There is a salvage yard not too far from me that has a 64 Wildcat there. I would like to take the trans out of this car since it is there and if it is a turbo 400. Did all 64 Wildcats come standard with the turbo 400? Also since the car has a 401 nailhead engine in it, would that be no problem goin into my 63 Riviera dynaflow with a 401? I would like to get the trans out of the car now before they wind up crushing this car so I can have this trans to rebuild when im ready to put it in. I hate to wait and go back too late. Any info is appreciated. They also have this special there too if anyone is looking for parts.
No, it is not a Turbo 400. It is a three speed Super Turbine 400, without switch pitch. '65 and '66 are the more desirable transmission. This will not fit behind your 63 401 without modification to either the crank of flexplate.
1st. off the cranks are different between the DynaFlow & the TH400. It is possible to convert your crank with an adapter that is available. You would need to get not only the trans. but the flexplate, the 3 bolts that hold the converter to the flexplate, the 6 six bolts that hold the flexplate to the crankshaft. Also get the driveshaft, crossmember & all assorted bolts & nuts. You will need shift linkage from a '64 Riv. with the shift quadrant & plate to put in the console of your '63. Or buy the whole engine & trans. as an assembly or even the whole car for any small parts & pieces you may end up needing. The '64 trans. has a bad rap from some, but has been in my '64 Riv. for over 300K with no problems & that includes racing the car in the 1/4 mile which I made 97 passes down in 2004.
Oh, forgot. You will need the electric kickdown switch & wiring. If you don't have an AFB Carter Carb. & have a Rochester carb. you will also need the intake manifold & carb.
The ST 400 and the TH 400 are "practically" the same transmission. That said, the '64's have some major valve body differences. There's a '64 ST 400 at a local salvage yard here, too. I don't see the point in rebuilding a '64 when you could have a switch-pitch instead.
I was just responding to something that he had available to him locally. Yes, the '64 does have a different case & a valve body, but it is a reliable trans. & can be rebuilt for the same $$$ as any other TH400. Yes the switch-pitch is more desirable but the stock '64 troque converter "kinda" makes up for the lack of a switch-pitch. Also the DynaFlow tranny has a better torque multiplication in low gear with the switch-pitch feature activated than a TH400. Just my nickels worth.
If the Special has an automatic, the torque converter could be a good core- Jim Weise was asking for them (not in great quantities) a little while ago. The V-6 ones are good for those higher stall switch pitch jobs. :beer "standard" transmission for a '64 Wildcat was a 3 on the tree-but "standard" does not mean "common" they are more rare than the elusive and exclusive 4-speed.
Thanks for everyone's input. I gather that this isnt the most desirable trans to have but I figured since it is available and cost next to nothing along with whatever else I could take since it is a U-pull it, id take it. Currently now tho I have a fractured wrist so unless I can talk some friends into helping me moreless taking it out for me, its gonna sit there for a bit. If I do miss out on this, how available are the s/p 400s if I decided to go that way. Just trying to get some info before I start something I regret. The car is fine now, just would like to have an extra gear in it but I dont want to go messin it up. Maybe sometimes it makes sense to leave well enough alone but then again that never stopped me before :3gears:
63Riv, Just out of curiosity, what state are you in? Some of us Wildcaters might be able to use some parts off that 'Cat.
I am in South Jersey its called Ocean Heights Salvage or U Pull it on Ocean Heights Ave in Egg Harbor Township NJ, about 15 20min away from Atlantic City.
Would you be interested in pulling other parts off the car to re-sell at a profit? I am interested in that cars upper grille bar, and some interior pieces if it has a fawn (light brown) interior. Would you consider getting into the parts bidness?
Sure I dont mind, I can go back down there this Sat. The interior is light blue. If you want something else or need some pics let me know and ill take my camara back down. Let me know or give me a list and we can work something out. John
I could use the crank balancer, torque converter cover, Wildcat emblems, horn bar and rearview mirrors. Let me know what you come up with.
Ok ill be heading down there this Saturday providing the weather isnt too bad and ill let you both know what I get off the car.
Sorry I couldnt get down to the yard this weekend, I was stuck at work till after they closed. I will try to get down there as soon as I can and Ill let yas know.
