Mikhan

O.K. guys, don't chew me up like you did to Mr. Daytona, but just lookin for some advice on "possibly" changing out the 324 in a 55 super 88 to a little newer engine choice. I want to keep it olds...so what are my options? 1955 technology in engines is a little more than I want to have to deal with in a daily driver. It would be nice to be able to buy tune up parts over the counter at the local parts supplier. SBC is NOT an option. The 324 has been sitting for many,many years and is in need of a rebuild, as probably is the tranny. For my purposes I would like to go a little more modern for the powertrain, but want to stay with olds. Any suggestions?
Some have said go 350 olds...if so what years will work? Eng-trans combos? Thanks all!

joe_padavano

But it's so much fun...

Well, your options are 64-90 Olds or Aurora(Northstar). The former is easier and has been documented here in the past. Of course, you still won't get SBC parts counter availability. If you want EFI, you'll need to go aftermarket or custom. You can bolt up an overdrive trans. The Aurorastar can be swapped to RWD with parts from Cadillac Hot Rod Fabricators (www.chrfab.com).

59-59-59

A better choice ( for me personally ) would be a 371 or 394 Olds which is a DIRECT bolt in. Go for a modern overdrive transmission from Tanson. Electronic ignition, maybe an alternator and you have a more modern setup for a daily driver. I laugh when people say they want a more modern Olds engine like the swap you are planning. What is more modern in a stock daily driven 307 - 455 other that HEI ignition ??

Mikhan

Thanks guys, I apologize for my ignorance(I am new to Olds), my previous resto exp has been with Dodge and Chevy...74 Challenger and 66 Chevelle. But I wanted to do something different...I love the shoebox cars and the olds lines are very appealling to me. What vehicle/years did this 371 or 394 come in. Would a 700r4 bolt up? Also, on a side note...I just found out that I could pick up a virtually rust free 2dr 55 88...less the engine...otherwise all complete for about 5000. I am thinkin this is a good deal? I have the 55 super 88 4dr right now...how many parts are interchangeable?

59-59-59

The 371 came in '57 and '58 and the other version of the 371 ran from 1959 to 1964. The 394 had its run from 1959 to 1964. Tanson can adapt a 700r4 (or a TH350 or a TH400) to fit any 303 324 371 394 after they get done modifying the flywheel, flexplate, and transmission case. I was very satisfied for the work they have done to my TH400 up to a 394

joe_padavano

While I don't disagree, I was reacting to this statement:

I can walk into Advance Auto today and walk out with a water pump, timing chain, exhaust gasket, or oil filter for a 455. Try that with even a 394. Yeah, they might have a listing, but chances are it won't be on the shelf.

citcapp

Installing a 350 or a 455 with a turbo 400 into you car is not to difficult and you can buy them paired up from a wrecking yard complete with brackets and power steering. I did this swap in my 1957 olds super 88 and your car is very similar to mine. New front and rear motor mounts have to be fabricated along with radiator and driveline modifications. I did all of the work myself in my garage except for the radiatior and drive line mods. Check out my thread in the bid block forum "455 engine swap", I believe it is on the second page. it has pictures and a detail on the motor mounts and the frame mods. Good luck

Mikhan

Thanks guys for your help, now I have some research to do. HHMMMM...a 55 with a 455...I'm kinda liking the sound of that. Time to drag the wife to the wreckers...oh wait a minute that didn't sound right, maybe I will go by myself LOL.