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Thread: I need help with a buick nailhead question

  1. #1

    I need help with a buick nailhead question

    I have a 1965 buick skylark convertable with a 300 V-8.
    I also have a 1963 buick electra 225 with a 401 V-8.
    Can I put my 1963 401 into my 1965 skylark with out too much difficalty?

  2. #2
    The short answer is no. There would need to be specific parts from the 65-66 GS Skylark needed to complete this exchange and those parts are very rare. A 340 or 350 are a drop in solution.
    Steve B.



    67 GS 525 Buick Stage IV
    66 GS Convertible
    65 GS HT
    63 Riv
    02 Subaru WRX Turbo
    03 Ford Cobra Convertible (Factory Supercharged)

  3. #3

    Thanks Doc

    I figured as much, It just simply did not appear to be so easy. I am willing to hear any other comments along with the good doctor... Thanks so much for the information which I so need to hear before I start into this journey into the unkown...
    Quote Originally Posted by Dr. Frankenbuick View Post
    The short answer is no. There would need to be specific parts from the 65-66 GS Skylark needed to complete this exchange and those parts are very rare. A 340 or 350 are a drop in solution.

  4. #4
    is your 300ci a two or four barrel? and what are you planning to do with it?
    The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstones of taxation and inflation.
    Vladimir Lenin

    Government schooling is about "the perfect organization of the hive."
    H.H. Goddard, Human Efficiency (1920)

  5. #5

    2 Barrel,

    I am not sure yet what I will do with my 300 2 barrel.

  6. #6
    Hi. It can be done but you will have to use a 1964, 65 or 66 TH400. Your TH300 bolt pattern is different than the '63 401. I think the rarest parts are going to be the GS oil pan and oil pickup. Hard to find. I do believe these parts had another application in earlier 60's big cars, I just don't remember which. Do some research on this, you'll figure it out. The 401 to "A" body cars motor mount adaptor can be home made, no problem there. You'll have a radiator issue, not too much of a problem either. Exhaust manifolds I believe were GS specific too but you'll probably use headers anyway. Back in '65 that's what I did. Not too big a deal. The big surprise is the starter. The 1963 engine was equipped with Dynaflow and had a starter with a long snout. The 1963 and back 401,364 engine came with the triangular "flywheel" the starter ring was on the Dynaflow converter. Your TH300 is designed for the starter ring to be on the flex plate of the 1964 and newer nailheads. Back in the 60's I mated a 364 to a TH400 and it worked. It was in a roadster. As I remember I used parts from both the new and the old starter to make a starter to fit. Also, when you do this, you have to enlarge the hole in the center of the TH400 flex plate to fit the "Dynaflow" crankshaft of the '63 401. Please keep in mind, these are 50 year old memories and I could have forgot something. So, do some checking, I might have left out something.

    PS. I thought of one more thing, Your 401 never had a flex plate that was balanced to it. So you'll have to get a 1964, 65, 66 401 flexplate, drill (or torch) out the center hole and have the whole thing balanced. Then of course you're going to have to shorten the drive shaft and make a new crossmember (trans support). You know, as I make these suggestions to you, I see that It's going to be a lot of work. I responded to your post to try to help but, maybe the most helpful thing would be to suggest that you don't do it. Buying a real Gran Sport might be cheaper. Good luck which ever way you go.

  7. #7

    wow

    Wow Tom,
    Thank you for the time and energy in writing a post for me, I do believe you have scared me into trying a 350 or something a bit more compatable. You have alot of very helpful experience to share. Between people like yourself and the internet to bring us together...The world is a better place. thank you team Buick also for providing a very needed place to gather.

    Rich Reilley, San Leandro, California

  8. #8
    Have some ***** . A 401 skylark is an awesome car even if it is a clone or recreation . Go for the nailhead . In the long run you will be glad you did'nt settle for a 350 . Just sayin .

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