thubler

Hi all, My name is Tim Hubler. I joined 1 hour ago. I have a 1962 Olds Dynamic 88 with what they call a slim Jim transmission. It seems to me to be junk. I've heard of a transmission called a 200 4r. I've been told that this will bolt in to my 394 engine. My question(s) is this true? if not how would I make it work? Thanks everyone for your time!

joe_padavano

Welcome.



Not even close. Your 394 uses a completely different bolt pattern for the bellhousing. You can buy an adapter that will let you bolt a newer GM trans to your motor. In all cases, floor pan surgery will necessary to clear the trans. Also, the 200-4R is a very weak transmission in stock form and will not survive long behind your 394. The TH400 is a more common swap. Here are a couple of threads that should help.


https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...400-394-a.html


https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-394-pics.html

thubler

Hey Joe, great info. Thanks much!!

Gascoop

Here you go Tim, I'm bolting an '06 4l80e GM trans to the back of my 455. I bought the adapter from "Hard Parts" @ (469) 702-3022 or sales@hradpartsfast.com. This adapter is made by long time mfg. Trans Dapt, it's 5/16" thick steel and comes with all the necessary hardware .....part# 0061. It cost $83 shipped through Ebay, since you're running a 394 they may have a different part #. Her's a pic............ Dave

TexasT

While the more modern units will need an adapter, the 2004r will get you an over drive which could be beneficial. The 2004r will need to be assembled by someone who knows what it takes to upgrade it. It will also need a tv cable and setup adjusted to your vehicle.
the th400 is certainly a cheaper option and much easier to be made into a durable unit. It does only have the three forward gears and this might be fine depending on your

TexasT

Rear end gears and budget.

Charlie Jones

Welcome to classicoldsmobile.com !
The Ross Racing conversion is probably the easiest /best .
http://rossracingengines.com/

Come and join the "Darksiders" on this thread ;
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ers-unite.html

Don R.

First of all welcome to the site! Don't be too hasty to condemn the slim jim as junk. That may be true if it is burned up or inoperable, but these transmissions are also often screwed up by nothing more than out-of-adjustment linkage or a clogged filter that can be fixed. Do a detailed search on here and you will find a lot of discussion. Get a shop manual and spend a little time trying to fix it before you jump into a conversion.

D. Yaros

Welcome to CO from a fellow '62 Dynamic 88 owner!

A bit of advice: Do not believe everything you see/read/hear about the "slim-jim." I have not complaints or concerns about mine and it is only 56 years old now!

Take care of it, don't abuse it and it should serve you well.

Olds64

Welcome to the site.

Here's another option for switching to a modern transmission behind your 394:

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