Hello everyone: I recently bought a 69 cutlass s holiday coupe, it has a 455BB (396021F),C Heads, Rochester 4bbl,Dual exhaust, 12 bolt rear end, The strange thing is that it has a 2 speed column shift trany. I called the Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and they researched my vin#. According to their info the car originally came with a 350, single exhaust with a 3 speed column shift. My Question is, How is it possilble that they mated a 455 with a 2 speed? the car drives real nice and has a lot of power. all my research so far tells me that the jetaway only was used on L-6 and 350 ci engines. I know that for sure there were modifications done to this car, and whoever did this put a hitch on the car and needed alot of horse power. Why and how would they pull a TH350 and put in a 2 speed to go with a 455? please this has really stumped me. if any one out there has any IDEA or answer how this is. I am a newby to OLDSMOBILE BUT I LOVE THIS CAR EVENTHOUGH IT IS A MODIFIED CAR. Thanks everyone..........

 

Not to insult you, but are you sure it's a two speed? Are you sure it's not a PowerGlide?

It's certainly a strange story!

C.J.

 

I should have clearly said "power glide 2 speed".

 

Ah. I misunderstood the Jetaway reference.

I guess some type of adapter plate can be made/bought. And I know that 'Glides were used for "serious" drag racing in the 60's and 70's. Darned near indestructable. But that is "real" old-school.

Just to confirm, take a look at the pan and compare the shape here: http://obserview.com/autoparts/autoparts-06.asp

C.J.

 

Hi mshavandy, I'm new here also, but not new to Olds. I have not personally laid eyes on a glide connected to a 455, however they did put them on 350's and the bellhousing mount on 330-455 is the same, so it is only a matter of making the linkage work after that. As to why? Who knows. I'm sure we have all seen our fair share of "What the?" in our time. If you don't want the glide, Summit Racing or lots of places provide th350's or th400's. Enjoy that Olds!
Kevin

 

When did Olds use powerglides?

C.J.

 

OOPS. Ok, I confused myself. I hate it when that happens. Gee, that never happens. It still doesn't suprise me.