Currently restoring a 1966 442 Holiday Coup. Also converting it to a four speed. When I bought the car, the owner had purchased all the parts to convert it to a four speed from EBAY. He thinks it was from a 1965 442.
A couple of questions……I’m finding out the rear of the crank has to be bored for a pilot bushing. Is there a spec for that? Do I get a bronze bushing or a bearing (I’m thinking bronze bushing)?
Next question…..I hear the Z-bar needs to be welded to the frame? Is there a template floating around for that?
Hopefully the final question………I did get a flywheel with all of these parts…how can I tell if it’s the correct one?
I’m m sure I’ll have more questions as I get further into the process.
Tom

 

Zbar does not get welded, there is a bracket..
Crank has to be drilled for pilot bearing or you can get a pilot bearing for the swap that doesn’t require drilling the crank from Trovato or any Olds supplier, however if you don’t drill the crank and use that conversion bearing you have to saw off a short piece of the input shaft on the muncie trans..others will chime in on dimensions to drill crank if you go that route.
Post pic of flywheel, my guess is it will be fine.
- Did you get the pedals and rods etc for clutch/ brake?
- you get a shifter with correct linkage?
post pics of what parts you have, that will help.

 

There isn't a way to tell a 67 & older flywheel from a 68 & newer flywheel. There are no part numbers on either flywheel. You literally have to try the wheel on the crank to make sure ALL of the bolt holes line up.

 

Andy, thanks for the reply. I didn’t think the Z bar had to be welded. That came from an advisor with the Oldsmobile Club of America for 1966 442’s.
The pic shows most of the parts I got with the car for a 4 speed conversion. The flywheel is at the machine shop. And I do have the bell housing with a flywheel cover plate.
Beaded on what I have and have seen in books, etc., I think I have most of the parts for the conversion, including a zbar.
Going to the machine shop today to check on the status of the work and to make sure they know to drill the crank for the bushing.
Also going to see my buddy with the 1967 442 to take more pics before he gives the car to his son.
Will let you know how things go.
Tom

 

ok, if you need additional pics I can take some of my car for you..its a 66 4 speed car

 

Andy, that would be great! General engine pics and some of the clutch linkage would be good. The car was partially disassembled when I bout it, no front end (only passenger fender), engine was just a bare block w/crank, the rest of the car was in boxes. Got it for a good price with a lot of extra’s the guy bought and never installed ($2,300 worth) and an engine hoist.
Here is a current pic…….

 

 

I will try to get some pics today for you..

 

Here are a few, hope they help

 

Pic of my conversion many moons ago. Used a Travato bearing on the back of the 455, no issues at all. I had some things reinforced on the M-20 cannot remember exactly what was done, but without it, the 455 with some drag radials in the rear would have busted the M-20 in stock form.