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Thread: 1962 Special Trans Upgrade

  1. #1
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    1962 Special Trans Upgrade

    Hey Buick fans... I have a 1962 Special with the 215 and stock automatic. I would like to upgrade the trans with a more modern unit, preferably an overdrive. I know there are suppliers for adapters to fit more common bolt pattern transmissions. I am thinking a 200r4 or maybe a ZF with a Rover bellhousing. Anyone out there done such a swap? What about trans tunnel clearance, driveshaft yokes, speedometer feed, crossmember issues?

  2. #2
    Research "Wildcat Engineering" in the U.K.
    Tom Telesco
    Classic and Muscle Automotive
    12 Cook St.
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    NailHead Mini-Starters '53-'66
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  3. #3
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    Talking

    Not sure on the earlier trans. I used a 200r4 on my 67 Special wagon. I replaced the st300 and wouldn't ever go back.Had a trans built locally as it was going into an 87 GN. Bowtie overdrives provided the TV cable kit and electrical hookups needed for lockup. The frame had all the holes already punched. The driveshaft yoke and length were the same as well. Had to change the speedo gear a few times to get it close. I added an electric fan due to the low cruise rpm and the fan clutch not engaging. The overdrive is awesome.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Warden View Post
    Not sure on the earlier trans. I used a 200r4 on my 67 Special wagon. I replaced the st300 and wouldn't ever go back.Had a trans built locally as it was going into an 87 GN. Bowtie overdrives provided the TV cable kit and electrical hookups needed for lockup. The frame had all the holes already punched. The driveshaft yoke and length were the same as well. Had to change the speedo gear a few times to get it close. I added an electric fan due to the low cruise rpm and the fan clutch not engaging. The overdrive is awesome.
    That sounds like the ticket. The transmission tunnel may be smaller on the '62 than the '67, so size of the trans is definitely an issue. Any reason you went with the 200r4 rather than the 700? I'm not really concerned with strength behind a stock 215, so packaging is more a priority. Thanks for the input!

  5. #5
    You would be better off with a 200 rather than a 700 due to size. Also goggle trans. adapters. Bob has many diff. ones. even for straight eights.


    Tom T.
    Tom Telesco
    Classic and Muscle Automotive
    12 Cook St.
    Norwalk, CT 06853-1601
    Day Phone 203-324-6045 ET
    NailHead Mini-Starters '53-'66
    Adjustable Roller Tip Rocker Arms - All NailHeads
    Custom forged pistons
    Front & rear neoprene seals
    Many other "Nail" parts
    "If I can't get it, you don't need it!"

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