hello, just picked up a 68' cutlass with a 350 & auto trans.

how can i determine which trans. i have? here are a few numbers i got from the bellhousing area : 8610390 Buick

also, the motor has gold valve covers, and the block appears to be gold. what classifies a rocket 350?

any leaks to this info would be great. i tried decoding the vin/body tag but that doesnt seem to help with whats currently in this thing.


thanks.

 

Give this link a try there's a lot of good info here http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofe350.htm#E350 350CIDEngineDetail

 

Here's a link to a thread with some pictures of the engine castings numbers.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...s-engines.html

Then the following post has the vin number location stamped on both the TH350 and TH400. I believe this can only be used for 1968 and newer transmissions. But hopefully this will help you identify which transmission you have.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-original.html

The term "Rocket" was used to describe the Oldsmobile engines starting in the 1950's (I think!). Any of the 1960's vintage engine could be called Rocket engines. John

 

For the transmission the pans are shaped different between a 350 & a 400. Go to Summit or Jegs are see how they are shaped and then look at yours.

 

Small reference page.

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/PanShapes.htm

 

well it seems to be that i have the 2 speed auto.

thanks.

 

That was the only automatic offered behind the 350 in the Cutlass in 1968. Only the Vista Cruiser got the TH375, a low-po TH400.