'54 Roadie with a 401/TH 400 - need some help

I've just picked up a '64 T400 and will soon have a '60 - 401 for my '54 Roadie Riv. I'm trying to figure out just what to do with the front (and rear) end that won't brake the bank but will help with handling, steering, etc. Right now the column has this huge PS Gear box sitting there and I'd really like to get rid of it. It'll be hard enough trying to get duals and power brakes set up. I really could use the room. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks! Gary

 

You're going to have issues with mating that dynaflow-backed 60 motor to that 64 trans. If memory serves me you're going to need to either space the starter out 5/8" or pull one off the 64 motor and drill/tap a new bolthole in the block. Also will have to have either the flange on the crank milled off or the opening in the flexplate made bigger. Also will need an adapter for the snout of the torque converter to make it center up in the crank, dynaflow converters have a bigger diameter snout.

 

Hmmm.....I was told that a spacer on the crank, a '64 flexplate and a mini starter would be the only things I would need. I can pickup a '63 Motor that is a little less complete. Does this solve some of the issues? Thanks! Gary

 

To use the tranny you will have to either get a 64 up motor or put a 64 up crank in the block you have. I put a 425 crank in my 59 401 block and spaced the starter. Works great. They also make bushing that will go in your crank and solve the problem. They are always on ebay. Look up nailheads and there is usually something in there. TP

 

That TH400 is open drive, too, you're going to not only have to change the rearend but come up with something (4-links maybe?) to locate it, as the little stock sway bar won't cut it.

Now using the '60 trans could probably save that headache both motor-wise and rearend-wise.

 

I don't want to use the Dynaflow and torque tube set up. Found a bushing for the crank for not much money. I guess the big question is what rear end to use.