engine swap

Discussion in ''Da Nailhead' started by 55spcl, May 17, 2003.

  1. 55spcl

    55spcl Well-Known Member

    I was wondering if a 401 would fit in my 55 special, It curently has The stock 264 engine?
     
  2. BlownNailhead

    BlownNailhead no refunds on bad answers

    The engine will fit fine, but the trouble is that your trans will have to be changed, as the bellhousing pattern is different. I believe you also have the torque tube drive as well. So your best bet would be to just get a built up 322 and make it a drop-in swap. Or change the rearend and trans and make it open drive. The rearend swap requires fabricating new mounts and links, as you need something to take the torque reaction. Saw one set-up that used a 80's Camaro rearend with the torque arm, so the swap was pretty easy compared to making new upper arms and mounts. Just had to make a mount for the front of the torque arm.
     
  3. 55spcl

    55spcl Well-Known Member

    I was going to buy a 64 Riviera for the engine, so i could use the tranny and rearend out of that. (I would keep the Rivi but there is just to much body damage) Anyways, dose this sound like a good plan? I just can't beet the price for the Riviera. Nailheads seem pretty hard to find around these parts. Thanks for your help.
     
  4. BlownNailhead

    BlownNailhead no refunds on bad answers

    The 64 Riviera can be a good donor, it has the first year for the turbo 400 trans and an open drive rearend. It has a two piece driveshaft with the center bearing (it is one of the X-frame type cars), so you will have to make a new one piece driveshaft. You might check the rearend width to make sure that it will work, I think the Riviera might be a little wider than your stock one.

    You still have the problem of the rearend upper torque mounts, the Riviera has lower arms, coil springs and then an upper link. Your car does not have any way to control the torque reaction once you remove the torque tube drive rearend.

    As long as you can weld and fabricate, you can do the Riviera drivetrain swap, the rearend is your toughest challenge. The engine and trans swap is relatively easy. Buy the whole Riviera and use as much as you can, then sell off any good parts to help pay for the inital purchase. Such as the brake drums, the interior pieces, maybe some body pieces, etc.
     
  5. Dan K

    Dan K Well-Known Member

  6. DualQuad55

    DualQuad55 Well-Known Member

    Hi,

    The 401 will not mate up to your transmission but is an excellent choice for your 55 special... I have one in my 55 special. If the riv has a th400 (it is the omly three speed auto that year) it is a great package to use. If it comes with the st300, you should check out how well it can be modded for abuse. (I'm sure there are some out there who can shed some light on this), as far as the rear end I would recommend a rear that where gears and
    posi's are more readily available unless you are only looking to build a cruiser. You will need to set up rear suspension made up. I run an adjustable ladder bar set up which works really well but may be too stiff for some on the street. I run a 64 olds/pont rear but for cheap accessible parts I would recommend a 9" Ford or 12 bolt, just make sure you use a rear that has heavy bearings to support the weight and torque of your car.

    If you have any question, I'll do my best to help. Good luck with your car, I love mine with the early body and later performance. The guys with tri-five Chevies come check out my car and it sure s no show car!

    Early Buicks rock.

    Joe.
     

Share This Page