Hello everyone, I've gotten a lot of good information from this site since I purchased my 1963 Starfire 3 years ago. I've seen some information about engine swaps but no clear answer. Has anyone put a 455 in a 63 or 64 starfire? Or is it easier/better to just spend the extra money to rebuild the 394 and adapt a different transmission?

 

There are probably some others that are more well versed on this subject than me. The problem from what I have read on here is the transmission. Installing most any other transmission will require modification to the transmission tunnel due to the small size of the slim jim. Certainly installing a 455 could be done but it is far from a bolt in. The 394 uses a front mount and the 455 uses side mounts so you would have to fabricate motor mounts. Somebody may speak up that has done this change.

 

There are people that claim the 63 tranny is ok. Some people are down on the 394, but I think its a good engine. Decide what YOU want to do. Charlie Jones (on this site) would be an excellent source for advice. The high compression ratio is a concern. Just keep in mind that your Starfire weighs about 4560 pounds. You have a complete Starfire and would be worth more than with an engine and transmission change.
I have a 64 Starfire with a 455 and TH400 that was transplanted before I got the car. The interior is the original Starfire interior including console and floor shifter. The car is also sitting 100 miles away from me. The engine mounts and mounting points are different on the 455.. The left side exhaust manifold will need to be addressed and you'll need anew driveshaft.. Sorry I don't have pics at the moment. The engine and transmission are out of the car for overhaul and painting.

 

^^^THIS. Others have done the 455 into a 61-64 full size before, so it can be done. There is fabrication involved due to the custom motor mounts and exhaust. About your only choice for the driver side manifold is to use the 1965-70 factory dual exhaust manifold, which will give you the best chance to clear the steering box. Even then, I think you need to offset the engine slightly.

 

I know ill get burned for this. but ..i have a 64 olds with 394/slimjim..
the motor is o.k and trans is o.k. nothng special but not bad, just ho, hum..
there is better stuff out there.. if you need both motor and trans.. do a swap.
Starfires arent worth much anyway unless theyre stupid mint..
if you want to drive it..l.s. swap can be done for under $5k with fuel injection or with carb and the 5.3 makes as much torqe and horsepwer as big block with better gears in the modern trans and better on gas..
even a 4.8 is an improvement.
the swap isnt hard.. depends on your goals and what you want to do with the car..
a rebuild on a 394 will cost prob at least $5k. Then you still have a slimjim.
if the car is just a parade queen or a show pony.. or if its an investment. then by a means, disregard everthing i have said here.

 

Thanks to everyone for the information. I think I have decided to stick with the original 394 and get a turbo 400 from Tony at Ross Racing. It will cost a little more but what I'm hearing it is an easier install. And I like of like that I'll still have the original engine. Thanks again everyone.

 

Tony is a good guy. Are you still going to have to cut the floor

 

According to Tony I should not have to do anything to the tunnel. It should bolt right in. The one thing that has to be done is modifying the cross member a little bit. I have seem pictures from some of the guys on this site that have done it.

 

I think you made the right move .
These two threads will give you lots of information ;
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-slim-jim.html
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-starfire.html

 

Have you actually swapped an LS engine for the 394? I fear the steering box is a major obstacle as well as other issues with motor mounts, exhaust, etc. If you did, which tranny did you select?

 

Have you finish the mods? How does your ride work with the new tranny? Do you have a total cost?

 

I personally have not done an LS swap but i have seen it done on a 1964 Olds 98 that originally came with a 394. here is a link.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...fZTMG1YMmEbLnx