New girl here!

[Tail_Lights_Fade]

Hey all! New girl here from Chicago (West Suburbs to be exact). I'm currently working out a trade for an '86 Monte Carlo SS. This will be my first real project car, and I don't really know all that much about G bodies yet, so I'm sure you'll be seeing me a whole bunch in the near future (likely with some pretty dumb questions ).

Speaking of dumb questions: unfortunately, the engine isn't original and there's been some confusion as to whether or not the engine is an HO and if the transmission is a 3 speed or a 4 speed. Does anyone know how I can identify each? Also, if it turns out that the engine isn't an HO, how hard would it be to convert it to an HO? Thanks!

 

[jimmyp618]

Well the trans should be easy to identify, look at the gear selector and see if there is just a d if so its a 3 speed ,
if there is a D and another D with a square around it , its a 4 spd . Engine wise is a lil harder , try to find the numbers on the back topside of block. or pull a valve cover and run the head numbers. Hope it helps ya.

 

[khan0165]

if I'm not mistaken, the "H/O" was just different heads on the 305ci engine. And, if I'm also not mistaken, was the same H/O motor not used in the 80s F-bodies (Camaro's and FireChicken)?

I think the H/O heads just had more compression. And, they were famous for being swapped onto 350ci engines for cheap "hot rodding". The compression was a big boost, but power gain was less than exemplery because the heads weren't that great anyway, and the flow sucked.

But if it's originality you're looking for, then converting to a H/O setup shouldn't be too difficult.

 

[monte olrac]

first of welcome to the forum, good choice on the SS too, now as far as your questions; no telling what motor is in your car without looking at the engine casting numbers, you can take a educated guess if you remove a valve cover and read the casting numbers on the head, the last 3 should be 416...these heads are a dime a dozen so some could have put them on a "low output 305" but it should be a "HO" if the motor is original, in as far as the transmission goes the quick way to tell if it 3 speed or 4 speed look at the gear selector, if you have PRD321 its a 4 speed, PRD21 it a 3 speed, i beleive 83-85 had 3 speeds. hope this helps

 

[RITTER]

Always great to see a female that enjoys GBodies

 

[83cutlassowner]

Always great to see a female that enjoys GBodies

no kidding, if only i could find one

 

[84GP455]

Did someone say "GIRL"? WOW, we haven't had to many of them in here! Welcome aboard can't wait to see some pics of your body,,,I mean G body that is~ :wink:

 

[2fit661ca]

damn. :shock: ...are you single...? lol

 

[HurstOlds]

Hello,

Welcome to the board. Nice to see another person local to me. We are going to have to get a meet together for all us Chicago G Body ppl! Lots of car shows in the area so you can always find some friends around here

You should post up some pics of your car

 

[T-TOP TONY]

Welcome aboard!