I understand that the Chevy deisel of the late 70's and early 80's was actually an Oldsmobile setup. Would anyone be able to tell me if the TH400 is specific to Olds, or is one able use a standard Chev TH400 as a replacement What I have is a 1981 Chevy half ton 2 wheel drive that came from the factroy with the Diesel and TH400. The transmission has failed and must be replaced. I am having a difficult time finding industry knowledge that would answer the question. The bell housings, are they different for the Olds block? The engine was swapped out some years ago with the Olds 350. Why wasn't a Chev motor used? Is it because of the drive train? How do I tell at a glance what the differences between the Olds and the Chevy transmissions? Thank you in advance.
RE: 1981 chev deisel transmission p The chevy and olds bell housings are different, the way you can tell is to look at the top of the bellhousing, chevy will have more of a rounded top where the olds will have like a dimple kind of top to it. The reason a chevy motor was not put in was probly a combo of things like drivetrain, wiring(startes on diff sides), avalibility, stuff like that. Hopes this helps you out. Jason R
RE: 1981 chev deisel transmission p This was about the time line that GM had there hands smacked for using Chvey motors in Buick and Olds. I would say a chvey 400 would mate up OK. The GM diesel, was a gas to diesel convertion. Here is my question to you, way not rebuild the transmission that is in the truck now?
