New to the site and new to Buicks. "63 Wildcat questions.

[Rem]

Great site here.
I have recently bought a '63 Wildcat with a bad engine and this is about the only place I have found with info on the Nailheads.
I have done a lot of reading and learning and really appreciate the extensive amount of info here.

What I need to know is about engine interchange.
I have found a good running 364 from a 61 LeSabre.
I plan to put it in the Wildcat and get it running then focus on some other areas of the car. If I like it I will probably rebuild the original engine later and put it back in.
The 364 has a rear sump pan and I am wondering if I can use it in place of the center sump pan which was in the car or must I switch pans and oil pumps. If so is there any problem in switching them.
Thanks and any input apprecaited.

[telriv]

Although the center sump pan will fit the 364, the center sump pan pump & pick-up will NOT interchange. Oil pump mounting points are different. Maybe if you were able to fab up your own pick-up it may be possible. If you can come up with a way to overcome this I would like to know for future reference. I would be interested in buying the rear sump pan for one of my own projects.

Tom T.

[Rem]

Thanks.
The block is different where the pump bolts up?

My best solution may be to just rebuild the 401 sooner instead of later.
I haven't torn it down yet. The engine was out of the car when I bought it. I was told it still ran good but had a knock that sounded like a rod bearing. When I get in to it I will know more about which way I need to go I guess.

I still have hope that the engine with the rear sump will clear the tie rods but assume not or they would have used that design.

[telriv]

Correct, the rear sump will NOT work with the suspension set-up you have.

[Long Roof]

Rem,
I have a center sump oil pan from a 401 that I am looking to replace with a rear sump oil pan. The 401 and 364 pans should interchange I would galdly trade you if you are interested. I am not sure what modifications need to be done on the oil pickup tube but I am sure something can be done.

[Rem]

Rem,
I have a center sump oil pan from a 401 that I am looking to replace with a rear sump oil pan. The 401 and 364 pans should interchange I would galdly trade you if you are interested. I am not sure what modifications need to be done on the oil pickup tube but I am sure something can be done.

Can't get rid of the pan.
I have both a 364 and 401 and don't know what I will be using.
It looks like I will have to try to use the 401 center sump with whatever I use but will keep the other. If I get the 364 to work I will plan on a rebuild of the 401 eventually and put it back in then will have a complete 364 left.
I would like to eventually put the 364 in my '59 F-100.

[Rem]

OK
I pulled the pan and pump off the 401 this morning and I can't see any reason the pump won't work on my 364.
I have the 364 upside down on the stand and both pumps here and they are obviously different pumps but seem to be completely interchangeable.
What am I missing?

There was a piece of piston skirt in the pan of the 401 so that probably explains the knock.

[nailhead]

try bolting the 401 pump to the 364 block you will see the problem, I am going the other way using a rear sump pan on a 401 , having to make a modified pickup for the pump

[WildKitty]

issit possible to bend a piece of 3/8 tubing to extend the pickup to the filter?

[Rem]

try bolting the 401 pump to the 364 block you will see the problem,

Well that was simple enough. Thanks

I had put the pump on the block but hadn't given the bolt holes any attention.

How many different pump pan combinations were there.
Were any 364's used with a center sump pan and surely between '59 and '66 there were 401's with a rear sump.

I am considering drilling the block to match the front hole on the pump. It appears the rear hole is located properly. Is there an easier/better solution.