Nooldsman

Hey, new olds guy, looks like there is a lot of knowledge here. I've built many old school hot rods thru the years & owned a few 442s but not very knowledgeable on different swaps. Have a 66 cutlass convert with a 330 & 2 speed jetaway, lookin to put a 350 - 455 motor in with the least problems want to keep the trans, it's just a cruiser not a racer. Have a line on a 455 cheap if will work or options & thoughts,remember just a cruiser no racer, any info is appreciated thanks!!

svnt442

That trans won't live very long behind a 455.

joe_padavano

^^^This. The Junkaway was factory installed behind the 400 BBO in the 1965 and 66 442s, but that was a HD version. The TH350 is nearly a bolt in replacement for the JT and stands a better chance of surviving.

oldcutlass

It's a pretty straight forward bolt in swap. I think the 66 ST300 trans will hold up if its not beaten like rented mule. If your front springs are weak they may need to be replaced.

Nooldsman

Thanks for the quick reply, I understand what yer saying bout trans, was planning on just motor for this year. Besides trans if it will bolt up was just curious about any other issues, motor mounts,exhaust, power steering, etc. I'm not locked in to the 455 yet, I guess a 350 could be a option also I have found a 76 350 I guess I just don't know if different years are easier then others, the 330 has a bad rod knock , lookin for a quick fix for the rest of this year. Thanks

oldcutlass

Use the power steering off the 330, engine mounts are the same, and exhaust mods to the down pipes are required if you go with the 455 because of the deck height difference.