I found a '65 401 in a wrecked LeSabre. The wrecking yard owner ran a compression check on it today and it shows 115 psi to 130 psi. The check was done with the throttle wide open (No carb), and no spark plugs. Sounds low. What should the compression be on the motor?
Sounds low but the readings are relatively even, probably could stand a rebuild. If you are looking to just drop one in, keep looking. It may be a worthy candidate for an overhaul, but there are some other things that should be checked. Did the junk yard guy do a wet compression test too? That would let you know if the problem is rings or valves. Pull a valve cover and take a look at the sludge accumulation. Look at condition of the oil as well. Was the battery fully charged and was the starter in good shape when the compression test was done? Buick did not install a 401 in a 65 LeSabre, so I wonder how it got there? Some more things to think about, good luck on your search! Tim
Thanks for the info. I think I am going to pass on the motor. Right now, I am looking for a drop-in. If I am going to rebuild a motor, I want to find a 425. Thanks, Chuck
Well, the search goes on. Found a '63 JT code 401 about two blocks from where I live. Reasonably priced and comes with two '63 Rivieras. Both are Arizona cars and very well faded with shot interiors. However, both are fairly rust free. One is very straight, but all glass is broken out. The other isn't so straight. No engines/transmissions after I keep the 401 for my '53. Is there a market on Riv's? If so, how much are they worth. I am told both have titles.
Chuck, As I am the proud owner of a rusty 63 Riv, I would be very interested in some rust free parts/cars! There is a market for some of the options as well as body parts, so I think you could do alright on the Rivs! The 63 401 is a 325 HP version which should be adequate for most applications. The real pain of these engines is the Dynaflow only crankshaft/flexplate and bell housing pattern which is Dynaflow/ST400/nailhead only, but there are individuals and companies that make adaptors to later model automatics. Let me know if you want more information on the swap! Take Care, Tim McCluskey
Tim, I should know whether I am getting the Rivs today. The owner had to check with a buddy in CA that he had promised them to a few years ago. If I get them, I will probably part them out, let me know what you need. (If I could sell them whole, probably wouldn't mind doing that either.) As to the swap, I started the 425 swap questions thread back a while ago. Got some advice, but could use more. Basically, I am building a '53 Buick Special Convertible that a Camaro front subframe installed and a 4-link 10 bolt rear end. After thinking for about a year on engine/trans, I want to use a nailhead with the usual finned aluminum dress up parts. I am also going to use a offenhauser tri-power manifold with Stromberg '97's. If I can find a set, I plan to get the 1" intake manifold spacers and plumb in fuel injectors and rails for use with a '90 -'92 GM MAP style TPI computer and harness. (The Strombergs would end up being airvalves.) I also think I am going to use Bendtsen's adapter to use a 700r4 behind the nailhead. The issues I still have to address are the physical adaptation of the nailhead engine mounting set to the Camaro frame rails and building a transmission crossmember. Tell me if you think I am forgetting anything. Chuck
Chuck, Thought about doing this with a nailhead, (port fuel injection, that is) using an old mechanical fuel injection(Hilborn or equiv.) set up with the individual stacks and modern electronics! I have seen Bendtsen's adapter in person at MSRA's Back to the Fifties in Minnesota, it looks to be a quality piece. You will love the 700R4 with that 3.06 low gear and the overdrive, and it can be built to live a long and happy life behind a modified nailhead. I have used some Chassis Engineering component in the past and the stuff works great! They have a universal trans mount that you can tailor to your car. Even if the guy in California wants the Rivs, I hope you can score the 401! Take care, Tim
Tim: Checked with the guy today on the Rivs. He told me to go ahead and pick them up this weekend. Let me know if your interested in anything. I will post them on the Cars for Sale and the Parts for Sale part of the website after I have them in my yard. (Probably Saturday.) Chuck
