The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 425 for 235?

I roamed around the archives via searches but this might be almost something new !?!

A very nice 1965 Oldsmobile 425 engine came into my life this weekend. It is fully turnkey with flywheel and bell housing.

I'd like to retain my SM420 but the Olds BH is alum and not set up for hydraulic clutch. BH alternatives? Would an SM465 with it's associated BH fly?

Oh, motor mounts. Use the 425's but where to install? Truck currently has the inline 6.


Any thoughts/advice greatly appreciated!

rocketray

I'd like to help, but it is very dif to rd yr pst w/ all the abrev.

The olds swap is no different than any other v8 swap. I take it this is going in your 1960? As you are well aware any Buick, olds, or pontiac bellhousing will fit your engine. Most people would lack originality and put a TH400 behind that engine.

I'm not aware of the sm465 having a tailhousing mount, which is what you are going to need to mount the engine properly... 2 side mounts on the engine, and one tail mount on the transmission. I wouldn't reccomend a T5 to go behind your 425, but maybe a muncie m21 or m22, or a new process A833. Also a 94-97 Dodge NV4500 from a 2wd can be made to work. Really can't reccomend one transmission or another without knowing how you plan to use the truck, and what your skill level is.

Too many yrs spent in the defense industry where abbreviations are SOP (Standard Operating Procedure)

Yes, this would be intended for my 1960 Apache 10.

To re summarize my original post, I am seeking the best technical solution regarding a Bell Housing that will enable myself to transplant that Olds 425 into this truck and keep the 4 speed stick setup. Oh, I do like that thought about running a Muncie M20/M21. I have the wide ratio version sitting on a shelf, now THAT combo would be fun!.

The balance of my inquiry involved mounting the motor itself. Like, advice on motor mounts, best place to attach the mounts, should the mounts be welded in or attached via threaded fasteners, stuff to avoid at all costs, etc, etc.

Lastly, I'd like to maintain flexibility to be able to return to the orig 235 for myself or perhaps the next owner.

Thanks

rocketray

Ray, sorry to go off subject but tried and failed twice to email you (AOL) regarding the Data Book. Sent you a PM and would you please email me at [email protected]
Bruce

We used an Olds engine (size unknown) in an emergency fix of our water truck for a dirt track. This was around 1970 so details are fuzzy but I do recall getting a scatter shield type bellhousing (Lakewood, Ansen)?? that was pressed out of steel that had the dual bolt pattern to fit both Chevy and BOP blocks. With the bellhousing being steel we welded a set of rear mounts to it that mated to the frame mounts. This let the tranny hang in the air as originally. This was done from shut down time on a friday to track prepping time on saturday so I'm glad I DIDN'T take any pictures of the install; someone could blackmail me with them.

Weren't Olds and Pontiac engine's used in mid-50's GMC trucks? If you could find a bellhousing from one I think it would be a straight forward swap.

Pontiacs were used in GMCs but the bell housing won't fit the modern BOP pattern.

What if you used the correct Chevy V8 bellhousing for your truck and adapted your Olds motor to it with an auto-trans adaptor plate to go from BOP to Chevy? This would take care of the rear mounts, and help you to locate the fronts. The only negative I can think of off the top of my head is the thickness of the adaptor will pull the tip of the input shaft part way out of the pilot bearing. Most plates I've seen are only about 1/8" thick. Take a look at www.speedwaymotors.com I'm pretty sure they sell one. Probably cheap and they usually have good pictures and descriptions. One other concern is starter location, are the Chevy and Olds located on the same side?

John

Follow up, thanks everyone for your thoughtful replies! The collective knowledge contained herein with willingness to share is awesome. If you all ever find yourself in west central Fl/Tampa area, there's a cold one of your choice with your name on it @ 3411 W Gray Ct Tampa 33609.

Am sitting pat for now as another big '65 Olds (that's 4 now) science proj...I mean convertible awaits re-assembly in my garage. Came with yet another spare 425 motor, think I'll swap that one into my 22" Craftsman.


Talk about Opportunity...I also recently bumped into and subsequently dragged home a nice complete (radiator to P brake)low miles early 1960's C30 drivetrain, a "High Torque" 283 and SM420 (with driveshaft parking brake) assembled combo out of a low miles RV.

Simply put, I want for nothing more.


R.