Does anyone know how difficult it would be to swap a 455/400 combo into a 56' Olds? I am considering installing a more modern set up in my 56'Olds. The car is a basket case, so I'm not cutting up a "good" car.

 

Here's something to consider then.... about 20 years ago I bought some sheetmetal from a 1970 Vista Cruiser wagon. The owner had stripped the body off the frame and put about a 1956 Buick 2 door body on it. He claimed that all he needed to do was build body mounts to match the frame. That the wheelbase and width was just right, that the steering column even came through at the right angle to work with the dash. So at a glance, he had a nice old Buick but with late model drivetrain, steering and brakes. If you have the time to do a little research this could be an easy way to make a fun street rod. John

 

i got a 455 in my 57 and a R400 TRANS NO PROBLEM go for it if you can't yous ypu cross member you can fab one here is a pic of my 57olds009.jpg

 

How hard was it to do? Someone told me the engine mounts on the frame are in the same location of a 455. What about a cross member for the trans? Do I use one from a newer car?

 

Hello

when I put a '70 OLDS 350 in my '50 OLDS coupe, I used a universal engine mount from J.C. Whitney. It is tubular and banana shape. I used the stock rubber mounts for the '70 350. The mount used the stock thru bolt for the rubber mount. I also made a trans mount out of 2" channel and welded tabs on each end. Moved the engine as close to the firewall as possible, cut the brkts and leveled the engine and drilled and bolted in everything.
Gene

 

Sweet! Thanks Gene! Nice car by the way!

 

Gene, nice looking car!

Don't know about the mid fifties, I know that after '49 with the introduction of the V-8 things changed but on my '48 (orginally straight six) the engine mounted to the frame off the front. So when I put a 455 in the '48 I will have to fab a cross support like you mentioned. Didn't know J.C. Whitney sold them. Cool, I check into that.