How to I.D. a 1956 olds hydromatic transmission
#2
There were two distinctly different transmissions used in '56 Oldsmobiles.
One was referred to as type "R" . Also known as a "single coupling" trans and it did not have a "Park" position
This trans was used primarily in standard 88 models, and is virtually identical to the 54 & 55 models.
The other was known as type "O" . Also known as a " dual coupling" or "Jetaway": trans. It had a "Park" position.
It was used primarily on Super 88 and 98 cars. It resembled the 57 thru 60 transmissions.
There should be a data plate on the side of the trans, If the number starts with R 56 it is a single coupling.
If the number starts with O 56 it is a dual coupling.
One was referred to as type "R" . Also known as a "single coupling" trans and it did not have a "Park" position
This trans was used primarily in standard 88 models, and is virtually identical to the 54 & 55 models.
The other was known as type "O" . Also known as a " dual coupling" or "Jetaway": trans. It had a "Park" position.
It was used primarily on Super 88 and 98 cars. It resembled the 57 thru 60 transmissions.
There should be a data plate on the side of the trans, If the number starts with R 56 it is a single coupling.
If the number starts with O 56 it is a dual coupling.
Last edited by Charlie Jones; April 21st, 2022 at 07:13 PM.
#7
The drag racing crowd preferred the quick, clean shifts of the single coupling " R " trans.
It was also lighter in weight.
Joe Average liked the silky smooth, but slow shifts of the " O " type trans.
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