40flier

Is there an automatic trans that is a replacement for a roto ?

Olds64

Do you mean the Slim Jim Rotohydramatic? I know there is another early automatic transmission used behind the 394 and 371. I'm just not sure what it is. You're best bet is to have a modern transmission modified or to buy an adapter plate. Check it out!

http://www.transmissionadapters.com/early_olds.htm

http://www.forwhatyouneed.com/index.htm

40flier

WOW! the descriptions on these sites indicate that the only constant in Olds engineering was change.. one site says the length of say a 350 has to be shortened, send them an empty trans case of your choice and $$$ with a 3 month turnaround they'll modify it plus other issues. Second site doesn't mention the length issue but it's selling conversion kits talking about various bell housing, starter, etc variations. I read elsewhere early 60's floor pans have to be chopped. Then there's the relatively easy part of modifying cross members. Sounds like a job for a reality TV program where everything works and it only takes a few days? Thanks

40flier

I can't believe those cast iron inspection covers that the starter bolts to.. how did they ever get these engines in the 50's Merc hotrods? Lots of chop chop chop

Tedd Thompson

A Jetaway can be modified and installed on a 394 (same bolt pattern) but the same problems with having to prune the tunnel and floor and make a cross member. They called it a Slim Jim for a reason.

And putting a first generation Old's in a fifties era car isn't that much of a problem it's that skinny tunnel and no place to mount the engine or trans on the 60 era cars that causes all the issues. Also the fact that not many like the Slim Jim for good reason just adds to the problem..... Tedd

40flier

I put a tremec tko600 (a POS by the way ) in an A body, chopping the floor pans reads better than it lives. Whatever is in there has to get a 4200 lb hulk up and atta em! Thanks!

redoldsman

In the day I believe they used a starter changeover that moved the starter to the other side of the engine.
We have a guy in our Olds Club that has a 62 Starfire with the original Rotohydramatic. He has had the car 41 years and the transmission has never been rebuilt. I am sure he has taken good care of it but it is still working.

olds 307 and 403

What issues did you have with the TKO? Is there any good aftermarket 5 spd? The McLeod 5 spd is a leaky weak POS from what I have read.

40flier

For example, the internal shifting rails are maybe 3/8"(?) made of soft steel, in the middle is a threaded hole and immediately at that point is another hole for a pin, a recipe for disaster. Mine broke, locked the trans into two gears simultaneously (yep, it's possible with this POS) It was the 5th/reverse rail, not much banging those gears. Had to pull another time because they neglected to put RTV between the front cover and case, leaking on my clutch.

Tremec is typical aftermarket co that forgets you after purchase.

So the McLeod is a piece also?

D. Yaros

My 62 Dynamic 88 has the roto, aka slim jim, and she works fine!

The car has all of 35756 miles, and is for sale - http://62olds.atwebpages.com

Olds64

FWIW, if you consider rebuilding the Slim Jim the only company I know of that carries parts is Fatsco. I bought a rebuild kit from them 20 years ago.

https://www.fatsco.net/faq.html