Im wondering if anyone can help me with a couple different issues, First of all i have a 1972 olds cutlass S 350 rocket 350 turbo trans. I recently got my hands on a 12 bolt posi with 3.90 gears and with the fuel costs today, What tranny do i need to aquire to get my overdrive.

 

200r4 or a 700r4. IF you go with a 700r4 then most likely you will need a driveshaft mod. I believe the 200r4 will bolt right in.

 

First, nice car! The 350/350 combo was very popular back then. 350 4bbl or 2bbl? The 4bbl will give you better fuel economy than the 2 bbl if you set it up right.
Second, if you're really concerned about fuel economy why are you looking at 3:90 gears? Are you building a DD? If that's the case I'd stay with the original gears (probably 2:73) set of gears I could and hook it up to the 200R4. The tranny gearing has beneficial advantages to help the overall performance in the lower end and final drive.

X2 Been discussed on this site quite a lot.

 

Thanks for your input, I just bought the rear end with these gears 390 in it. OH boy what have i got myself into. Ok so ive got an oil pan leak and ive got my engine out on a stand, so now that im this far i figured i might as well pull the frame out from under the body and do any repairs to the frame that may need attention since im going to go with the posi. Any body in south western ontario need a turbo 350 only had it in the car for a year and a half, i would like to do a trade for an overdrive tranny either 200 or 700.

 

Ooooooooh nooooooooo, the dreaded might as wellssssssssssssss........

 

Best site for information. If you do any mods to increase the torque on the 350 you should beef up the 200r as they are not the strongest transmission around. Use the search engine on this site.

 

Welcome aboard

This may be some kinda record for catching the dreaded "Might as wells"

 

well i didnt really plan on breaking any records for the might as wells. Ive experienced health issues that stopped me from being able to do these kind of things, so ive semi rebounded from all that put it behind me and look forward to every day that i can keep pushing forward. I wish it were a 69 hurst olds but it's just a cutlass S but it's mine. by the way very nice H/O

 

I'm very glad to hear that your health issues are improving. That's one of the scariest topics to deal with bar none. I understand and appreciate how scary it can be - it happened to me too about 10 years ago.

Well first off, my apologies about the gears. You do know that not all carriers are the same right? Check to see if the one you have will accept the ring/pinion for the ones already in the car. Maybe touch base with Brian (507OLDS) or Jim (Monzaz) on this site. They are both diff specialists and can give you super guidance and suggestions

Now, on to the fun stuff!! Since you've got the engine out, if you have the space, time, $$$ and skills to pull the chassis and do the restoration? I would do it. Just remember it does eat holes in just about all your other committments. Or it can end up taking a lot longer than you thought. (that's where my vote is) Please post some pics of your 72. Work in progress is fascinating; we can sit and watch you work for hours...

Really, take lots of pics of your progress and document everything. I found it to be incredibly valuable not only for 'before/after' shots, but sometimes to see how something went together.

The dreaded MAWs (Might as Well)s is well documented on this site. You may wish to read up on preventive measures in this thread: https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...tml#post357186

Looking forward to your progress. BTW, consider adding your location under your avatar so we know where you are. YAY!! another Canuck!! There are a few Olds guys down in your area...

 

Welcome to the group! Love the look of the post car with the poverty caps and steelies!

 

Just for everyone's information this is a 5 year old post from the past.... Tedd

 

I'm assuming that 72455 accidentally posted on this older thread instead of mine. Easy to do as it attaches to mine as you scroll down quickly. If so, thanks 72455, I like the sleeper look. Not so much when I have the welds on though..