We have a cherry 1953 Olds Rocket 88 with a 303/Hydro trans,the motor is fine but ****** is on its way out,we looked at adapting a late GM trans to the 303 but at over a grand just for the adapter isnt cutting it.....what motor/trans has anybody seen done in one of these?...I was thinking 455/Turbo 400....Thanks for any and all help
Check with goatroaper2 (could be spelled wrong) on the hamb. He (Tony) makes the TH400 to rocket adapter. Very well built, stay away from Tanson, they build junk and take forever to get the product back to you. I myself would rebuild the 4 speed hydro. Then you can say it is all original!
Why not fix the hydramatic?? Geez, way easier than a swap. Yes there are people around that know how, but don't expect to find them in the yellow pages...put some effort into asking around.
+1 on a rebuild the hydros are supposed to be great ******s... Rebuilding the trans is a whole helluva alot cheaper than rebuilding that 303 so be thankful for that.
A number of folks have done the 455 into an early 50s Olds swap. You just need to use aftermarket engine and trans crossmembers due to the side motor mounts vs the front mount on the older engines. Alternately, use the front mount from an early Toronado to mate to the 303 front mount and fab a couple of brackets to bolt the trans side mounts to the TH400. Either way works.
Are you looking to cut cost and get it on the road problem free? I had a 55 a few years back that had two 324s go south before I even got to register it, I put a 350/350 Chebby setup in it and couldnt have been happier.
i'm in San Jose,and I have the factory tools,you might just need to do the adjustments. send me a PM if you're interested.
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