HELP! "j" code canadian GM 4.4 260??

[jrodmma]

Hey everybody, so after consulting the factory manual that was still in the glovebox of my 1982 Calais, it turns out the car is outfitted with a GM 4.4L v8, and not the Olds 4.3 260 v8 i originally thought. This is indicated by the 1st VIN digit (2, for Canadian built), and 8th VIN digit (for engine code) which is "J" for a 4.4 liter GM of Canada V8. Basically, i have found a suitable 403 olds engine that id like to transplant into my Calais, but was trying to decode my trans, to see if it would be sufficient for a mildly built, Olds 403?
(it has an automatic 3 speed, P-R-N-D-2-1) How do i find out what transmission i have? Thanks for the help guys.

[88hurstolds]

You have a 267 C.I. Chevy motor if it's a VIN J car.
Most likely you have a TH200C lockup converter trans or a TH200 non lockup.
To use an Olds 403 you will need to find a TH350 since the TH200 will not last behind a 403.
Also, make sure you grab frame mounts from a donor car in the junk yard from a 78-88 Cutlass with a 307 to do the swap.

[jrodmma]

*manual says its either a chevy 267, or a "gm of canada 4.4"
seeing as im up in canada, and the car was built here, i tend to lean towards the "gm of canada". Ill post some pics...

[jrodmma]

(forgot this one)

[jrodmma]

basically, Within my budget i have found locally:
- a sbc 400ci, for $200.
- an Olds 69 rocket 350, for $200.
- an Olds 72 rocket 455, with 400 tranny still attached, for $500.
So, in everyones opinion, What will be the EASIEST SWAP? id hate to have bellhousing matching issues... And what engine is the best value for the money?

[jrodmma]

solid input...

[88hurstolds]

Well condition of the motor is key, how do they all run?
Do a compression check, pull the pans and valve covers and look for bearing material etc...
The 455 with the 400 trans is your best bet for the money IMO, dropping in an Olds 350 is no different than dropping in a 455 and you get more bang for your buck.
Be sure that it's a short shaft TH400 and make sure to grab the drive shaft yoke if possible since it's a bit bigger for the 400. You might be able to still use your original drive shaft, just swap the yoke (about $50 by any shop) and have it shortened by 3/4" (not 100% if that's even needed though).
The other options you will still need to grab a trans and a 3 or 4 row radiator, the Chevy will bolt in with your existing mounts though but that's about it. Olds frame mounts are plentyful in the junk yard.
I prefer Olds to Chevy due to the amount of torque they come with stock.

[jrodmma]

I did a ton of decoding on this Calais in the last 2 days, this is what i have finally come up with: The car is a canadian made Olds (quebec) which was born with a canadian GM 4.4ci motor, and a TH350 transmission. The car also has a 7.5" limited slip rear end. rare optioned olds to say the least....
Now that i have discovered what this car actually is (442 without decals, add chrome, lol) i am unsure i want to swap at all. but if i do, it looks like it will be the 400ci, as it will mate with the TH350 easiest. But whatever i dump in, it will receive a bottom end freshen up, and a top end rebuild.
I really appreciate all the help from those who take the time to post, and share their knowledge. someday i hope to be in a position to do the same for those just starting out!