Ive got a 401 nailhead from a 64 riv and I'm trying to figure out my options for a transmission. I've got a super turbine 300 that I would like to use if possible. So am I going to need and adapter to fit the st300 to the 64 nailhead? also will the flywheel for a super turbine 400 work with the st300? Thanks for your help.
You should OK to bolt up the 300 if you want-I would go with the 400 tho. '65-6 flexplates were drilled for both 300 and 400 convertors to cover the Sky GS cars-so you will need to drill yours or grab the later one. Also, you should have a 425 if it's from a '64 Riv-good luck
Do you have the proper ST300 with the nailhead pattern? I have two 401's, two ST400's and two ST300's. The two ST300's are different pattern.... (1) BOP shape was mated to a V6 from 1965. (2) nailhead shape mated to 401 from a 65gs. The ST400's i have are nailhead pattern from 65/66 wildcats (401cid). The ST400's probably also came in the BOP format since i believe it carried on after 66 when the nailhead was discontinued. Gary
ST300's that were in the Skylark Gran Sport series, powered by a 401, had the nailhead bellhousing. ST300's that were in a Skylark powered by a V6 or small V8 had the BOP corporate bell housing.
Yea I figured out last night after some measuring that I DO NOT have the correct bolt pattern on the st300...its from a 340 buick v8. So now my only options I guess are to find a st400 with a nailhead bolt pattern or get an adapter and use another transmission right?
yes and if your gonna go to the trouble of an adapter get a od trans like 200-4r and put to it. it will make the nailhead scream. also if your going to a abody from a riviera. the headers/manifolds are different and the oil pans are.
The '64 400 didn't have the switch pitch feature like the 65 and 66 did. Using the 400 may require you to massage the floor plan some to make it fit. If you could find a burned up 300 with the correct case, all the internals from the one you have should swap over. Might be the least expensive way to go for now.
Well tysongross you never said which car you are putting it in. If it is a Skylark/Special from 64/65 i didn't have to modify the floor at all when i went to a ST400, although i had to switch from a hard linkage to a soft cable. The stuff even harder to find are the rear-sump oil pan, oil pump, engine mounting brackets and GS manifolds. Cheers, Gary
Learned some cool stuff in the last 24 hours.. so heres where we are at. The 64 riv motor I have is really a 425 not a 401 I know from decoding and looking at the machine mark on the back of the motor. Doesnt change the bolt patter for the trans tho. I am putting this into my 1966 special deluxe. I dont have a trans at the moment and the st300 I do have wont work because it has the BOP pattern and not the nailhead pattern. Some st300s had the nailhead pattern but mine doesnt. Came from a 340 buick... My options seem to be 3 1. Get a ST400 from another nailhead engine. 2. Buy an adapter for $800 and find a GM trans. 3. Find a th400 from a 65-73 AMC jeep that also has the nailhead bolt pattern. Option 3 is looking pretty good right now as I know a bunch of jeep nuts in the local area. All in all I think this is pretty cool. I mean its neat that the jeeps used a part that was from the buick nailheads.
In addition to what Dan says, if I remember correctly, someone in the Riviera Owners Assn. did some research on this some time ago and found another difference. The starters on the engines that Jeep used, including the Buick 350, were all on the passenger's side, nothing major. :eek2:
What ever you do ,,, dont quit untill you find/purchase a 65/66 switch pitch trans ...[short tail shaft] you will be sooooo glad you did.... 6 forward speeds 2 reverse speeds....and a whole bunch of more power to the ground.... Now the jeep 401 is a amc engine not a buick nailhead.... the buick engines that chrysler used in jeeps were the 350's.... You will need the special exhaust manifolds for a 65/66 skylark gs and the oil pan/pickup.... You will have to change the starter to a short nose type... the drive shaft will have to be shortened ,,,, with the front yolk changed.... put in heavy duty u joints,,, you will need them....
I don't really understand why some people don't put their name or location in here. Location sure helps when your trying to give someone leads on parts etc.
Thanks Gat, put it on my sig. Yea would really rather have the switch pitch myself. I'll probably just wait till one pops up locally or see if I can find someone to ship me one.
nekkidbilly where have you seen $450 adapters? The only ones I've see are from transmissionadapters.com and they are $850 plus shipping...
As long as you are patient you will find one and probably right around the corner from you. When i'm looking for parts i'm a bit obsessed and cannot relax until i find them. I usually end up with at least two of everything....sick! If i see something close to you i'll let you know. Cheers, Gary
