Hello all I have a chance to get a 455 engine/trans and am wondering if installing it into my 73 delta 88 royale 2dr will be a difficult job, will a lot have to be changed, will there have to be any modifications to the trans tunnel or any mounts. Thanks for all the advice and help in advance. Steve

 

The 455 was a factory option in the D88. It's a bolt-in. Once again, the only external difference between the small block and big block Olds motors is the deck height. Be sure to use the water pump, accessory brackets, and pulleys as a matched set to avoid alignment issues. Use the motor mounts that match the frame mounts - those will be Anchor 2328s for your car. Obviously you'll need the correct 455 exhaust manifolds. You'll likely need to upgrade your radiator, depending on what's in the car now. Otherwise, drop it in and go.

 

I missed the part about changing the trans also. I assume the new trans is a TH400. You'll need the long tail version for your D88. The crossmember will need to move rearward in the frame - holes are already drilled for this location as the TH400 was also a factory option. You'll need a shorter driveshaft as well, as the TH400 is longer than the TH350 (or is it a TH375B?) currently in your car. The new driveshaft will require the larger front yoke used on the TH400 also.

 

Joe: will the trans that is in the car bolt right up or do I need to change the trans also, I was told that the trans is NO GOOD. Thanks

 

But for 400.00 for both I cannot pass this up.

 

From above:

That means that there is no difference in the bellhousing bolt pattern, so yes, either block bolts to your current trans, as do all blocks with a BOP bolt pattern.