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Old 04-03-2005, 05:21 PM
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Hi all

What would be the pros and cons of the Roto-hydramatic versus the Super-hydramatic. My '63 Grand Prix has the Roto and I've been considering a swap. I picked up a '63 Starchief real cheap a while back and it has I believe a Superhydramatic in it. The Starchief was sitting in a field here in Colorado for like 36 years and I bought it for 40.00. Does the Super give a "snappier" shift than the Roto?
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Old 04-03-2005, 05:21 PM
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Hi all

What would be the pros and cons of the Roto-hydramatic versus the Super-hydramatic. My '63 Grand Prix has the Roto and I've been considering a swap. I picked up a '63 Starchief real cheap a while back and it has I believe a Superhydramatic in it. The Starchief was sitting in a field here in Colorado for like 36 years and I bought it for 40.00. Does the Super give a "snappier" shift than the Roto?

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Old 04-03-2005, 06:03 PM
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No, the SuperHydramatic doesn't have a very "snappy" shift. Especially the 1-2 and 3-4 shifts, since it must fill the secondary fluid coupling to complete the shift. But, that said, it's much stronger and more reliable than the "slim jim" Rotohydramatic.

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Old 04-03-2005, 06:11 PM
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Well, it depends. The Roto (which looked GREAT on paper) put AAMCO in business. The Roto is a 3 speed trans (was called a 4spd in 61) with a 2 stage 1st and goes to direct in 2nd. So not very snappy. The last shift isn't much better,either.
The Super is a true 4 speed, but the 1-2 and the 3-4 are fluid coupling shifts, so they are very smooth, still better than a Roto. The 2-3 is the only clutch shift.
You have almost everything to do the swap, you will still need some Super floor shift linkage and you will have to shorten the driveshaft.
The car will be happier with the Super.

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Old 04-03-2005, 07:27 PM
Jon Wood Jon Wood is offline
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The roto isn't even worth screwing with in my opinion. It is very weak, unreliable etc. I often wonder why they used the thing for so many years...

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Old 04-04-2005, 07:23 AM
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Good point about it sitting in a field. I'd have to have it gone through.

Mike

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Old 04-04-2005, 03:53 PM
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FYI, the Roto was an Oldsmobile design.

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Old 04-04-2005, 06:37 PM
Floyd Hand Floyd Hand is offline
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Remember that the floor hump in the Star Chief and Bonny is a little wider and taller than the Cat or Grand Prix. You could cut the hump from the Star Chief and install in the GP if you do use the Super Hydro.or use your BIG hammer on your GP trans tunnel.

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Old 04-11-2005, 09:44 AM
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I bought it for 40.00 </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
thats awsome!

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Old 04-11-2005, 09:52 AM
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what are your plans for the starchief?
i see a part or two i could use on my bonneville....

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Old 04-11-2005, 02:06 PM
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I was planning on scrapping it when I'm done with it. A buddy of mine is pulling the doors and some other parts for his Cat. What parts you looking for?

Mike

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Old 04-11-2005, 03:24 PM
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i was thinking about the reveal trim around the rear window,..the one that goes from the rear passenger door around to the other? but now that im looking at yours, it looks like the top is a little different than a bonneville.
do you know if its compatible?

how about the side view mirror and the nose emblem?
(im not sure about the nose emblem yet, i havent been given a price yet from someone else yet who has one for sale also.)

$40...i still cant believe that! thats so killer!

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Old 04-16-2005, 10:24 PM
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If you want to swap in the the 4sp hydro you will need the trans tunnel from the StarChief grafted in. The Hydro is about twice the size of the _SLIM_ jim. If you do the tunnel that will be good because you will be swapping in a TH400 a couple years later and it too requires more clearance in the tunnel.

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Old 04-17-2005, 03:54 AM
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The hydro is a no issue shen putting in.
you'll have to beat/dent the trans tunnel to clear the bellhousing.
As for a comparison?
The roto makes a great boat anchor!
Run the hydro! it's 1k times tougher and the father of the Th400!

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Old 04-17-2005, 12:22 PM
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Beamy, 4 door sedan (with post) moulding is different than 4 door hardtop moulding. Like you said, the roof is different.

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Old 04-17-2005, 02:42 PM
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Pitts

The rocker stainless and the doors are going on a buddys Catalina along with the doors, clock, and the radio and a few other pieces. We've pretty much picked the car clean. I do plan on pulling the tranny. The motor is shot.

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Old 04-17-2005, 03:01 PM
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I could use some of the parts if they are still there and you have access to them. (1)The alum front fender spears. (2) dowel pins for the motor - trans hook-up. (3) The six bolts for the rear crank/flexplate hook-up. Let me know.

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Old 04-17-2005, 04:36 PM
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The Star Chief rocker trim is too long for a Catalina!

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Old 04-17-2005, 06:56 PM
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Hey Steve, you misspelled car. Isn't it CAA?

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Old 04-17-2005, 09:39 PM
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Hey, just keep rubbing our noses in it- for $40 you even got a clock & radio??!!!!

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