I have the stock 394 engine and hydramatic trans in my '60 Olds. Would there be a lot of changes to make if I put a 350/350 in it? My engine needs work so I was wondering if I should change it to something that is easier to get parts for.
Mounts, tranny mount, exhaust, wiring, drive shaft changes, Radiator outlet positions... uhm yea... I'm looking into the same thing with my 59 olds, I have a 455/400 that could go in but there's a ton of little work!!!!
Unless the engine needs a complete rebuild, I don't know why you'd even consider this. Olds parts aren't that hard to come by, if you look a little. Can it be done? Yes. You need to scare up new mounts, a custom exhaust has to be done, and I forget if these X-frame cars run a carrier bearing, but the short section of the driveshaft may need to be modified. Frankly I'd sooner put an early Pontiac motor in it, since a 59-63 389 can be rebuilt with all the same stuff as a later 400, will bolt up to the existing trans, and because they won't bolt to newer transmissions without an adapter are usually cheap.
I'm going to keep my 394, it looks good in an Oldsmobile. Just getting ready to yank it for a rebuild!
I've got everything stock or speed that you could possibly need for your 394,no reason to hack it up Tony
Thanks for the replies. chaddilac: You're right-alot of little work. rustynewyorker: I'm only considering this as an option but probably won't do it. blackmaria60: The 394 does look good. Maybe mine just needs a freshening up, too. goatroper02: I'll contact you when I figure out what I need.