Hello all, Ive got a 1963 olds 394 with a 3 speed automatic. The trans doesn't have a converter it has a flywheel with some springs. Just wondering what I've got. I'm new to the whole oldsmobile thing. So any help I.D.ing this thing would be a big help.
It's got a converter; it's just an internal converter. You've got what is commonly known as a "Slim Jim" transmission. Don't confuse it with a four speed hydramatic, it's a completely different animal.
If its any help it came out of a olds dynamic.Well is this trans worth rebiulding? The car was last drove in 1981, no problems just they sold the car to the junkyard.
Geeze, I've had the "slim-jims" on Olds's and thought they were little better than the old Mopar Fluid Drives. I would swap it out rather than trying to rebuild it. Try these sites: http://www.transmissionadapters.com/ http://www.wilcap.com/ You can't beat the old '49-'64 Olds Rocket engines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just need a good ****** behind them!!!! (There are some great Olds engine tech threads on the HAMB, just do a search) Good Luck!!
Nothing wrong w/ a good working RotoHydro. Just make sure its adjusted correctly after installing it. They got a bad name mainly because people didnt keep the engine tuned properly which is VERY important to these ******s. Its hard to adapt another ****** anyway, cause the crank isnt drilled for a converter pilot. BTW, they are a 4 speed. DAVE
You may have problems finding a tranmission shop that wants to tackle it--most of the ones around here don't want to screw with anything old and/or unusual. You said the previous owner junked it for no good reason; if it were mine, I'd fill it with fresh fluid, and if it seems to work, run it!
Ok how about this. I'm going to build the 394 with 10.5 comp and a hotter cam than stock headers and a six carb intake. Its all going in a 31 2 door sedan. I plan on taking the car to the track every once in a while. Will the trans live with this kind of abuse?
In that case, I'd start searching for alternatives. A 1950 standard shift bell housing will bolt to your block and accept a '37-'53 Cadillac or '37-'40 LaSalle transmission, but stick flywheels for 394s are hard to find. An earlier Olds flywheel will bolt to the crank, but will throw the engine out of balance. If you rebalance the engine with an earlier flywheel, and used the starter that corresponds to the flywheel, it should work. There are adapters for modern transmissions currently being made and sold, but be advised that they are not cheap.
the other Rocketeers will say i sound like a broken record,but there's another alternative if that Roto turns out to be bad. the cast iron hydra-matic bolts up,and will stay together behind a 394. rebalancing the engine,as well as the torus cover & flywheel,is essential. so is using the correct lower bellhousing and starter.
this may be a dumb question but what cars had the hydromatic that would work with my stuff? The salvage yard I bought the engine has a ton of b.o.p. stuff. The four speed swap is outa the question 1300 bucks is a fair enough price but not for me!! Also thanks to everyone for all the help with this disaster.
The "dual range" hydros, which are preferred by most, came in Oldsmobiles from '52-'56. Keep in mind what Yorgatron said about rebalancing.
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