Hey all,

I recently purchased a 72 Electra w 455/400, 12 bolt posi and front disc brakes. I want to put a least the engine and tranny in a 1969 Skylark which had a Buick 350 in it.

Is this possible ? Regardless of difficulty.
What other parts will adapt to this vehicle, the brakes would be the biggest concern of mine once the motor goes in, and I wonder if it is possible to exchange the front end and rear end w/big brakes with the Lark.

Any input or direction would be very much appreciated ...

Rick

Yes the 455 will fit into the 69 lark. Although you'll probally have to move/replace the engine mounds. The tranny should also fit in without a problem, however (If I'm not mistaken you're replacing an th350 with a th400?) when replacing the th350 with a th400 the drive shaft needs to be shortend and posibly the under body of the car needs to be modified because the th350 is much smaler in size than the th400. I'm not too sure about the brakes. I'm sure that they are interchangable with the lark's but don't hold me to that.

The 69 GS had a 400 ,and the mounts for this are available from Poston or TA Performance. If your TH400 is a short shaft unit, that is what the GS used.The rear mount can be relocated easily as the holes are already there. You will need also the front yoke because the TH400 has a larger output shaft. If you have a long TH400 , you might want to think about leaving the TH350 in the car. There are a lot of 455 Buicks that are running this with no problem, and the455 bolts up fine.

Thanks to all ...

The th400 has the long shaft, perhaps the th350 would do okay. My biggest concern was and still is stopping this beast, without shelling 4000$ US for wilwood or bear brakes. I'm hoping an interchange book will help me when it gets down to that.

p.s. This website rocks !!!

Rick

Hey Rick;
Nice to see another local guy here! Where in Vancouver do you live? Hope all goes well with your swap graemlins/beers.gif

Hey Doug,

I live in New West. Recently moved here so I could be next to my shop, and my BUICK. It would be nice to keep in touch as I need all the advice I can get.


Rick graemlins/banana.gif

I just dropped a 455 into a 69skylark the engine and tranny went right in I had to ust the motor mounts that came with the 455. I had trouble with the drive shaft try yours if it works great if not measure mines was53-54 inches the following shafts will work. buick 61-95 cadi 50-95 chevrolet 67-01 ford 65-02 gmc truck 65-02. also avoid the two section shafts that buick was famous for they have a rubber piece that twists with time get a solid one. recommend having it balanced not exspensive and worth it