I am swapping to a 455 / TH400 in my '66 Cutlass that has a 330 / Jetaway. Did they ever come column shifted or did you have to have the console floor shift with the TH400 option? I will be converting to the cable throttle to solve that issue but want to keep my bench seat.

 

They should just swap in. depending how much play you have in your shifter mech you might be able to access 1 gear. I've read that some guys take it apart and modify them and others just say they don't use first gear any ways

 

X2, it's an easy swap and you can use the firewall accelerator switch to operate the passing gear and leave the SP function disconnected. You will have to move the transmission cross member rearward 6" and have a driveshaft made. Some recommend a new intermediate cable for the Ebrake, but I made a different hook and adjusted mine in to work. Column shift linkage works fine but the shift indicator won't show second gear obviously.

 

Yes cross member needs to be moved back i think 67 ? Was first year they drilled the frame for both options ?


If you can get the yoke for the th400 it will save you a little when making the driveline

 

67 was the 1st year for the Turbo 400 in the Cutlass series. Column shift was available in the 442, vista, and turnpike cruiser with the 400. They are scarce but you can swap the shift bezel from one of these cars to your 66. It will read prndsl. For these early years the detent is in the trans and not the steering column.

 

My 67 442 is th400 column shift, if you want a description of something some time.

Also, for real fun, you could get a switch pitch 400.

 

all awesome information, I always learn something in these posts.

Thanks to all!

 

I appreciate all the replies too as I am wanting to do the same thing as a #2 choice. #1 for my 66 is a 200r and some gear. I also want to retro fit buckets and a console into mine I think. I will post up a thread for that mod maybe if it not to redundant.

 

Dirveshaft issue can be solved by locating a driveshaft from a 67 442 or GTO with a th400 transmission. Keep in mind you'll want a short tail housing 400.

Henry

 

X2 on the T400 with a short tail housing. You can purchase a new driveshaft for around $300 with new Ujoints installed. It's just not worth chasing your tail for an old one.

 

You can use a long tail I am just check your pinion angle .

I know a few co members that are running long tails but yes if you can find a short tail or if you have it rebuilt look into swapping pats to make it a short tail

Guess I should clarify I have the 9" tail so I think it's the middle one ?