1980 Cutlass Engine Swap. Need advice!

[Clutch]

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?

All but Chevy it's a different bell housing

 

[TURNA]

As Clutch said they are different

just remember BOP Buick Olds Pontiac

Thay are the same Chevy is different.

BOP trans may be harder to find as well

 

[Clutch]

As Clutch said they are different

just remember BOP Buick Olds Pontiac

Thay are the same Chevy is different.

BOP trans may be harder to find as well

Don't forget the caddy...lol there actually supposed to be heavy duty but I don't know first hand

 

[DJHull]

Hey all. Long time reader, first time post. Thinking of putting a 1972 Olds 350 and transmission into my 1980 Cutlass, found a good price. Is this feasible? I'm a noob and looking to do it myself (slowly). This will probably be a build thread but I'm trying to make sure I'm getting a decent engine for this application.

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I Have a 79 that blew a 231. I put in a refreshed 72 350 Olds with a 350 turbo transmission. It fit in there nicely. Had to change the springs as the V8 is heavier. I put headers on it and that was pain. That was 25 years ago. I am in the process of fitting in a 69 Toro 455 with a Mid West Muncie M22 4 speed.

 

[DJHull]

and i think that transmission is a turbo 400. been a long time since i've looked at one. if it is, you may have a 403 cu in engine.
what does every one else think?
joe

me either but I think the long tail shaft points to a 400.

 

[DJHull]

and i think that transmission is a turbo 400. been a long time since i've looked at one. if it is, you may have a 403 cu in engine.
what does every one else think?
joe

me either but I think the long tail shaft points to a 400.

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?

Yes Buick Olds and Pontiac have different bolt patters than a Chevy. You will need BOP transmission with the Olds 350 motor.

 

[MidnightRambler]

I've switched my plan to modify a 400 to a 350. Should make life easier.

A little worried about install though. Guys got any ideas on what to use to get that trans in? Will I need something special? Trying to buy the tools I don't have already slowly.

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[DJHull]

I've switched my plan to modify a 400 to a 350. Should make life easier.

A little worried about install though. Guys got any ideas on what to use to get that trans in? Will I need something special? Trying to buy the tools I don't have already slowly.

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You can use a floor jack with the car up on stands.

 

[MrSony]

I've switched my plan to modify a 400 to a 350. Should make life easier.

A little worried about install though. Guys got any ideas on what to use to get that trans in? Will I need something special? Trying to buy the tools I don't have already slowly.

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May be lack of sleep, but your wording seems weird... you're going with a TH350? In any case, just drop the engine and trans in as one unit. It will be infinitely easier. Duck tape a 20 oz pop bottle over the tailshaft of the trans (I know it works on TH350, idk about TH400). All you need to install is a 9/16 wrench. The torque converter should be set back from the engine flexplate by roughly a half inch. Use the bolts to pull the TC to the motor. When installing the TC, carefully put it onto the input shaft and then spin it while pushing back. You should feel at least 2 clunks. Give it a spin and you should be good to go. One of the top reasons auto transmissions fail is because people fail to properly install the TC be it either from lack of knowledge or they were careless.

 

[spidereyes455]

Have you checked to make sure that your car doesn't already have a TH350 ? If so it will work with the Olds V8. I have owned a lot of G body's that originally had a Buick V6 and they all had a TH350 trans as original equipment, ironically it was usually the V8 cars that had the weaker TH200 in my experience.