Transmissions first to second generation 88
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Transmissions first to second generation 88
I have an opportunity to buy a 4spd auto trans out of a 1950 rocket 88, but I have a 1957 88 with a 371ci w/an 4sod auto. I know the first gen had a 303 block. Are these trans interchangeable?
Phantom Phixer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 5,530
From: Apopka, FL
Not really.
While the '50 trans will bolt up to the '57 block, the flywheel and crankshaft must be modified.
The '57 and up 371 & 394 engines are " Offset balanced ".
Which means that weight is actually added to one side of "the flywheel to help balance the crankshaft.
The '50 flywheel must be modified with this weight and the engine re-balanced.
The '50 flywheel is smaller than the '57 so a '53 or earlier lower bellhousing and '53 starter (12 V) must be used.
Finally, the '50 trans employs a pilot bushing in the end of the crankshaft like a stick shift.
The crankshaft must removed from the engine to be machined to fit this pilot bushing.
While the '50 trans will bolt up to the '57 block, the flywheel and crankshaft must be modified.
The '57 and up 371 & 394 engines are " Offset balanced ".
Which means that weight is actually added to one side of "the flywheel to help balance the crankshaft.
The '50 flywheel must be modified with this weight and the engine re-balanced.
The '50 flywheel is smaller than the '57 so a '53 or earlier lower bellhousing and '53 starter (12 V) must be used.
Finally, the '50 trans employs a pilot bushing in the end of the crankshaft like a stick shift.
The crankshaft must removed from the engine to be machined to fit this pilot bushing.
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