Olds 400

[sldwys]

I’m still searching for cheap (olds onl power for my 85 442.
I stumbled on a 65 olds 400. As with other olds motor, shouldn’t this drop in without much modification? Also, it does not come with flywheel. Will there be an aftermarket one that works on 400 and the 2004r trans?


Thanks

 

[sldwys]

Also it ran but has been in garage for 5 years. Is even possible to expect it to run after 5 years?

 

[fleming442]

First, automatic transmissions use flexplates not flywheels.
Yes, you can get an aftermarket flexplate.
Verify it's vintage, as Olds made 2 different 400s, and they have different crank flanges. Look for a large E behind the water pump for the more desirable 64-67 400. It has a squareish bore to stroke ratio you can rev to the moon. The lesser 68-69 only 400 will have a G behind the water pump, a small bore, long stroke, but the more common, later crank bolt pattern.
"It ran when I parked it", huh? 5 years is nothing for an engine to sit, so if the conditions were marginally acceptable, there should be no reason it wouldn't run. Unless of course, it doesn't.

 

[sldwys]

Yea sorry flex plate. It was manual car and flywheel wasn’t included


I’m waiting on pics but he says it’s from 65. I know their are two different 400s, early is what you want.

Yes seller said when he removed from the 442, ran great and had compression of 195 on each cylinder. He’s asking 1200. Intake down to pan. Distributor, water pump and fuel pump included.

Biggest cost will be headers right? Will anything off my 307 work? (Accessories, pulleys)?

 

[sldwys]

Ok it’s a 65 block but he has 455 J heads on it. Which are the smog heads right?

 

[ck80]

"It ran when I parked it", huh? 5 years is nothing for an engine to sit, so if the conditions were marginally acceptable, there should be no reason it wouldn't run. Unless of course, it doesn't.

I'd add bring a pancake compressor and do a leakdown test to verify compression. Easy to make sure things spin with a wrench, but at $1200 sitting for 5 years from a private party I like a little more than just their say so.

If they stand behind it, no harm in allowing a leak down test. Especially when they stand to make a sale.

 

[JAMCAR223]

My opinion... It's too much $$. If you had a '65 442 and was looking for a numbers matching motor, it might be a consideration. Being that this motor doesn't even have the correct heads... I say PASS !

 

[olds307 and 403]

Why in F would anyone put J heads on a early 400? I would bet it is a soup bowl piston mid 70's 455. It sure isn't worth $1200, especially with J heads, even if it is an early 400 bottom end.

 

[sldwys]

Thanks for the insight. I’m passing. He wouldn’t come off price.