Looking at buying a 56 olds 88, am not familiar with what the motor and automatic transmission is in this car. Can someone tell me what it would be. Thanks, Bob
324 cubic inch. 56 was the best year for the 324s as they had the best heads (#10) Should be good for about 230 hp stock. Ross Racing is a great source for hop up info. Pretty sure it will have a jet a way transmission attached.
Deluxe 88 is a 2 bbl., Super 88 4 bbl. Some early production Deluxe 88s still used the slant pan hydro until Jetaways were in full production, so look closely. If it's a 4 bbl., it's probably a Jetaway. Here's a tidbit everybody'll want to know - Orange owner's manual for dual range Blue owner's manual for Jetaway
I had a 55. GREAT engines, I liked the 55 trans better than the 56. Got a new shortblock if you need it.
Base 88 was the old hydramatic, even on pillarless hardtops, not just sedans super 88 and 98 was Jetaway trans my 56 base 88 4dr Holiday hardtop was Hydra and a 2 barrel, being an odd model Rochester engine numbers hand stamped on the deck surface near exhaust port; the 56 hydra and the standard shift were both the old V code prefix carried over from 1955. The new Jetaway engines (which did not need a drilled crank for a pilot bushing) were the new A code prefix .
Car has 4bbl so is a super 88 and most likely has the jet away trans. Trans does have a park position on the shift lever. Was the 4bbl a Rochester? This is a 4 dr car body in good shape very little rust has been stored inside for 25 years, will need floor pan repair. Is it worth 900. Bucks? Thanks, Bob
Did you say 900????? Good lord get it in your garage before someone snaps it up on ya. Then get some pics on here of that deal or as you know this never happened......
I guess it worked after all, worst thing about car is someone put a stupid leaking sun roof in it, will get removed. Bob
I know it's not a 56 convertible, but geez, if it sat out by the road with a huge 900 price ...it should have sold the first day. Can you even buy a dented up 86 celebrity for that? I think the economy is broken.
The earlier 324 camshafts will not fit the '56 324 engine. They used the larger journals like the 371s.
I still kick myself in the ass over a '56 Holiday I passed up when I was 18. Owner was a friend of mine going in the service in '73, told me he'd take $100. I'm scrambling borrowing money from everyone... he calls and says the engine is seized. Keep in mind I saw this car run and move a year prior. Turns out it was a bad starter connection, new owner found it and drove it home.
Also cranks from hydro motors are drilled for pilot bushings, jet away generally aren't. Adjustable rockers are starting to get difficult to find, took me a year of fairly serious hunting.
Looks pretty good.Please keep us advised as you work along.Are you figuring on trying to get it running pretty much as is?
Planning on trying to get the 324 running and see how that works out. If it has a big problem I have a couple other motors that could go in it. Will just have to see how it works out. This is to be a cruiser for my son (32 years old) and three little kids. Should work fine for him. Bob
If there is no park It is and old style hydro. You lucked out. I know they built a few super 88s with hydros, I have seen some.
The engine may have a flat cam. 56-58 motors had more spring pressure and flat cams were not uncommon.
I yanked the 324 out of my 56, 98 convertible [trans busted] and put it in a $10 cherry-pie 50 ford. Used the old ford trans [big mistake] but It's been 60 years ago...don't remember any details. So, Rob...did you ever buy that black super 88? Without a lifetime guarantee on that hokey-ass jetaway I damn sure would NOT let my grand kids get over 5 miles from town in it..... Signed, the guy who splattered his 56 jetaway all over the street and had to walk home. PS, the 56 motors with 4 barrels are 240 HP.
I could use all information on the Jetway. I'm looking at a 56. The owner says the trans has "problems". Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
@Rand Man I gave away a jet a way last year because the thing was practically worthless. If you need to replace it you can probably find a donor pretty easily.
I'll have to do some research myself on this swap. I've seen it listed somewhere when the BOP bell housing came out, but I don't remember. I haven't bought the car yet. Just trying to see what I'd be getting into. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
You guys realize we're talking two different Jetaways here ... the '56 - '64 4 speed version is still the good son, and the '61 - '64 Roto/Slim Jim forced on the Olds & cheap Pontiac buyers is the bad one. A good 4 speed Jetaway hydro lasts as long as a Dual Range.
All I know so far is, the guy says it does all manner of evil things. Sometimes almost acceptable. Sometimes won't get going, misses second gear, etc. I called about it 700R4 conversion. $4200. That's hard to justify spending on a four-door sedan. I'll call the local shops about repair. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
The Jalopy Journal
