i want to start looking for a new drivetrain to replace my tired little 231 auto. i am trying to decide which would be a better combo for it: 350 w/ 4 speed or a 455 w/400? what do you guys think? has anyone done something similar? i would like to opinions from others. i am leaning more towards the 455/400 but not sure if that 455 will fit in the lark without major surgery.
What about removing the evaporator core housing and retaining the heater core? If not, I guess that solves one problem. Should a 350 bolt right in and use the same acc, trans, acc, etc...?
a 350 will defenitly go in. It will set right on top of the V6 mounts. I do not know if it will have clearance problems with the evaporator but I think it will fit. Only adjustments is to extend the length of the engine wiring harness. and cooling system. The 455 will cover part of the heater core opening on the fire wall.
It should be. I think they offered a 350 in the Skylarks then. Besides they're very similar engines. The accesories should bolt right onto the 350. The 231 wiring harness should be the same, but a little shorter. I wouldn't use the same tranny, however. The V6 ones have a few less clutch packs. But if you can't find one get it redone to V8 tranny standards. Friend of mine took a TH-350 V6 tranny, had it rebuilt by a tranny shop up the road, putting the additional clutches in. He raced it all last year behind a 430 running 11.2's. It seemed to work fine.
Thanks guys. I had a '77 lark with a Pontiac 301(sweet little motor) so the 350 should drop in. As far as the tranny goes, it will be much more fun to go to a manual. I know for a fact 4 speed manuals were offered in the late 70's Olds Omegas(same platform) so i'll just have to scrounge up those parts. :3gears:
350 bolts right in. you will need exhaust made up. only issue is carb linkage. easy job. been there, done that. john
