83 Cutlass trans question

[turbowannabe]

I know it's not a buick but this is the best sight that I know of for this type of car. My buddy has a 83 olds gutless supreme and is swapping out the motor and trans in favor of a chevy 350 and another trans yet to be determined. The three speed automatic that was in the car had parts go through the case so it is completely destroyed and useless. I'm trying to find out for my buddy what the best reasonably prices and easiest to install trans is. The problems that come to my mind are crossmember and driveshaft length. I would prefer to get a trans the same length as the stocker so that we wouldn't have to pay a shop to make one. Let me know what needs to be done and what my options are. Any help is greatly appreciated.

thanks
-Dan

 

[willitell]

TH-350 and Powerglide come to mind.
The TH-350 would be a replacement (maybe even direct) for the 3-spd Auto, and the PG (which is a 2 Speed) would be the simplest to overhaul. As far as installation, I'd assume they'd both be about the same, except that the TH-350 requires a vac line and a detent cable.

Both can be built pretty bullet-proof (depending on how built the engine will be). Summit sells a 2 hump crossmember (if he wants to drop in a True-Dual Exhaust) for ~$210. It'll fit both the TH-350 and the PG, and bolts into the stock location.

Then again if gas mileage is at least a minor issue. Something with an Overdrive would beat either of those hands down. Maybe someone else will chime in. Also check the engine swap section of the forum. Someone has probably done this swap on a buick and might have some advice.

I have a '79 supreme with a NA Buick V6 (231cid / 3.8L) and a TH-350. It doesn't matter that it's a cutlass, in my eyes at least, since it's a G-Body that's buick powered.

 

[willitell]

I did a little reading through a few pubs i have.

The TH-350 or TH-350C is what was probably in the car to start with. So another TH-350/350C should fit, in that the crossmember would work for either. If it's a direct replacement, the driveshaft should swap over too. If not a decent number of cutlasses (and montes) came with an SBC and TH350/350C.... so there should be a bunch in junkyards waiting for a driveshaft to be picked.

Hope this helps.... (Still waiting for someone else to chime in on this. And double check my advice, I'm not a mechanic or a tech, just a hobbyist)