1980 Cutlass Engine Swap. Need advice!

[Injectedcutty]

You can order a new crossmember frame extension for the 78-83 models.

Btw, thats a very nice looking Cutlass! It literally looks like the older brother of my 87 before i started tearing it apart! Black paint, black vinyl, black rallye wheels!

 

[Clutch]

Greetings from dirty Jersey. I agree that's not a 72 350 I'm thinking 76 or 77 it has a straight down exaust manifold exit on the right and the for mentioned things the good thing is a g-body olds v-8 down pipe will fit that manifold an early manifold dumps back on an angle find out what heads are on it my 350 is a 70 and has #6 heads your also going to need to find some other odds and ends like motor mounts fan shroud radiator top plate and A/C lines all need to be g-body olds V-8 not hard to find same stuff 1978-1988 on 307s 260s and diesels I would use an aftermarket cross member and get the frame extension from the same company. Good luck with it I hope to see it as a build thred

 

[MrSony]

that doesn't look like a '72. olds engines in '72 were painted gold, not blue. and you have the large cap style hei distributor with matching air cleaner, this did come out till about '74. double check your casting numbers to verify what it is.
joe

My dad had an '81 GP he bought in 95 off a used car lot and it used to be a diesel, but had a 350 olds painted GM blue with an HEI. Block is a solid main '71.

 

[MrSony]

Why not just get a BOP TH350? People can't hardly give those things away where I am. It's bolt 100% in place of the TH200 that's most likely in there. On your car, if it says METRIC on the pan and is 3 speeds, it's either a TH200 or a TH250c. Sell the TH400 and get a TH350. No stock-mild 350 of any make is gonna tear up a good working TH350.

 

[dr78442]

You can order this kit

 

[MidnightRambler]

You can order a new crossmember frame extension for the 78-83 models.

Btw, thats a very nice looking Cutlass! It literally looks like the older brother of my 87 before i started tearing it apart! Black paint, black vinyl, black rallye wheels!View attachment 70247

Awesome. That the generation I was looking for when I bought my 80. Was $2200 and running like a champ when I bought it... Couldn't pass it up. So here we are lol


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[MidnightRambler]

ask for pictures of the trans pan and a pic of the casting number

Here's what I got in reply-
" Transmission is a 400, engine is 395558 1972-1975 Oldsmobile."


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[lilbowtie]

Have you heard this engine run? Don't know asking price but shipping will be outrageous. That engine # indicates 68-70 350. I would personally go through the engine - love the 400 but would make it a short shaft. It will be a little more than plug and play but worth it if you do it.

 

[MidnightRambler]

Have you heard this engine run? Don't know asking price but shipping will be outrageous. That engine # indicates 68-70 350. I would personally go through the engine - love the 400 but would make it a short shaft. It will be a little more than plug and play but worth it if you do it.

I have not. It's an eBay purchase. Leaning on the seller's solid reviews (2200 reviews at 99%) and that he has a guarantee on it. $725, shipping included. For the price I'm willing to make some small mods to make the trans work. Although I admit I'd be happier with a 350 and less work lol

I may shop for a TH350 and try to get off of the TH400 for super cheap plus shipping. Not 100% sure yet.

 

[MidnightRambler]

Update... seeing if I can modify the deal to get just the engine w/o the TH400. Going to buy a TH350 separately. I would really like to have the 400, but after all the info you guys have given, I think I may start with a 350 so I don't get too far out there. This is y first time and I know this project is probably going to balloon in cost, fast lol So I'm going to try and control complications.

Question-- are the trans specific to brand like the engines, or will basically ANY TH350 fit?