Hi I got a 63 Riv with the dynaflow trans, i tried to improve the performance of this car since 2 years and it nearly helped nothing to get the tires smoking. I put in a new msd distributor, coil, new edelbrock 750 carb.(i know that maybe the original carter would have been a better choice).... So i found out that maybe the transmission is the real problem. It wont shift in D. Why is that? Or is it normal, that this trans. only drive in the second? When i hit "L"ow gear it has more power, but why dont it shift in D. I always drive with the 2nd gear, no matter if i drive 10 or 100 mph. The car just has no power until around 40 mph. Someone knows what can solve that problem? tnx ALex
A dynaflow doesn't shift when in D--that is the way it is designed. To get a lower gear, you have to manualy shift into L, then shift it into D when the rpm's get up. Dynaflow is nicknamed Dynaslow for that reason. If you want performance, you will have to buy the appropriate cranshaft adaptor/flexplate and switch to a ST400 transmission out of a '64-'66 model Riveria. It will be night and day difference between the ST400 and the Dynaslow.
that explaines nearly everything. Thank´s . I have to say that i have no clue about transmissions. *g* Is there anything more you should pay attention when switching to this trans? Do i also have to switch the starter or something else? I found a St400 for around 300$ and the '57-'63 Nailhead to late ST400 Crank Spigot & Flexplate for also 300$ at http://transmissionadapters.com/for_sale.htm[/url] So is this everything i need to start the transformation? Thanks Alex
I think the set up you are looking for is to mate a 'Chevy' type trans to the Buick motor. 1)If you get a 64-65-66 Buick sp/th400 it wil bolt directly your Buick engine, then: 2) you will need the Buick flexplate, 3) a crank spacer/adapter (about $30? on ebay). 4) you should also use a later (64-66) starter (I used the 59 starter and just made a spacer that will not allow the bendix gear to go the last 1/2" or so. It has worked well for over 10 yrs now) 5) finally you need to make the flexplate fit over the end of the crank. I had the center hole of my flexplate opened up to fit over the crank, but some people think this might not be the best way, and perfer to have the end of the crank turned down to fit inside the flexplate. This is good if the motor is out and disassembled but not if you still have the motor in the car. Again, in the past 10+yrs, I have never had any trouble with my flexplate cracking or anything due to the machining to make it fit over the crank. I have a 65(?) sp 400 ( i can get the numbers and double check the date code if needed) with the convertor, flexplate, dipstick tube, rear mount, lower dust cover etc... available for $200.00 but I don't know how much shipping it to you would be. THe trans fluid looks good but I would have it checked just the same before installing it. I have not pulled the pan down etc... Good luck on the swap, remember you will also need to modify the driveshaft, get an new slipyoke for the drvieshaft/trans, modify the shift linkage, add wiring for the downshift/switch pitch, and make a rear crossmember/mount. It will take some effort but should be worth it in the end.
Hey, i think the Dynaflow is one of the really cool things of the Buicks. I have to admit that smoking tires are not my goal though...
I had a 63 Riv at one point that would smoke the tires. This was after the Dynaflow was rebuilt. Maybe all you need is a rebuild? Cheryl
If the Dynaflo is put into 'lo' range, the gearing should easily spin the tires in most applications. My pop has a '61 LeSabre with a 2bbl 364 and the Dynaflo. If you put it into 'lo' range and stand on it, the tires spin. It also makes a difference if the trans/torque convertor 'switch/pitch' set up is connected and actuating the 'switch pitch' in the convertor. With this said, a sp/th400 will still make the car more responsive to drive.
Hey all. I have a 63 special with the little 215 2V posi with dynaflow and it will spin the tires with no problem. I love this trans. Keith
in the low my 62 electra will spin the tire like any muscle car would but i do have dual carbs dual exhaust and a few other performance mods.
My parents had a 364 powered 56 super that would fry the back tires in low and then chrp them when it went into drive. Never did tear it up.
Can you please explain this a little bit more detailed ? How can i find out if it is connected and/or working ? Thanks.
On my pop's '61 it is operated by mechanical linkage. The linkage is actuated by the carb. I would have to check but I think the linkage mounts to the rear of a head or possibly on the rear of the intake. When the carb is near full throttle, it should actuate the linkage, much like a common kickdown rod/cable. This will change the pitch of the stator vains in the torque convertor to allow for a higher stall speed. When this is adjusted correctly, the trans will 'feel' as if it is going into 'passing gear' if full throttle is applied once the vehicle is moving.
I have a 1962 Buick Lesabre with the 401. I took it to a tranny shop yesterday. the transmission guy told me that I need about 2,000 worth of parts. 2 pumps and a tranny kit.. Altogether, he told me I need about 2500 for the rebuild. My question... Does anyone know where I can get a rebuilt dynaflow? Or someone to do it for less than what this guy is saying I need to pay? HELP!
Hey, Guy, That mechanic is trying to set you up for the kill. I would find a mechanic with white hair that is familiar with the dyna flo and get him to build a heavy duty dyna. Does your car have an enclosed drive shaft? If not then go to a switch pitch th 400. If not stick with the dyna.
Doc is correct. 2000 for parts, 500 for labor? That sounds funny. Try calssic buicks. they had one (don't know if its still there) that had been rebuilt. Price 600.00. keith
That seems odd that it would take that much in parts and 'only' $500 in labor. THe last guy I know that had a dynaflo done ( about 5yrs ago) paid about $1200 and it worked great when done. This was in the Indianapolis area. Finding someone willing to work on the older autos is getting harder and harder. This is why I have been doing more and more of my own auto trans rebuilds. The first few are difficult, but then they start getting easier. The worst thing about the older stuff is finding or making some of the special tools and getting a good manual to go by. I wouldn't recommend trying a dynaflo if you have never done a later type such as a th340, power glide, etc... so you can learn the basics etc...
You'd be surprised at how much just a small amount of slippage in the clutches of an automatic transmission will result in being unable to do a burnout! I was amazed at how well mine could light the tires after I rebuilt it compared to how it was before.......and it really didn't shift too bad as it was. One thing if you decide to go with a TH400......the '64 is NOT a switch pitch model, but the '65 and '66 are. If you want more torque going to the rear tires, make the conversion worth it and avoid the '64. :Smarty:
2500 is highway robbery. I paid just under 500 this winter for a rebuild on the exact same transmission, plus about 150 in kits and parts. It was rebuilt by Tom Arnette of Graham, Kentucky. Heck, even if you pulled the transmission yourself and shipped it to Kentucky, you would be saving money. The others are absolutely right -- find an old-timer with tobacco stains on the front of his coveralls (someone who actually worked on these when they were new). You might also have some luck at a speed shop (though I didn't). Good luck! p.s. My car looks exactly like yours, except not so shiny!
You have done the Dynoflow to SP400 swap? I would like to know how much larger the hole in the flexplate has to be and what bushing did you use?
My '62 Electra with a dynaflow doing a burnout at Indianapolis Raceway Park. A Nailhead/Dynaflow combo should have no trouble smoking the tires! I really would need a posi rear end if I wanted to race it because it smokes 'em so easy. This was just for show at the horsepower nationals last year and I did an 1/8th mile burnout for the crowd. If your dynaflow won't do a burnout in low gear you must have tranny problems.
