I was requested to rebuild a friend of a friend's 63 Lesabre with a 401 because it made a pop, started smoking and filled the crankcase with coolant. Upon a visual inspection, with the spark plugs removed, I discovered #5 piston is in the bottom of the crankcase and I can see the broken rod and the companion rod on the opposite of the motor. Based on that, I figured the block and crank are trash for sure - correct me if you think I might be wrong. So I explained to the owner that either the pan or head needs to be removed, but I expect to find terminal damage to the motor. I explained that i have a 425 that I've been sitting on for 3-4 years saving it for my Wildcat or maybe a future T-bucket build. So the question comes of are there any differences between the block, crank or transmission? Will the 64 engine bolt to the 63 2 speed transmission? What do you think is a fair price for a complete, rebuildable core 425? I really didn't want to sell it, but everything is for sale for the right amount - I guess:/. I felt pretty bad about the whole situation as I appeared that I was pitching my used motor to this guy that I really don't know very well. I was really looking forward to building another 401. Thanks in advance for any input- Jim
You really don't know the extent of the damage until you start to strip it down Jim. At least remove the one or both heads & see what that brings. Never know it may be savable with a sleeve in that one cylinder. Even if the block has an external crank that can be fixed by stitching & epoxy. You can install a TH400 on a DynaFlow crank with an adapter, but not the other way around. The hole for the hub of the 400 crank is much smaller. I guess you could machine it if nec. but the adapter would probably be less $$$. You could use the crank from the original '63/401 in the 425 if the crank is OK. There are some options that may be available, but it will have to be torn down 1st. Tom T.
How much do you think to get the block sleeved? Anyone you recommend to do it? Is the Dynaflow to TH400 swap pretty straightforward in terms of trans mounting? Thank in advance Tom.
I can't really recommend anyone since I don't know where you call home. Prices vary around the country. Depending on what car you own. Basically a somewhat straight forward swap with complications.
Thanks for the responses. I'm talking to the owner today about the whole deal and am going to lay out the options. Should've mentioned that I did find someone to sleeve the block. This is entire situation is unusual for me in that most people that I do work for are generally budget oriented. The owner of this car and myself have very different views of a budget. I guess that's what happens when our incomes vary by a factor 2-300%. Thanks agan for your help.
I paid $100/cyl 5 years ago so that would be min. Could be up to $150. Definitely want to find someone who does sleeving often with a good track record. Where are you located?
