I have searched for a 1967 Th400 Super Turbine S/P without any luck. It’s much easier to find 1965-1966 models which I know doesn’t fit. But could I; 1. Swap the contents between a 1965/66 and my regular th400 from 1968, would it be tricky thing to do? Any webpage out there illustrating such operation? 2. Theoretically, shouldn’t a 65/66 be less worn, since it was less engine power to the 65/66 period? If both were used in normal way that is. 3. Are there any other popular transmissions out there? “What’s hot and what’s not” for my Electra with slightly hotted up 455. 4. My TH400 from 1968 have been lying without oil the past 3 years, I guess that this isn’t a good thing. Any points even try mounting it? I have a master kit, would it be hard to change the parts myself? Or should I go for taking a 65/66 interior inside my 68. Thanks! :TU:
depending on your rear end and cam, a sp maybe a waste on an electra. On a car that heavy with 2.74 or 2.93 rear, you dont need a high stall speed. Better to use a torque cam with stock converter.
Okay. I will have the TA 212-455. Camshaft. 1.55 .470”-218”/.475”-230’,112’. And .030 10:1 CR pistons. And dual 2½ exhaust perhaps with headers but probably end up with stock. I don’t know about my rear end, I guess its original what ever that would be on an Electra 1968 convertible.(?) Where do I locate the identity on it?
I disagree. The whole premise of the vp setup to begin with was to give the heavy cars a bit more oomph off the line without sacrificing any more fuel economy. Devon
You can swap the front pump and s/p converter onto the 67-up transmission. You will also need to install the 2 prong connector on the side of the trans for the s/p wire. Lastly, there is a fluid passage in the 67-up case that needs to be modified. George has some info on his site here: http://www.buickperformance.com/switchpitch.htm :TU:
It sounds like its little trickier than just open them up and exchange parts. When I have called around to the salvageyards so have I only asked after Electra, wildcat, Lesabre. But Buickperformance.com also listed GS400, Riviera, and sport wagon (= ???). Would they also fit my 455 engine if they just come from year 1967? Thanks
Yes, but you will have to compare the tailshaft length. Does your Electra have a long tailshaft....like 10 or 14 inches? The Skylark GS400 would have a short 4" tailshaft. I think the Riv also has the short tail. The Sportwagon has a long tailshaft. Models with a 4bbl 340 engine had the ST400 trans. it would bolt to a 455. Some LeSabres with the optional 340 engine might also have the ST400 trans. BTW, you can change the tailshafts from short to long, and vice-versa, but the trans needs to be disassembled to do so.
The 67 Riviera S/P trans is a short tailshaft unit. All of the 67 Rivieras I have seen so far have one. Keep looking, they show up here on the board every now and then. Good hunting, Randy
Hi again. Both my car and engine is getting finished but I have a feeling that my regular th400 dosent work and I would like to have an S/P anyway. I found an AD where he wrote that this transmission also fits Oldsmobile and Pontiac. Transmission for Skylark GS, Wildcat and Riviera Will fit Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac Is this correct, can I extend my searching on these other models also? 1967 Thanks
Some '65-'67 Olds, Pontiac, Cadillac and Rolls-Royce lines also used the variable pitch feature. Identifying them all is pretty much the same, look for the dual prong electrical connection and the short stator splines on the front pump. Devon
I have a master kit for my 1968 th400, would details fit the 1967 th400 S/P also? Is there any way to detect if this transmission is non-run able without having a chance to test it? Check the oil for metal and stinky smell? Thanks p
The '68 rebuild kit is fine. The only thing you can really do inspection-wise is just what you stated...look for pan debris and dark/burned fluid. Even if it's smoked, a good rebuild kit will do the job. If any hard parts are required a transmission shop may be able to help, though I don't know how plentiful ST400/TH400 parts are over there! Devon
