Hello, I just joined the group today. I'm the owner of a 1954 Buick Century with a built up 322 Nailhead. I purchased this car eight months ago, and are in process of restoring the car. The problem I have is the Dyanflow transmission is not transmitting the power to the rear axels too good. The 54 is a dog out of the hole, but it runs good on the highway. What can I do to the Dynaflow to get more power to the rear tires? I also looked into a transmission adapter for the 322 Nailhead to hook up to a 350 turbo transmission. Is this option possible? Thank you for your suggestions! Bernie
Bernie, part of what makes your car uniquely Buick is the Dynaflow transmission. If the performance is as slow as you say it is, then I'd say that the Dynaflow is not working as it should. While the early Dynaflow Buicks were a bit slower off the line than some competitors, a '54 Century should be no slouch, and, as you say, the cars perform great on the highway. Where are you located? Perhaps we can point you to some Dynaflow doctors in your area. If the car is set up properly, you might find that you're entirely happy with the Dynaflow. Switching to another automatic transmission is problematic because of the torque-tube setup Buick used through 1960. Changing to a 350 turbo will be a complex and costly endeavor requiring a different driveline, rear axle, and rear suspension.
I agree, I think you just are not used to the Dynaflo transmission. It does not start off in low or first gear but in direct drive with only the torque convertor making up the difference. If this is new to you it will definately seem sluggish off the line. If you do not abuse it, you can pull the gear selector into low gear for initial acceleration and then shift into drive/hi after the car is moving. I am not 100% sure but if your car has the twin turbine transmission, the torque convertor will have two stall speeds depending on the throttle position. At light to moderate throttle, the torque convertor stays at low stall, then at nearly wide open throttle it would go to high stall-helping initial acceleration from a standing start or acting like 'passing gear' once moving with the trans in drive. It would also work in low.I know this was availible in 1955 and I think it was also in 1954 but you should check your shop or owners manual. I know once I set it up and adjusted it in my pops 1961 LeSabre, it made a huge difference. As far as the th350 adapter, it will make the car more enjoyable to drive from many points but requires all the said modifications.
dynaflow hey all. i have heard all the names- dynaslooooow, dynaslush ect. my dad gave ne a 63 special with dynaflow (dual path) and i LOVE this trans better than any other!!! i now refer to it as the DYNA-SWELL, or just plain DYNA-MITE!!! what would be the difference between the early dynaflow and the later? i think 63 would be the last year for this trans. hey Andy, do you (or anyone else) know of a site that shows the 63 dual-path dynaflow? there seems to be a dearth of info on the dual-path dynaflow. thanks. forgive me if i am guilty of thread hi-jacking as that is not my intention. if i am just shoot me :blast: thanks keith
