"Betty" has a 324 4bbl Automatic

My 1954 Super 88 hard top.

 

What a cool *** car. I absolutely love the colors. Beautiful car.

 

She's a looker, thanks for sharing.

 

Very nice!!

 

Thanks, I found out from working on the car that she was originally two shades of turquoise. Then someone in the past had her painted this combination which is an original factory option. I've removed the faux leg pipes because I don't care for them. I have a 1961 394 ( that spent some time at a local machine shop prior to me assembling it ) that will replace the faithful 324.

 

Thanks ! She's rather hard to find parts for but good old Fusick usually has the items. I have a totally rebuilt 1961 394 that I want to bolt to the 1954 hydramatic transmission but I'm not sure if I need additional parts to make it happen ?!

 

Thanks, and she's a real pleasure to drive. I'm surprised the torque that comes from her 324 4bbl !

 

I call mine the Mistress, takes all my time and money, but I love her.... PS that's one fine ride you have there.....Tedd

 

Both cars are so beautiful !!!

 

I think I have read on here that the slantpan hydra-matic currently in your 54 will not bolt to a 394. Tedd can probably shed some light on that.

 

You will need to do three things to couple the '61 engine to the slant pan Hydra-Matic .
1. You need to machine the end of the crankshaft and install a pilot bushing .
2. You need to use the lower bellhousing and starter from the 324 . Because the '61 flywheel has a different tooth count than a 324 .
3. You will need to weld a large strip of steel to one side of the outside of the front torus cover ( flywheel ) .
To make it " offset balanced " like the '61 flywheel

 

What Charlie said.. 324's are internal balanced, while 371 and later are external balanced..... Tedd

 

Yes, I have heard that too . I imagine a "Slim Jim" Roto Hydramatic 375 transmission will couple up to the 394 but aren't they a few inches longer ? I've heard that they are an unreliable transmission ! Would the motor mounts have to be relocated ? Thanks for the help.

 

Yes sir, Betty ain't no cheap date either. I'm finding stuff here and there for the Olds so it adds up. I recently found a headliner but now hear that the windshield and rear window have to be removed to install the new one . Could this be true ? Hey, it just started to snow !
Thanks again from the land of igloos and walrus.

 

Ok, i just saw your note on the alterations needed to use the 394.
thank you.

 

Thanks .