Hey all,

It's time to go ahead and ask some "stupid" questions.

In the event I ever decide to have the engine and trans pulled and refreshed are there serial or ID #'s on them so I know I'm getting my origional stuff back?

If so,where are they located? I know it would be best to photograph everything or as much as possible,but I'd like to have an idea of what I should be looking for.

Also, I've read through a few threads about the ability to change over to a 4 speed auto trans, my '68 "98" has the TH400 trans w/ 2.56 axle.

If the trans was to be swapped out, how would the column shifter come into play regarding the trans selection? I realize Park, R, N & D would (should) be the same, but what would S and L become? Would S become 3rd and L be 2nd? Is the auto trans kickdown a predetermined setting or is that something that is "adjustable" and is the trans set up similar to the origional? I'd hate to change over and find that every time I step on the gas for a little extra throttle I'm initating the kickdown. The car cruises nicely around town and on the highway, just thinking that a 4th gear may give a little better MPG. Probably big bucks to pay for 2-3 MPG HWY.

well anyway, the questions are out there, any feedback will be helpful.

thanks,

mike

 

The tranny should have an ID tag on it with the serial #. Of course your engine has a serial #. A factory service manual will tell you the location. Mine (a 1962 394 c.i. engine) has it on the left (driver) side of the block, right below the head, and above the exhaust manifold.

 

Starting with the 1968 model year, Olds stamped a VIN derivative on the trans case that matches your car's VIN (hence the term "numbers matching"). Every TH400 ever built uses exactly the same shift pattern. So long as the lever that bolts to the outside of the trans is the same length as the one originally used in that particular car, shift pattern is a non-issue. There is an adjustment on the shift linkage to make up for any manufacturing tolerances.