I recently bought a 1966 olds 442 and the tranny is leaking, does this mean I need to rebuild it or simply put on new seals as its sat for the last 22 years. Also since its a 2 speed powerglide automatic would it be a good idea to just buy the rebuild kit and do it myself. I haven't ever down anything major to a car but learn fairly well, but I'm not sure if it's something that I can learn to do by a book that comes with the kit. Also since I'll have the tranny off what parts should I change as well, are there any better torque converters for this car.

 

If you want to start learning about working on cars, an automatic tranny is not the place to start. How bad is the leak? If it's just a couple of drops, let it go. A good friend of mine that restores cars for a living once told me something. "If you don't like leaks, don't buy an old car." If the leak is bad, but the trans operates fine, then you can probably replace the pan, input and output seals yourself. Do not attempt the rebuild, though. There are specific clearances and size tolerances that need to be held, not to mention making sure all the little check ***** are in place in the valve body. I'm not trying to discourage you, just trying to keep you from getting in too deep. If the trans needs a rebuild, find a reputable shop and have it done. I have been working on cars since I was old enough to carry a wrench and have done quite a few complete driveline overhuals, and I still have my transmissions done by a professional.

Just my $.02

Tom

 

My uncle rebuilds transmissions for a living and it's pretty tedious, i'd rather rebuild my carb TBH. and while you have it out if you have the cash get it checked out at least, see what a pro says after physically inspecting it. You can have a shift kit put in and a higher stall torque converter swapped in but it all depends on your cam, volume of intake runners, if you have headers and what size they are, your timing, etc.... you want to buy upgrades that will be most efficiently used by your motor IMO.

 

If you just want to seal it up properly you should be able to change most of the seals without taking the transmission out. The only major thing you would have to do is pull the driveshaft for the rear seal...but if that's not where the leak is from I wouldn't touch it.

Do you know where the leak is coming from?

 

And ahead of anything else, it's worth noting that gaskets shrink when a car isn't driven - drive it a while (if possible - 22 years is a long time) and see if the the gasket doesn't suck up some tranny oil and start sealing again.

 

And to really make a difference, in both performance and mileage, a BOP 200r4 is almost a bolt-in!
IMO, a 1st gear AND overdrive is well worth the trouble, rather than throwing money at a 'junkaway'!

 

I would have to agree. If the trans needs to come out to fix the leak at the minimum a TH350 would go back in. Keep the factory numbers matching trans. The extra gear and lower 1st gear will really wake up the car.

 

I didn't even think about that. I do love my OD, i have the stock 200r4 in my delta - i hear everyone say it's one of the best transmissions to have. Keep us updated man!! Let us know what you do/how it goes!

 

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...fo-needed.html

Link to part 1...

 

This is a good idea!

Agreed! I have done automatic transmission service and have gone through training for diagnosis and repair of GM/Ford/Chrysler transmissions, it isn't terribly difficult, but you do have to be careful.