Thread: OLDS 394 OR 371 transmission options

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I have yet another engine option available over my original plan of putting a 351w/c4 in my 28 model a project. I just ran across a buddy putting a sbc in his 64 olds dynamic and he was looking to trade the believied 394 and the dynaflow? trans for a good turbo 350. I am under the impression that the trans has a blown seal and was wondering if there is a stick bell and such for this motor and I could just use a t-10 4 speed I have laying around. I have seen the the moded bell on a th350 to fit this but its kinda pricey anyone know whats out there? thanks?

I made an adapter from 3/8" steel plate and made a spacer ring for the flywheel from the same. Just make sure to use dowel pins on both to line everything up.

P.S. you DO know someone with a lathe, right?

There are not too many cheap trans options for those motors,the 64 had a slim jim which I heard can be a problem or a 59 or 60 jetaway would fit that motor. Stick setups are rare for those motors,I have a setup from a 53 that would bolt on a 57-64 motor but would require a differenft flywheel as the 49-56 motors are internally balanced and the 57-64s are externally balanced. There are a couple of companies that will modify a late trans case to bolt to the early olds motors but they charge around 900 dollars to modify and that does not include rebuilding the trans,you would be better to use the ford motor as parts are easily found. I have had many 51 to 59 olds and they are good motors but you cant bolt on later trans to them and if you are going to use the 64 olds motor I would suggest finding a 59 or 60 trans and flexplate which some a couple of junkyard around here have. Jeff

thanks for all the suggestions, I am thinking I may stick with my first thought, the ford plant....but easy isn't different. I figured this motor ran and drove great up until the pump seal on the trans let go. I might try the the adapter route since this motor will only cost me a th350 that just collecting dust.

junkyardjeff, do you know if its possible to get the early int. balance flywheel rebalanced ext. ? some one was telling me they had 49 olds motor hooked to a lincoln stick trans? I am confused with the strange flywheel the slim jim has and the lack of torque converter, any ideas on that one.

I would stay away from the slimjim as I have heard they are not that good of trans,a 59 or 60 jetaway would be the way to go and should bolt to your motor if you get the flywheel with it. I know where a few 59 and 60s are in some junkyards around here,as for rebalancing the flywheel you would have to talk to someone that balances motors or look in hemmings. Tanson enterprises is one of the companies to modify a moder GM trans to the 49-64 olds motors,their number is 916-448-2950. I know using something different is not easy as I have a 37 chevy p/u and would like to keep the 235 6 cly but if I cant get a modern manual o/d trans to work with the motor I am going to put in a V8 in it. If you are interested in a 59 or 60 trans and are close to dayton ohio I will take you to the yards that have them. Jeff

thanks for the tips and I appreciate the offer a road trip would be cool....I am trying for this low buck but different thing and everytime I get an idea or run across something for one reason or another I am back at square one. I guess this is part of the fun? I am probly getting this motor any way may be a future project will shed light on its usage.

I just remembered I have a 57 jetaway trans that was supposed to be good,it has sat outside but I dont think any water got into it. If you want it its free for the taking but you have to pick it up,all you will have to do is find a 57 flywheel but I think I can find the phone numbers of people who might have one. Jeff