I’m getting old & weak plus 4 back surgeries don’t help so I’m considering an engine & tranny conversion for my 1967 442 as I’m having trouble clutching & shifting. I’d like a modern auto tranny so I’m considering getting an LS engine +tranny combo ( lots around reasonable) I’ll problem sell the orig motor & 4speed as I believe they’re valuable. Both r rebuilt.
My question is, other than motor mounts & tranny support will I have to modify any metal on the 442?

 

Keep the original engine and transmission, even if you swap them out.

 

Why not just have a 200r4 automatic trans in the car for easier driving for yourself? Be a modern auto trans and you would achieve your goal. If the original 400 runs good and all definitely keep it in place.

 

I don’t think the 200r4 automatic trans bolts up to the ‘67 olds400” engine?

 

Anything bolts up with the right adaptor.

Do not sell your original powertrain. Or clutch, or anything. Anything you take off, put in a labelled bag with the fasteners taped to holes.

I would highly recommend you buy a nicely done Cutlass that has this already done, and sell the 442. You will be money and time and hassle ahead.

 

If in the situation you've described I'd convert it to a period correct TH400 transmission, not touch the engine (it is correct, is a good performer and is rebuilt) and keep every piece removed and tagged to convert back to manual.

IMHO, this is the simplest, least expensive way to go while protecting the value and originality of your car

 

Woo hoo! A chance to use all my anti LS memes!!!

 

A 200R4 is a very easy swap. Far easier and cheaper than converting to LS. Not to mention it requires next to zero fabrication.

 

People who have jumped on the LSbandwagon always brag about how cheap the LS swaps are. I say bullshit. While I have personally never done one, I have been involved with dozens with friends and friends of friends.

My reply: think of the money you will save buying the ecm/controller, radiator, fuel system, exhaust work, I stalation hardware, all the little nickle and dime things that quickly add up to hundreds of dollars.

Cheaper indeed. 🙄

 

The 1967 400 engine has the same transmission mounting pattern as every other Second Generation Oldsmobile engine, so it is exactly the same as the 1980s era 260 and 307 engines that came with a TH200-4R from the factory.

 

T-Bone I wish you would reconsider.

You are a 74 year old retired mechanical engineer. Which means you more than most know what's what when it comes to this type of stuff. The early 400 is one of the 2 best engines Olds ever produced, alongside the 425. Vs an LS which while a good engine is just another notch on Chevrolets belt ...

I totally get ease of driving, I'm 55 and stopped driving stick 20 years ago. If its performance you are concerned about or being able to say its as quick as ever, the THM200-4R and the corresponding torque converter is all you need. Manuals dominance died in the 1980s its just people didn't want to read the writing on the wall, or like the nostalgia of stick.

Specs-----1987 GNX vs 1992 Corvette
Horsepower-----300---------- 300
Transmission TH200-4R---6-sp manual
0-60-----------4.7---------- 5.7
1/4 mile---13.5@102mph----14.1@102mph
Curb weight---3545Lbs-----3330Lbs
Rear gear-----3.42--------3.45
MPG city/hwy--17/25-------17/25

Yes the GNX was state of the art vs a regular LT1 Vette but you get the picture...


https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...987-buick-gnx/
https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...-corvette-lt1/

 

This has to be the first time I've seen a car guy want to make his car slower. 🤣🤣
I agree with selling the car. It sounds like it's time to buy a new Corvette.

 

If you want to LS swap your Oldsmobile I suggest finding a truck that runs and drives that has an LS engine. Coworkers of mine will "wire up" an LS engine as long as you bring them the car with the engine, transmission and drive line installed. I'm sure you can find folks near you that do the same.

 

After your LS conversion, you need to remove the 442 emblems and replace them with the more common Chevelle emblems to avoid any confusion at car shows.

 

Do they thin out the harness or leave in an extra 50 plugs and 10lbs of wire?

 

My coworkers cut down the OE harness. We're professional electronics technicians, so automotive wiring is too easy.

 

🤣 this site has the most humble collection of engineers ever.......

 

This is what I was thinking. Hell, you could probably buy three automatic C5 coupes for what that 4-speed Olds might fetch.

 

I mean, it's not bragging if it's true.

 

"It ain't braggin' if'n y'all kin do it."

-- D. Dean, 1934.

 

The 67 442 400t switch pitch tranny was one of the best out there.

just convert it to that.

 

You guys🤣🤣

 

The 200r4 is real simple swap. Everything is available to convert it to auto.

the car would also be quicker and get better mileage. I recently converted a 66 442 to the 200 from the anemic powerglide. Its a monster now. It’s biggest problem is traction

it has 3:55’s. Which aren’t needed..the owner wants to switch to 3:08

 

Well, no wonder it wouldn't run right -- some idiot put a Chevy transmission in it!

 

I know this a joke, based on brand loyalty.

Having said that, you might be surprised at the number of people who think since the PowerGlide is used in race cars, it’s automatically (Ha!) the superior street transmission. Of course, the caliber of people who believe that are also the same ones that repeat the bs “jump a coke can on the street” or “I’ll put a $100 on the dash, if you can reach it you can keep it” crap.

 

The 2 speed was not a Powerglide, it is a switch pitch ST300 or Jetaway with nothing in common with its Chevy counterpart.

 

I think we covered that ...