I have a chance to buy a mint 83 Olds 98. I also have a well used one as my driver. It is without a doubt the best car I ever owned.

I was thinking on buying this mint 83 and installing a mild 400 or 455 with TH-400 and making a nice weather driver out of it...

Any thoughts?

Thanks....

 

If you want it & the price is right do it!!! Don`t worry about what anyone else thinks.

 

If I had a 455 kicking around or even a nice 403 I would have dropped it in for sure rather than the 307.They're great cars.

 

I was wondering about the trans tunnel. Would I have to open it up much for a TH-400...

I have driven all kinds of hot cars and this 83 Olds is a fantastic car. It's quiet, rides nice and handles great... The 307 isn't even that bad. I think a nice 400 or 455 would be great in this car...

 

The trans tunnel,I don't know about. I've heard mostly guys keeping the OD trans. Yes,they're such great cars. Loaded with options,decent mpg, cheap to buy,lots of parts in the bone yards etc.

 

the transmission will fit with no mods to the floor pan. my dad has wanted to do this for years but i just can't get him to go through with it.

 

i plan on the doing the same this winter to my delta,but going the 350 route.

i want to keep the 200r4,but concerned about computer issues

 

The 455 will fit with no problems, it will be a little tight.

You'll probably need the heavy duty suspension springs for the front afterwards. but put the motor in first, you may or may not need them.

Stock height Manifold will fit, others IDK (BBO is 2 inches taller than a SBO)

Want to keep the 200r4 tranny. They do sell a computer for that. It's about $300 or so. All the CPU does is lock the convertor in OD and unlock it when you stop

 

Had a friend who bought an '83ish 98 with the diesel replaced with a 350. Car went like a bat out of hell through the diesel exhaust, 455 is not even needed IMO.

 

Knew a guy who had a 98 of that era. It had a 455 in it, nice car...very nice.