolds are becoming more scarce as the Starfire people with 62's and I guess 61's are buying them up.
When I added the L/H dual exhaust manifold to my car I sold the original pipe to a member here to add dual to his 62 88.
The pipe section Joe is showing I've seen for sale in the past on Evil-Bay and several years ago at the Nationals meet.
This manifold was available on the Starfire and the 98 custom sport coupe, you could also special order this when you ordered your car at the dealer.
Steve
February 5th, 2018, 02:08 PM
#14
Oldsdruid
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Southside Vajenya
Posts: 10,293
Joe and Steve are both correct. The 61-62 full-size car uses same LH exhaust manifold for both single and dual exhaust. 63-64 full-size dual exhaust has a separate part number and it can be successfully used on 61-62 IF you can find one. It does get the exhaust out of the steering.
They are used on all 1963-64 Starfires and Ninety Eight Custom Sports Coupes, all 1964 Jetstar I's (not Jetstar 88), and were optional on all Dynamic and Super 88s and non-CSC Ninety Eights.
Nice Sport Sedan by the way. An uncle had one and they bought it late in 1961, and then drove it from Virginia to Washington state for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. At one time we had a pic of the car with the Space Needle in the background.
They are used on all 1963-64 Starfires and Ninety Eight Custom Sports Coupes, all 1964 Jetstar I's (not Jetstar 88), and were optional on all Dynamic and Super 88s and non-CSC Ninety Eights.
Nice Sport Sedan by the way. An uncle had one and they bought it late in 1961, and then drove it from Virginia to Washington state for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. At one time we had a pic of the car with the Space Needle in the background.
Last edited by rocketraider; February 5th, 2018 at 02:10 PM.
February 6th, 2018, 05:51 AM
#15
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,295
Joe and Steve are both correct. The 61-62 full-size car uses same LH exhaust manifold for both single and dual exhaust. 63-64 full-size dual exhaust has a separate part number and it can be successfully used on 61-62 IF you can find one. It does get the exhaust out of the steering. .
February 6th, 2018, 06:27 AM
#16
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Location: Bradford, Ontario
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The original post the OP asks about changing manifolds not adding a pipe, I agree that 61 and 62 used the same manifold for both exhaust systems. The 403 exhaust manifolds don't fit therefore he should be trying to find the correct manifold. The pipe addition from single to dual is an option he might look into and most likely will be his only option until his search for the Holy Grail of manifolds becomes available.
February 6th, 2018, 07:01 AM
#17
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,295
The original post the OP asks about changing manifolds not adding a pipe, I agree that 61 and 62 used the same manifold for both exhaust systems. The 403 exhaust manifolds don't fit therefore he should be trying to find the correct manifold. The pipe addition from single to dual is an option he might look into and most likely will be his only option until his search for the Holy Grail of manifolds becomes available.
February 6th, 2018, 08:02 AM
#18
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Location: Wentzville Mo, Chuck Berry RIP!
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Shawn I put dual exhaust on my 61 Dynamic 88. I bought a kit off of Ebay for $400 shipped. I ended up using Cherry Bombs for the mufflers at the rear where the factory resonator was. The pipes fit up in the rear wheel well which I don't like but that's the way they were bent. I didn't use the mufflers included with the kit because the ends were welded on and when i tucked the pipes up in the wheel well next to the frame for tire clearance it put the mufflers at a weird angle. In retrospect i probably should have taken it to a local shop I was quoted $600 and after the $400 for the kit plus buying different mufflers plus the time laying on my back i would say that is a good deal. I would get a quote from a local shop if you can. Take the factory manual with you to show them what it looks like and how it is routed. The kit i bought was bent off of factory drawings supposedly and it did fit good besides the muffler issue.
Oh, and yes you only need to block off the front of the passenger side exhaust and you can use your existing drivers side manifold.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1961-OLDSMO...item590734f4b5
^This is the outfit i bought the exhaust from. It is a good kit for the do it yourselfer. I think it sounds great with the Cherry Bombs.
BTW to me there are multiple benefits from the duals. More power, better mileage, sounds better and it gets rid of the crossover pipe right under the oil pan which i hated.
Oh, and yes you only need to block off the front of the passenger side exhaust and you can use your existing drivers side manifold.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1961-OLDSMO...item590734f4b5
^This is the outfit i bought the exhaust from. It is a good kit for the do it yourselfer. I think it sounds great with the Cherry Bombs.
BTW to me there are multiple benefits from the duals. More power, better mileage, sounds better and it gets rid of the crossover pipe right under the oil pan which i hated.
Last edited by 61Bat; February 6th, 2018 at 08:50 AM. Reason: added link
February 17th, 2018, 03:00 PM
#20
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Australia
Posts: 8
Shawn I put dual exhaust on my 61 Dynamic 88. I bought a kit off of Ebay for $400 shipped. I ended up using Cherry Bombs for the mufflers at the rear where the factory resonator was. The pipes fit up in the rear wheel well which I don't like but that's the way they were bent. I didn't use the mufflers included with the kit because the ends were welded on and when i tucked the pipes up in the wheel well next to the frame for tire clearance it put the mufflers at a weird angle. In retrospect i probably should have taken it to a local shop I was quoted $600 and after the $400 for the kit plus buying different mufflers plus the time laying on my back i would say that is a good deal. I would get a quote from a local shop if you can. Take the factory manual with you to show them what it looks like and how it is routed. The kit i bought was bent off of factory drawings supposedly and it did fit good besides the muffler issue.
Oh, and yes you only need to block off the front of the passenger side exhaust and you can use your existing drivers side manifold.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1961-OLDSMO...item590734f4b5
^This is the outfit i bought the exhaust from. It is a good kit for the do it yourselfer. I think it sounds great with the Cherry Bombs.
BTW to me there are multiple benefits from the duals. More power, better mileage, sounds better and it gets rid of the crossover pipe right under the oil pan which i hated.
Oh, and yes you only need to block off the front of the passenger side exhaust and you can use your existing drivers side manifold.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1961-OLDSMO...item590734f4b5
^This is the outfit i bought the exhaust from. It is a good kit for the do it yourselfer. I think it sounds great with the Cherry Bombs.
BTW to me there are multiple benefits from the duals. More power, better mileage, sounds better and it gets rid of the crossover pipe right under the oil pan which i hated.
i too don’t like the idea of the crossover pipe.
it must have been a design that saved the company money, not made it easy to work on.
i am hoping to get a system later on this year.
at the moment I have to rebuilt the heads and buy a couple of new valves and pushrods (2 rods and valves bent) :/
i like your 88 61bat... would love to see more of it
February 17th, 2018, 04:13 PM
#21
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Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Wentzville Mo, Chuck Berry RIP!
Posts: 478
https://classicoldsmobile.com/g/album/5513930
https://classicoldsmobile.com/g/album/7666316
Thanks Shaun, awesome 61 dude. Great interior, with factory air!
https://classicoldsmobile.com/g/album/7666316
Thanks Shaun, awesome 61 dude. Great interior, with factory air!
February 18th, 2018, 03:44 AM
#22
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Australia
Posts: 8
https://classicoldsmobile.com/g/album/5513930
https://classicoldsmobile.com/g/album/7666316
Thanks Shaun, awesome 61 dude. Great interior, with factory air!
https://classicoldsmobile.com/g/album/7666316
Thanks Shaun, awesome 61 dude. Great interior, with factory air!
am just going to chance the exhaust to a true dual and get her running again.
i have removed the AC compments (ie, the condenser, rec. drier, pump and a lot of piping) as is does not work and will all have to be replaced by a “134a” kit anyway.
thr rust will be repaired and primed over, and that’s where is wil stay for the meantime..... oneday, when I’m more financial she will undergo a full restoration lol.
Just get the motor running and her driving again for now
February 20th, 2018, 05:38 AM
#23
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Location: Edmond, OK
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Shaun, if you are going to use the factory AC components on your Olds I suggest either charging the systeme with original r12 or using a replacement like r12a.
It's a refrigerant that's available in Canada that I used to charge the r12 system in my 86 f250. It works great.
I don't suggest using r134a in an r12 system. I updated the r12 system to r134a in a 1990 Buick Estate wagon I owned. I did everything by the book (i.e. flushing the system, replacing the drier, hoses and orifice tube, etc.); unfortunately, it never cooled quite well.
Of course, Vintage Air or other aftermarket AC systems are an option too. Let us know what you decide to do.
It's a refrigerant that's available in Canada that I used to charge the r12 system in my 86 f250. It works great.
I don't suggest using r134a in an r12 system. I updated the r12 system to r134a in a 1990 Buick Estate wagon I owned. I did everything by the book (i.e. flushing the system, replacing the drier, hoses and orifice tube, etc.); unfortunately, it never cooled quite well.
Of course, Vintage Air or other aftermarket AC systems are an option too. Let us know what you decide to do.
February 20th, 2018, 06:43 AM
#24
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Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 159
Shaun, if you are going to use the factory AC components on your Olds I suggest either charging the systeme with original r12 or using a replacement like r12a.
https://www.amazon.com/Cans-REDTEK-R...3KEAPG62KBR37B
It's a refrigerant that's available in Canada that I used to charge the r12 system in my 86 f250. It works great.
I don't suggest using r134a in an r12 system. I updated the r12 system to r134a in a 1990 Buick Estate wagon I owned. I did everything by the book (i.e. flushing the system, replacing the drier, hoses and orifice tube, etc.); unfortunately, it never cooled quite well.
Of course, Vintage Air or other aftermarket AC systems are an option too. Let us know what you decide to do
.
https://www.amazon.com/Cans-REDTEK-R...3KEAPG62KBR37B
It's a refrigerant that's available in Canada that I used to charge the r12 system in my 86 f250. It works great.
I don't suggest using r134a in an r12 system. I updated the r12 system to r134a in a 1990 Buick Estate wagon I owned. I did everything by the book (i.e. flushing the system, replacing the drier, hoses and orifice tube, etc.); unfortunately, it never cooled quite well.
Of course, Vintage Air or other aftermarket AC systems are an option too. Let us know what you decide to do
.
Another time I was getting a heavy truck A/C service repair certification. The person teaching the class was a guru from Sanden compressor corporation. He mentioned warranty and failure rates with compressors and that in Canada they sell a lot of refrigerant products that are not legal here because they use propane as a “super cool” additive. Wow
February 21st, 2018, 03:48 AM
#25
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Australia
Posts: 8
Shaun, if you are going to use the factory AC components on your Olds I suggest either charging the systeme with original r12 or using a replacement like r12a.
https://www.amazon.com/Cans-REDTEK-R...3KEAPG62KBR37B
It's a refrigerant that's available in Canada that I used to charge the r12 system in my 86 f250. It works great.
I don't suggest using r134a in an r12 system. I updated the r12 system to r134a in a 1990 Buick Estate wagon I owned. I did everything by the book (i.e. flushing the system, replacing the drier, hoses and orifice tube, etc.); unfortunately, it never cooled quite well.
Of course, Vintage Air or other aftermarket AC systems are an option too. Let us know what you decide to do.
https://www.amazon.com/Cans-REDTEK-R...3KEAPG62KBR37B
It's a refrigerant that's available in Canada that I used to charge the r12 system in my 86 f250. It works great.
I don't suggest using r134a in an r12 system. I updated the r12 system to r134a in a 1990 Buick Estate wagon I owned. I did everything by the book (i.e. flushing the system, replacing the drier, hoses and orifice tube, etc.); unfortunately, it never cooled quite well.
Of course, Vintage Air or other aftermarket AC systems are an option too. Let us know what you decide to do.
Will be a while until I do that.... I have to get her running and fix the rust first..... AC is a luxury I can live without for a bit lol
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