LOOKING FOR A BUICK MASTER.... I HAVE A 1961 BUICK 364 ENGINE..JUST GOT A 1964 BUICK 400 TURBO... I HAVE NO FLYWHEEL/FLEXPLATE...OR CONVERTER... WHAT DO I NEED ?? THANKS, LLOYD... DO YOU HAVE WHAT I NEED ???
1961 buicks had a 401. i would suspect that if you located a 401/425 flexplate and torque converter you'd be in "bidness". no, i don't have what you need, and stop yelling from "building a better buick: part I" from Rod and Custom mag: In 1954, Buick offered two engine sizes: a small 264 V-8 for the Special series body style which was available in 143- or 150hp versions. The 322 engine was also available for the Century and Roadmaster body styles in 195- or 200hp versions. The 322 was carried over in 1955 and 1956 with horsepower increases. In 1955, the horsepower topped out at 235, and in 1956 it increased to 255. In 1957, the Buick nailhead grew to a 364ci displacement with a top rating of 300 hp. The 364 engine size continued in 1958, but was increased in 1959 to a 401ci displacement producing 325 hp. The nailhead finally topped out at 425 ci in the Riviera model in 1964 and was developing 340 hp. Buick continued to use the nailhead design until 1966, making them plentiful in auto wrecking establishments.
In fact the 364 remained the base model V8 in some 1959, 1960 and 1961 models, per Standard Catalog of Buick and Motor's Auto Repair Manuals. The crankshaft needs alteration to work with the '64 trans, or you need a '64 crank. I'm not sure if you can machine the 1958-1963 crank end to make it work, or not. Someone aught to make a flexplate that works for this application, if there's room enough to fit it in there.
im using a 1937 three speed Lasalle, and a Columbia axel, in my 29 sport coupe, it work's grate with the nailhead.
mr. newyorker, i thank you sir. you're absolutely right. here's a link to check casting numbers. I've looked at this link several times, and it says right in there for '61-'66: "364/401". My bad http://www.buicks.net/shop/reference/nailhead_casting_numbers.html
Yes, the 61 Lesabres still ran the 364, my pop has one in his 61. As far as using the 64 th400 behind it you need a couple of things. First you need a 64-66 401-425 with th/sp400 flexplate. It has the ring gear attached like most flexplates. The center hole for the flexplate will need to be opened up to fit over the crank flange, or cust the crank flange down, or swap to a 64-66 crank. The starter needs to be pushed forward about 1/2-5/8" (or as I did, make a bushing to stop the bendix gear from going all the way back by this amount.) You will need an support adapter for the rear of the crank to locate and support the torque convertor, the Dynaflo snout is much bigger. These adapters can be purchased off ebay. The original convertor is a switch pitch type, but if you are having the trans rebuilt you can change the front pump to a conventional type and run a regular convertor. TA performance, Carmen Faso, and a few other vendors listed at V8Buick.com should be able to supply you with the necessary parts. Look for the Nailhead forum and check under vendors.
I Get That A Lot.. I'm Not Yelling, This Is For The Visually Impaird, Like Me.. Thanks For The Help...lloyd
For the visually impaired: (myself somewhat included) Hold your control key and scroll your mouse wheel down a click or two. Cool, huh?
If it's a '64 Nailhead TH400 it's not a switch pitch (one wire)... they (two wire) came in '65 & '66. Also the '64 valve body (PRNDL) is '64 only; still a tough 3 speed! Good luck, Frank
The crank does not need to be altered. You can open up the center hole of the 64-66 flexplate. The bolt holes are the same. You will also need a bushing for the crank end. Not all of the torque converters were the switch-pitch type, but you pretty much nailed the rest... Carmen Faso is my choice to get the bushing. Cool old dude with a wealth of knowledge... Not all the 65-66 were switch pitch..... again...
Hello Helmsville, I have a 364 Nailhead for my 34 ford coupe and I'm looking for stick trans options. Can you tell me what was needed to mate the Laselle box to the Nailhead please. I'm not sure if you know the ratios but I'm also curious at what kind of revs you're doing at 70mph with the Lasalle and Columbia rear end. Thanks for any info you can share Regards, Pete
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