53 buick special

H

honkeytalk

Member
was wondering if i could remove the straight 8 motor and trans and put in a v8 motor and trans that is up to date parts wise, right now i'm having a problem with the manual shift on the tree, the trans seems to grind going into 1st and 3rd finding parts for this car has been awful can't find what i need also the radiator is leaking and i can't find a radiator either. could someone please share the info to make the swap and on parts
 
I'm putting an Oldsmobile 455; TH-400 tranny; and a 12-bolt rear-end in my '53 Special. It can be done; you just need to change the motor mounts, tranny mounts, and swap out the rear-end as well...the torque-tube will not work with a modern V-8. Chassis Engineering and Speedway Motors sell motor-mount and swap kits. You also may want to check out this article:


http://www.webrodder.com/article.php?AID=207&SID=1&PHPSESSID=b5957f6dc0815803fde3e68dba60014d

Also check out part 8...that deals with mating a TH-350 tranny behind the straight-8. As far as parts go; check out Kanter Automotive Products www.kanter.com ; as well as Cars, Inc www.oldbuickparts.com . Hope this helps.
 
hey thanks for the reply if you caould give me part numbers for the motor mnts and trans mnts that would be great how much do you think it costs to put that rear suspension set up? i couldn't get to the trans bolt up could you send me that I' m really interested in that because my manual 3 speed is grinding in 1st and third and i don't know how much to fix it.
 
Here's the address for the trans-adapter article:

http://www.webrodder.com/article.php?AID=235&SID=6&PHPSESSID=e1c17ac1aa71a2cf31bbbf2718d4f29f

You can also buy printed versions of the articles, too...just click where it says "To purchase a printed version" in the top right corner of the tech article.

Also, here's the info on motor mounts:

Speedway Motors ( www.speedwaymotors.com ):

I'm assuming you're thinking of putting in a nailhead, so's here's the part number and price for the motor mounts-- If not, just check out the website...they have all kinds of swap kits.
7204502
401-425 Nailhead Weld-In Motor Mounts PR $92.99
 
Hi,

I am looking to do the same thing on my 53 Roadmaster convertible...455 with a turbo 400 with disc brakes all around if possible and rack and pinion steering...basically the resto mod approach. I called Speedway and they don't have any kits for a 53 Buick. I will checkout Chassis Engineering.
Any recommendations....possibly a new front clip??
 
st eight

are you considering selling the old st. is eight ?
what condition is it in ? I have a 41 248 with a bad crank, bought a used crank on e bay, o k but needs grinding and have not heard the motor running yet. would like to keep it most original. Stormy
 
Actually the 53 Roadmaster has a 322 V8...first year. It is totally rebuilt and runs great. It is still in the car along with a rebuilt dynaflow.
 
5376C said:
Hi,

I am looking to do the same thing on my 53 Roadmaster convertible...455 with a turbo 400 with disc brakes all around if possible and rack and pinion steering...basically the resto mod approach. I called Speedway and they don't have any kits for a 53 Buick. I will checkout Chassis Engineering.
Any recommendations....possibly a new front clip??
Click to expand...

You're right...Speedway doesn't have a specific motor mount kit for a '53 Buick, per se... however, the way the motor mounts are in a '53 Chevy are very similar to a '53 Buick...the Chevy used a Straight-6, the Buick, a straight-8. I don't see why it wouldn't work to use the '53 Chevy frame mounts and then the bolt on mounts for the 455. Don't think you would really have to do much fabricating, if any.
 
To change the trans you will need to replace the rear end,and torque tube drive shaft. I installed a ford 9 in. rear end with suburban leaf springs(on my 53 super)And had the axles drilled to match the subframe bolt pattern(ford PU rear worked great). I used a 1977 pontiac trans am subframe(front steer), it is the perfect width and I just made the motor and trans mounts. For the Buick 455 and turbo 400 trans. good luck
 
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