cthomasut

hey guys im buying a 1964 olds 98 with a 394 in it do they make electronic disturbutors for it and if so how makes them ?

Greg Rogers

Welcome to the site and post some pics of your 98 and maybe a introduction about yourself in the newbie forum when you get a chance, a bunch of great guys and info on here! I don't know about a electronic distributor for the 394 but I'm sure others who know will pipe up. I think you could put a Petronics conversion in it , others will know more...

Olds64

Greg is correct, there are points conversion kits that work in a 394 distributor. I installed one of these Pertronix kits in my 64 394 years ago. It was money well spent.

If you're going to purchase a 64 98 realize that it has a Slim Jim Rotohydramatic transmission. Make sure the transmission shifts correctly before buying the car. I never liked the Slim Jim in my 64 98. If I bought another that would be the first thing to go.

oldcutlass

There are no real aftermarket offerings other than a points replacement type module that can be installed inside a stock distributor. I will go as far as to say there is nothing more reliable than points for these engines.

Oldskeeper

Welcome to Classic Olds, I have several 63 62 and 61 full size Oldsmobile's and the Pertronix is the only method to convert over. Please post a few pictures when you get a chance, which model are you buying? The slim jim or roto 10 hydromatic transmission is a good transmission, don't be misled by comparing it to a newer style. The shifting of this transmission is different from the newer turbo bases units. Rebuilding one of these transmissions is difficult only in trying to find some one who remembers them and knows how, there are rebuild kits sold now.

Tedd Thompson

With a pertronix you will save having to set or replace the points (no increase in HP) but they are not unfailable. They do have a habit of the module taking a dump on you at the most inopportune times, keep your old points in the glove box as a emergency fix.

Some people go thousands of mile with no issues others not so much(I'm one of them). On the plus side of points they seldom quit all at once but give subtle warnings that let you know you need to address them but you most always you can get home or to a safe place. When a module goes it's like the key was turned off and hopefully there is a place to get off the road if you are on a road, I was not, long walk out.

If you think about it we usually only put 2 to 4 thousand miles on our cars a year, points last 15 - 20 thousand miles before needing changing. That's only about 20-30 minutes work every 4- 5 years of service, your call..... Tedd

442gs

dont think the 98 olds had a slim jim, they had a Hydramatic 4-speed dual coupling also called a jetaway. which is even a bigger night mare to work on than a 3-speed slim jim only a few people know how to work on them, very pricey. the only good thing about the 4-speed they had a 3.97 first gear for quick off the line performance. caddys, bonneville, and the 98 olds and i think the starfire all had them.

Olds64

You are incorrect.

I can't say anything good about the Slim Jim. Perhaps the one in my 64 98 was abused and is a bad example. As I said earlier, if I had another 64 or older Olds with a Slim Jim I would replace it with a TH400 or 2004R. IMHO the only 64 or older Olds worthy of retaining the Slim Jim would be a Starfire.

Here's a good thread on replacing the Slim Jim. It has good pics that let you know how the transmission got the nickname Slim Jim.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...lim-jim-17372/

442gs

the 3-speed slim jim had P N D S L R. the 4-speed jetaway hydramatic has P R N D S L. easy way to tell.

jaunty75

This is was true in earlier years, but things changed in 1964. That year, the name "Jetaway" was applied to the new 2-speed automatic transmission available on the F-85/Cutlass and the full-size Jetstar 88. The other 88s and 98 were fitted with what was called a "Hydra-Matic" transmission. The term Jetaway was not applied to this transmission.

From the 1964 Olds Prestige Brochure.

442gs

sorry both came with the PNDSLR . my mistake there

442gs

called different names super hydramatic 4-speed dual coupling 315 jetaway

Don R.

Welcome and congratulations on your good taste in big Oldsmobiles. You do not need any kind of electronic distributor conversion, the standard points system worked just fine if properly maintained and will still work fine today. While the Slim Jim trans is a bit peculiar it will also work fine if in good condition, properly maintained and linkage properly adjusted. Original is not a bad thing, don't immediately replace things based on someone else's opinion.

442gs

not easy to swap a 4-speed 315 jetaway as it is to swap a slim jim. need to know what tranny is in there.