School me on my transmission: '63 LeSabre

Discussion in 'The "Juice Box"' started by The Big Guy, Feb 6, 2019.

  1. The Big Guy

    The Big Guy Nailhead Nation

    I'm new to the Buick world, and my car hasn't arrived yet. The photo shows a two-speed transmission in the dash indicator. Is this a Powerglide?
     
  2. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Last edited: Feb 6, 2019
  3. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    NO, it's what's known as a "DynaFlow". A Buick ONLY trans. It has an "R" reverse that's a gear. An "L" low that's a gear. AND a "D" that's ONLY a fluid coupling. The only thing connecting the engine with the wheels is fluid AND there is NO SHIFTING of gears. That's the reason it's SO SMOOTH as there are no gears to shift. '63 is the last year for the "DynaFlow" & the best/ most improved of the original design that was offered starting in 1948. COMPLETELY misunderstood & unique. A very simple design & trans.

    Tom T.
     
  4. The Big Guy

    The Big Guy Nailhead Nation

    Thanks, Tom, great explanation. I'm building the car as a cruiser, and the plans are for it to see some highway miles. Should I stick with the Dynaflow or swap to a 200R4? In reading Wikipedia it sounds like the Dynaflow is very inefficient.
     
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2019
  5. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    Around town is not too good. On the highway cruising it's not bad. On my '61 Lesabre I can get 20+ depending on my right foot.
     

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