Hello.,we have a1956 Pontiac chieftain . we have a 1960 389 in the car . the original 56 transmission needs to be replaced. We were thinking about a 350 turbo. Looking for info on how that could done.
An informative Pontiac thread, due to starter motor and block differences a kit is the way to go but not cheap. https://www.hotrod.com/articles/early-transmission-swap-swapping-jet-away-for-a-th400/
The Wilcap adapter kit is for a 1964 and later engine...not for a 1959, 389. I think Bendtsens makes a kit for the early engine to 350 turbo. Which 1956 trans do you have? The slant pan hydro [Park is reverse with the key shut off] or is it the slim jim POS with a park position on the column? If it's the one without park, it may be in your interest to get the original trans rebuilt. They're a good design. I used one behind a 1960, 389 in my old 56 chieftain and it served me well.
Kit indicates 61-64 and has the ears for early swaps, I recall something about 1961 being a crossover year or something in relation to the BOP bolt pattern? You learn something new every day, thanks. That 60 Catalina in above link had a 389 hooked up to a T400 via a Wilcap kit. Digressing I just learned that in 1955-1959 Pontiac V8 engines circulated water though the heads first, then into and through the block (Reverse flow). In 1960, the water flow was changed (Conventional flow) and entered the engine block first, then into the heads. http://www.pontiacsafari.com/EngineCooling/index.htm Back on topic, these are the Bentdsted kits:- PO1000101 1955-1960 Pontiac (389 with 2.59" crank flange) to Chevy Automatic Transmission, ; and PO1000201 1961-1964 Pontiac (389 with 2.75" crank flange) to Chevy Automatic Transmission. Double check your crank flange to ensure that it is in fact a 1960 389 (2.59" crank flange) and not a later YOM (2.75" crank flange) before you commit to a kit.
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