Transplant 1950 into 1941?

[wickedgoodracing]

Hi, We're attempting to install a 1950 dynaflow 320 straight eight into our 1941 standard shift Century. Discovered that not only does the standard shift flywheel NOT fit over the boss on the dynaflow crank (bolts do appear to line up), but the input shaft pilot bearing has no seat in which to install - unless 3/4" of slop in every direction is within tolerance ! We wrongly assumed that one could easily interchange one 320 for the other. We are guessing that this cannot be the first time that this kind of engine swap has been attempted. Any words of wisdom out there, or do we now have both a good scrap metal candidate, and a great running boat anchor ? HELP ! Ron

[shoprat]

Well, I have not done or attempted to do such a transplant. From what you suggest, you could probably take the flywheel to a machine shop and have it opened up. You will have to modify the crank to take the bushing. If there is not enough meat in the slopped area to just bore it out, you will have to install a larger bushing to carry the input bushing.

I don't think the 320 was ever offered with a standard transmission.

[39CENT]

I have a 39' century with a 52' roadmaster [320] crank. It has a machined adaptor to allow the stick shift pilot bearing be installed. You may have to get a machinist to make a drawing and machine an adaptor. Maybe someone out there has, or can make one?

[4076c]

Hi, We're attempting to install a 1950 dynaflow 320 straight eight into our 1941 standard shift Century. Discovered that not only does the standard shift flywheel NOT fit over the boss on the dynaflow crank (bolts do appear to line up), but the input shaft pilot bearing has no seat in which to install - unless 3/4" of slop in every direction is within tolerance ! We wrongly assumed that one could easily interchange one 320 for the other. We are guessing that this cannot be the first time that this kind of engine swap has been attempted. Any words of wisdom out there, or do we now have both a good scrap metal candidate, and a great running boat anchor ? HELP ! Ron

I just found an ebay store advertising an adapter for dynaflow cranks that seems pretty straight forward,Centerville Auto Repair/Nailhead Buick specialist, they have an ebay store called buickrodder, just do a search for that ebay store and you should find them. The description shows it for nailhead V8's but it seems to me the parts books show the adapter part number is the same for str8's and V8's. They will probably give you measurements if you ask to verify that it will work. Hope that helps, Best Regards, Greg