I'm changing over from a closed drive Dynaflow to a Buick Turbo400 with an open driveshaft. Keeping the nailhead 363. I'm just looking for obsticals I'll have to jump. I know the flywheel center holes won't jive, but not sure what all I'll be facing with the rearend. Any advice would be appreciated.
You've got a bunch of work ahead of you. First off the rear suspension is integral with the torque tube. So you'll need to do something like NASCAR style ladder bars, a four link, or something along those lines. You can keep the stock rear and just replace the center section from a, I believe, 61-64 fullsize Buick. That or swap a whole different rear in there. You're gonna need the flexplate from the SP400 or ST400 (you are using a tranny from a 401/425 Nailhead aren't you ?) You'll need to enlarge the center hole to fit the 364 crank, but the bolt holes are the same. Now the 401/425 is a different balance than the 364 so you may end up with some issues from this but some people have been able to get away with it. You're also gonna need a bushing for the crank as well. My favorite place to get this bushing is Carmen Faso ([SIZE=-1]716) 693-4090, cool old dude and a Nialhead guru... Now this covers a lot of it, you'll also have to fab up the tranny mount as well and have a driveshaft made.[/SIZE]
No problem... if you have anymore questions there are a few guys that have done this kind of swap.... I don't remember who did it but there is a homemade torque tube to open driveline conversion somewhere on here. I think it was a '56 or '57 Buick.. I can see if we can dig it up with the search...
I'm running a 55' Buick with a modern drivetrain and the original rear end. Fabbed out a open driveshaft conversion kit for the torque tube rear. Used a 4 link suspension setup from SW Racing, fairly reasonable price. Let me know if you want details. Pappy
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