So I got this 394 with the intention of using it in a Model T. I love the engine, but I don't think the slim jim is the way to go. Yes I have read the extensive info on here about these things. I just can't afford to go and buy the adapters and flywheel that are available for this engine. I need some other transmission options. Something that I can adapt myself. These engines have a long history, somebody here must have a few ideas.
If you don't want to spend the $$$ for adapter kits, the only other choice is the dual coupling hydramatic. Dual range hydros ('52-'56) can be bolted to your engine, but you'll need a flywheel/torus cover with the correct balance for a 394.
Well, as you're finding out early Olds and cheap don't work well in the same sentence. The 4speed hydros will work, but again rebuilding and parts are $$$ and as mentioned you need the proper flywheel/torus cover/lower bell/starter combo. I put a 50 (303) in my Model A back in the late 50's (58or59) and I used a Ford truck clutch a thin 3/16" half moon adapter plate($19) and a 37 Ford floor shift ******($15) coupled to the stock torque tube. This was the cheapest route at the time and may still be today, however the definition of "cheap" is significantly higher. Back in the day the most expensive part was the std flywheel which was almost impossible to find in a yard because most all the cars came with the automatics. The std flywheels were grabbed up immediately out of the yards. The alternative was buy it new from a dealer via body shop or mechanic discount, still almost $40 in those days. If you can come up with a std flywheel there are reasonable $$ adapters out there for early Ford (late 30'sfloor) or later side shifters. Could even use a later 60 -70s 3 or 4 speed. The conversion to later automatics is more $$$ because of the bell cast on the back of the early Olds/Cad blocks making things more complicated which means more $$$ to un-complicate it.
If the slim jim is in running condition I'd use it until it fails. They aren't as bad as people like to make them out to be.
This is true. I was 16 when my dad got his 63 starfire and I beat the hell out of it and it was still going at 80k when he traded it. My cousin had a 62 88 rag top and his brother hammered it also and it was still going till he totalled it although I think it only had 40k on it.
Some good ideas so far. I like BobF's thoughts. Too bad we still don't have 1959 prices, or 1959 junk yards. These are the kind of solutions I'm looking for. Bob, only 33 posts in the last 6 years ? And I get one ? I'm honored. xlr8 you bring up an interesting point. My cheapest option is to use the slim jim. I have 2 of them, don't know how well they work though. They must have been at least somewhat tough to be behind these beastly engines from the factory.
Had a Slim Jim behind the 365 Caddy in my '29 tudor. Drove the **** out of it for years. Wouldn't be my first choice today, but if that's what you have available, and it is in good condition, I'd go for it in a heartbeat.
So I parted out a '51 Olds last weekend, and it had the 303 with a 3 speed in it. I've been reading on here, and it looks like it's a Caddy ****** ? Can anybody confirm this ? And it might work with my 394 (with some work) Anybody done this before ?
If it looks like a sideshift Cadillac/LaSalle transmission, except with a much shorter tailstock, it's a '50 Olds gearbox. In '51, they went to a rather strange "selector" transmission with a six bolt top cover, one regular size shift arm, and one tiny shift arm. If it's the '50 transmission, don't hesitate to use it and, yes, the bell housing will bolt up to the 394.
You sure don't want the transmission with the rail selector and the gear selector. Chances of find an old Ansen shifter is slim or none. The transmission like the 50 is what you want or a Cad/LaSalle if you could find one.
Had a 55 Olds a lifetime ago that I rescued right out from under the claw at the local recycle center for $125. Someone had already stuffed a 394 in it, but it was blown and broke up bad inside. Lucked into 1961 low mile sedan that took a slow rollover for $100. Dropped the drivers side air box from the firewall and put the 61 brake system in. Low buck car so I did a flip nose on it and ran the hell out of it. That stock 394 and slim jim went through a lot without fail. Sold it to a guy who had NO mercy on it. Crazy how that car ran for what it was and what it went through.
So I extracted the transmission from the 303, and it's the 6 bolt top cover type. Getting mixed signals on this one. Some say run away from it screaming, and others say it rules. I guess everybody has an opinion. I think I'm gonna use it. I don't really have a better option. so... What do I need to do to make this work ? So far I figure I need to get the 303 flywheel balanced, and the 394 crank drilled for a pilot bearing. Anything else ?
They just weren't a dragster ******. in a light vehicle if its operable you shouldn't have any problem with the slim jim. I'd run it if I had it.
It's not that the transmission wasn't rugged, or had bad gear ratios; it's mainly an issue of shifting the stupid thing. I've got a n.o.s. floor shift conversion for one that's not for sale, but I can take some pictures of it if you want to see what you're up against.
Pictures are helpful. Much appreciated. I also took the dash, and the steering column from the car, ('51 Olds dash in a T-coupe seemed like a good idea to me), so I could set it up with 3 on the tree if I had to.
0rg0...you read my mind. I had the same question as I am also building a T coupe with a 394. I look forward to reading some of the responses this thread gets!!
there's a thread with pictures of some shifters for the selector transmissions.. bolt pattern on the 303 flywheel will be different than the 394 as well as the ballance as already stated edit; found the thread: Rocket Olds Swap Meet Holy Grail
Thanks Paul. I read that thread before I had the Transmission and thought I wish I had one of those. I might try to build a shifter like that. Probably easier than finding one. Is getting that flywheel to bolt up as simple as having it drilled to match the crank ?
yeah i agree keep the 394 running with the slim .... just save up and get a stick behind it some day ....I have no mercy on my MC-1 behind my 56 324......
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