Ive got a 1954 Super 88 with a 324 Rocket and a hydromatic tranny, original with the car. Tranny has been rebuilt twice before, and i just finished a front to back seal and gasket replacement on it...BUT now my motor tap tap tap is starting to sound a little more like a knock knock, and after my master cylinder failed this weekend sending me into a chain link fence to stop, it's time for some modern upgrades.
I'm going to swap out motors for (thinking about right now, need to find) a nice 350 or 400 with a 700R4 tranny. Will get a disc brake conversion kit (should match up to a Chevy shouldn't it?) and swap out the drum front for discs, and add a dual reservoir master cylinder.
Any ideas what kind of cash this motor and tranny bring now?

 

It will probably cost more to retrofit a modern engine and transmission to fit your car than it would to rebuild the original 324 and hydramatic. However, I know how you feel. I was considering doing the same thing with my 64 98 until I gave up and bought a different car.

 

An upgrade to a 350 or 455 Olds engine is not that hard of a project. Check out my build thread under "Big Blocks" "455 engine swap". In the thread are pictures and a complete build sheet I did on my 57 Olds Super 88. The thread contains details on the motor mounts as well. The 57 Olds is very similar to your 54. I used the 455 and the turbo 400 transmision and have been very satisfied with the finished project. Good luck with what ever decision you make

 

http://www.discbrakemike.com

Norm

 

Got a 1988 350 SBC from an IROC with 10,000 miles on it, and a 700r4 tranny. Will get on this disc brake conversion this week. Will probably pull this motor by next Sunday when I get all my info straight, but any and all tips are tremendously appreciated.

bigbadt51@aol.com

tony

 

Another chebby goin' in an Olds? Say it ain't so!

 

That cheby ant gonna have the torque needed to pull an old Olds. All that work just to end up a dog. Go with a BB olds 455 or 425.


Josh

 

Why would you need any tips. Just buy Hot Rod magazine. They have done what you are doing about a million times.

 

425 Olds for sale right now in Trenton, NJ

Missing Carb and exhasut manifolds, $350

 

That is a good buy. If it were in Oklahoma City I would jump on it like a fat kid on a cupcake.

 

"Like a ricer on a Fart Pipe"