61\63 Special

Hi all,

I have always been interested in putting a 455 into a 61/63 era Special. I know its a tight fit and would require some fab work, just wondering if its possible, if it's been done, and what kind of fab work was required.
Thanks :grin:

 

I'm pretty sure thats what Jim Burek has. He's on here all the time

 

Thanks, Hope he sees this thread. :TU:

 

Try PMing him at buick535

You might get a faster response if he doesn't have to search for this thread.

 

Cool body style....dare to be different

http://www.paeenterprises.com

Look for Jim's car here

 

I've always thought the 61, 62 were just an awesome looking ride. They would seem to offer everything. It's a Buick, small and light weight. I just am not familiar enough with them about fitting a big block between the fenders of one. I see a ton of them for sale, but have not seen the underhood or underside of one up close.

 

61/63 Special

You'd be very surprised at the amount of width in one of the 61-63 Specials and Skylarks. The length of the stock engine compartment is a bit tricky along with the 4-bolt brake systems. I ran a carb'd 231 V6 in a '63. Really easy combination to work with. A number of Buick guys suggested the big block swap. Unless you're willing to cut and weld, the small trans tunnel will be a real headache. The little two speed automatics are tiny compared to an ST300-TH400.

Surprisingly, the subframes look pretty stout for a compact car and they are tied fore and aft with u-channel frame connectors. I recently looked at a '61 V8 car that's been sitting outdoors for several years with the big block configuration in mind.

The rear end would have to be the first thing to go. Then at least an 8-point roll cage to keep the big block torque from twisting that thing into a pretzel. Interesting thing about the front end. The entire front suspension can be removed whole by removing three mounting bolts. I've wondered if one of those Alston or Chassis Engineering sub frame kits for the Chevy Nova/Buick Apollo might not be an easy way to go.

Anyway you look at it, just imagine one of those little cars in full ProStreet or SuperGas trim.

 

Have a similiar build-up going on a '63 LeMans (unitized body) & near nonexistant tranny tunnel (rope-drive). Going with ladder bars & tying it into a cage would have been easy. Instead am installing modifying factory A-body upper control arm crossmember, slightly narrowed A-body r/e, 10 point cage.

Would love to see pics of ANY chassis mods on minitubbed '61- 63 Skylark's or F85's.

Roger