LMC

I think I read on a post where a member put a 1986 trans from a omega and put it behind a 350. I have a 68 350 and am looking for a 3 or 4 speed trans. is there a list of what will work on an olds 350.

joe_padavano

Well, the 1986 Omega was FWD, so I'm guessing that wasn't it, but lots of folks have done a manual trans conversion. The biggest problem you will have is that Olds typically did not drill the crank for the pilot bearing on cars that came from the factory with an automatic. Properly drilling this hole requires dropping the crank out of the engine and taking it to a machine shop. There are aftermarket pilot bushings available that work with the AT crank, but you must shorten the transmission input shaft. Reviews of these aftermarket bushings have been mixed.

Bottom line is that you need the correct clutch pedals and associated linkage for your car, a bellhousing, flywheel, clutch, shifter, and possibly a driveshaft.

Search is your friend:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...onversion.html

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...onversion.html

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...onversion.html

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ion-parts.html

allyolds68

Joe

I know the OP hasn't given enough description but I assuming he's looking to upgrade from a 68 2 speed Jetaway to a more modern three or four speed auto.

joe_padavano

OK, I obviously didn't read it that way the first time, but SEARCH is still your friend:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...8-cutlass.html

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-look-out.html

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...h350-swap.html

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...swap-help.html

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...t-bracket.html

67442nut

You didn't mention how you use your car.
If it's a driver/cruiser like mine, you may want to consider a 700R4 conversion.
I know that's not a popular way to go, but, I converted my '67 Cutlass and have been very pleased with the results.
I don't race it, but, I don't baby it either.
The overdrive feature has really helped the gas mileage if that's a consideration.
Although the big gap between 1st and 2nd gear ratios seem to be a concern to most, it hasn't been a noticeable issue for me.
Also, to install the 700R4 requires an adapter plate since it was not made for the Olds bolt pattern.
Again, for me this wasn't an issue.

Most of the guys on this site seem to prefer the 2004R since it's a direct bolt up and apparently
is a tougher tranmission, but I understand they're more expensive to have rebuilt.
Probably a better choice for a performance build.

If you do go with a 700R4, the best ones are 1990 and newer.
Mine came out of a '91 TransAm.

LMC

sorry joe, I didn't give enough info on my meaning of the trans swap. the car is a jetaway but seams to be working ok now. the car has been gone for about 15 years and now we have it back. it is my wife's car and it will probably only be driven around town. I was looking toward the future and wanted to get a good 3 or 4 speed automatic now as a backup. I am not a fan of two speed auto trans. I have delt with them in chevy powerglide.----------sorry. thanks for your help.

allyolds68

Totally different tranny. In my youth I used to floor it, pop it out of low and into neutral at about 60 mph and slam it into drive to make it "catch" second gear. With 2.78's it shifted into second at 72 mph.


I was also the slowest small block powered car so I understand where you're coming from. Out of all my friends everyone would beat me in the 1/4 mile between the cross-walks at my high school except a 65 Galaxie convertible with a 302. I was beaten by a 68 cougar with a 302, 69 cougar with a 302, 71 Cougar with a 351C, 318 Duster (4 speed), 70 & 72 Cutlass Supremes with 350's. (one was a 2 bbl ) and countless others.