Ralph Mack

I am located in south Florida and am searching for a good 394 cu engine. My phone contact # 772-708-6721. Email rcs727700@aol.com. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

HonestDave

I needed one a few years back for a 62 Starfire I was fixing up. Took me three parts cars before I got the right one. The first two, 64 and 63, had good running 394 motors, but wouldn't fit the 62. Something to do with the front mount being a different size, and different harmonic ballance, and these aren't easily altered. Finally found a nice running 62 Super 88 with a disassembled body for $500. I strongly recommend you only buy a 62 motor, and save the aggravation I went through. Sold off parts and got my money back, but it wasn't my original intention.
Happy hunting.

Ralph Mack

Thanks for the heads up.

D. Yaros

I would have never thunk this. Sort of assumed the 394 would drop in any 394 equipped car? Surprise they do not interchange without mods.

HonestDave

As I recall, the front motor mount goes on an extension of the timing cover base. I believe they are totally different timing covers and ballances, and the mount sits further forward on one of them. Seems to me 63 went to aluminum, or something, but it's been a few years. Managed to sell the 64 Super 88 motor for as much as I paid for the whole 62 parts car, so it wasn't too painful.

rd3cafe

hi the h.a.m.b has one but not sure of location, brad

HonestDave

Hey Ralph,
Out of curiosity, what happened to your 394? These are really nice cars. I had a 62 Starfire Hardtop and ragtop, a 63 Starfire rag and a 65 Starfire hardtop. Never really came to terms with the shifting of the Roto-Hydramatic. Always thought if I could combine the transmission from the 65 with the rest of the 62, I would have been quite pleased. Still think the 62 is one one the prettiest cars ever made. Oh yes, also had issues with the 62 fuel pumps. They were big two level units and mine always leaked. Almost went electric on the last one, but sold the car instead.
Got any pictures to post?

67 Cutlass Freak

Hey guys, I picked up a spare 394 engine and slim jim trans for my 64 Dynamic 88. It came out of a '62 Starfire. The timing covers and water pumps are completely different. Here's some photos that might help-
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I think the exhaust manifolds & oil pans may also be different. I bought this combo as a rebuildable core for $45 so they're out there. For rebuilt engine they are kind of pricey.

HonestDave

You might be right with the exhaust manifolds, as well. I seem to remember there were differences. Don't think they had a nice, free flowing left hand exhaust manifold in 62, like 63 and up. I believe the pipe just comes straight down and has a wicked curve. Could be wrong, though, it has been a while.

Tedd Thompson

Weren't the 59 -62 394 engines just a pumped up 371 and a change was made in 63-64 with a new but similar block but incorporating the changes as described above?....Tedd