Technical Nailhead Buick switch pitch trans.

I have a 59 364 Buick Nailhead I might use in a project, but it has the enclosed driveshaft trans. Info I found here showed the 400 trans. used 64-66 would fit the 364 without too much trouble and 65-66 were better than 64s. I have been looking for a 65-6 for parts and found a 67 Electra but passed because I figured that would not be a Nailhead and most likely a 430. Now, I have read the the switch pitch was used in 67 also. Is that so and if it is, will that bolt up to the Nailhead engines? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

I think in 1967 the case changed to the BOP pattern,so it would not bolt up to a nailhead.

 

| Nailhead Buick they have everything you need to know .

 

The switch pitch was used through 67, but the nailhead was only used through 66. So the trans would probably have switch pitch, but won't fit your engine.

 

@pprather @squirrel @Marty Vanin @highpockets

Gentlemen........GM created the so called BOP bolt pattern beginning with the 1964 model year for certain engine models. In the case of Buick, that was the 225 V6 and the 300 V8 and later the 340 V8.
For 1967 models the BOP pattern was used on the 400, 430 V8s.

As for the Switch Pitch transmissions, the Super Turbine 300, a 2 speed, was introduced for 1964 Buick 225 V6 & 300 V8. The Super Turbine 400 Switch Pitch was used on the 1967 340, 400 & 430 V8's.

I have had both the 300 and 400 Switch Pitch trans.......currently have two 400 models. None of these fit any of the Nailheads.......those are a different case and are generally known as the ST400. Oldsmobile reportedly also used the BOP Switch Pitch 400 in 1967. I don't know about Pontiac or Cadillac usage, if any.

Ray

 

Olds and Cadillac used it, too. I've had one of each, as well as several Buicks, both naihead and BOP pattern.

I had a 65 Skylark for a while with the 300 and ST300.

I run the 300 converter in the 400, for a bit more stall.

 

Pontiac, I believe, created the BOP pattern in 1961. But as was mentioned, 1964 was when Buick, Olds, & Pontiac adapted the standard pattern, primarily for the ST300 equipped cars. ST400 equipped cars started using BOP pattern in Oldsmobiles and Pontiacs in 1965. Buick started in 1967, while Cadillac started in 1968.

 

The 300 was used on "small" engines, the 400 on "large" engines, mostly. Small being the Buick 225 and 300, the Olds 330, and the Pontiac 326.

It's all pretty confusing, especially as I get older an my memory goes away.

 

i have 2 of these. t400 bop pattern.