Thanks! I'll check it out.

I followed your link and took a look at the Hayden cooler. Did you replace the stock cooler? Or did you install the Hayden inline with the stock cooler? The part looks great and is definitely the right price. Did you install it yourself, or pay a shop to do it.

I've looked at some choices for a vacuum modulator...are they all adjustable? I see ones with 1 black strip, 1 read stripe, 2 red strips...??? Any preference?

I routed the lines: transmission >> my big giant cooler >> factory in-radiator cooler >> transmission

I installed it myself, and made my own brackets etc. I didn't use the ram-through-the-condenser-and-radiator deal that comes with it.

I think they're all adjustable these days. I haven't found one in at least a decade that isn't. I don't know about the stripes or the significance of them, I just get a decent brand for my application and put it in, then adjust later if needed.

Adding a transmission cooler is just another possible point for it to leak and possibly LOSE all of your tranny fluid. Are you planning on racing around with the car? Are you giving it to a rambunctious teenage driver? My advice is to change the filter and replace the pan with an updated one with a drain plug. Don't over think this. With regular maintenance and careful driving the Olds can last quite a long time.

No teenagers within miles of this car. I tend to baby my wheels. So I think that's good advice because I do tend to overthink things. Now, what do you think about slapping a supercharger on that thing?....:w3

If you choose to do this, I suggest you add a transmission cooler.

Ahahahahaha :rkr

My living room is filling up with parts for the 88. KYB rear shocks and front struts, serpentine belt, those aluminum elbow thingies for the coolant, tranny filter and pan gasket, fuel pressure regulator. And more to come.

Because the car has been sitting for 6 years, a car nut friend says I should replace the tires now, if not sooner. There's good tread on the tires, but the rubber does look a bit tired, so I think he's right. Current tire size is 215/65R15. Is that the stock size? I've read elsewhere that 205/70R15s are the norm. Not that there's any gigantic difference there.

Also, I need to buy a cheap set of steelies for my studded tires. From what I can find, I'm looking for something with a 5x115 bolt pattern, 15x6", with a 47 degree offset, 70.3mm center bore. I've also seen something with a 52 degree offset, but that's for a wider tire I think. Am I on the right track there?

You all have been so much help. I really appreciate it.