I have been installing the Olds 260 in the 88 CSC, should be running today, what a fight. I found out by reading Joe's sticky on motor mounts that my mounts from 70 wouldn't work. So I have lift and swap. The first after finally getting it in place, even the drive shaft wouldn't go in the TH350. The plug I put in broke off, thank goodness the TH350 has a removable tail section. Finally beat that piece out and that stupid sleeve inside wouldn't allow the driveshaft to go in far enough! Had to remove that, now on the home stretch. Just driving it two winters ago with regular washings has finished the driver's floor and a section of the rear frame on the driver, easy to get at, right at where the the Holley tail pipes bolt on.

 

Well this thing has been a suck fest. It should run tonight. It fought me every way it could but it is just about there finally there. I even managed to modify the gas pedal kick down cable to work. Should be interesting to see what a ram air 260 with a quick advance curve, headers, dual exhaust, 3.42 gears and a TCI Fastgate floor shifter can do.

 

Unless that is what you have on hand, why use the 260? any small block, 330, 350, 403... is the same size externally and will bolt up in the same place. Unless you like to be beat on.

 

I had it, the previous owner thought it was a good idea to put it in the 70S I bought. It may only stay a year or two in my 88, at least the the shifter and gearing will make it fun. I was considering a local 455/TH400 long tail. By the time I paid $500 for it, drive shaft mods, possible header issues, piece together a Qjet and shorten the drive shaft and buy a new rad to cool it properly, it would easily cost $1000 or more. I just need a girdle, cam, bearings and a valve job with bigger intake valves for the 403 stroker, it would be almost the same cost. I am focusing on my 70 S this spring, it is next on the list. A stock looking build is the plan for it.

 

Holy **** it runs great, in the garage. It couldn't climb the icy hill out. I had to swap out starters, I shorted out the Summit mini starter. I had a spare no name that seemed to have a weak Bendix. Acted that way first start, work perfect every time after.

 

You see, God is good.

 

No one loves the 260, but, like the Slant 6 and junkies, it is hard to kill.

- Eric

 

Like all Olds V8's it is tough as hell. This car fought me so bad, battery and starter screwed, every nut and bolt a fight. It runs and shifts in and out of gear. The little 260 was pretty sludged up top. I broke some loose and vacuumed it out. I will run flush through it and use my top end engine cleaner that works really well. I will take some pics. I painted the 260, ram air cleaner and with chrome hoses and nice Edelbrock aluminum valve covers, it looks good. It just idles so smooth. I will splurge for the igniter 3 module with the rev limiter, what 7k sound right for the set point.

 

Impressive

 

I've been there when you try to kill a moter and it won't die lol

 

I won't push the poor little bugger to 7k, probanly mid 4k in all seriousness. I may see what it runs at the track. Either way, at least it is Olds powered. This rad was sucky with the 350, hoping it will be OK at 3K with the 260 cruising down the road.

 

Next step....BIG turbo.

 

Sounds like a plan when the 424 is ready.

 

 

I was going to take it to the carwash at lunch but it decided to do it's impression of a sprinkler. I swore every connection was tightened. I got them all to stop leaking except for one, had to buy new a new clamp. Seemed OK after replacing the clamp, maybe slightly more power than before, kick down works, still definitely a 260.

 

It's so tiny!

 

It's such a cute little Oldsmobile motor.

 

For all the jokes and crap you may get for it being a 260 I must say I'm happy to see it not converted to Chevy power like many here sacrilegiously do. Best of luck with 'er!

On a side note, what kind of hoses are you using for heater hose? Looks nice.

 

is your belt on inside out?