Hello everybody, I am new to the board. I have a question or two about engines and the 1964 Lesabre. I have a 1964 Buick Lesabre 2dr hardtop coming soon. The 64 does not have an engine in it, but does have the ST300 tranny. What are my options as far as the engine goes? Im looking for something that doesnt need modifications or would need minimal modifications. What engine will bolt right in (besides the 300) and also bolt onto the ST300? I found a complete from air cleaner to oil pan 455 for $850. If I ran this, what would I need to do? I was also thinking about just hitting the junkyard and looking for a Buick 350/350 combonation to drop in. What would this require? Any of your help will be greatly appreciated!
yes any sbb will bolt in weather its a 300 340 or 350.. only think though is the oil pan, try and find a 64 300 pan so it'll clear the xframe..other wise you may have to cut/weld up the 65+ sbb oil pan to clear your x frame.. as for the transmission th350 will be the easiest bolt up...2004r will bolt in also only differences in hookups should be the kickdown of the th350 and the tv cable for the 2004r
Ok thank you. And the 300 oil pan will boly right to the 350? I just found a buick 350/350 combo very cheap out of a 1969 skylark. The guy said it knocks but still runs. Im going to try to pick it up this weekend and have it rebuilt.
That would be period correct, but that,s not what it came with, only the wildcats came factory with the nailhead/st400 the lesabres came with aluminum headed/intake 300 2bbl with a st300 so the nailhead wouldnt be a direct swap i'm pretty sure the bellhousing of his current trans wouldnt even bolt up..but dont quote me on that
So I finally got the 64 to my house. I am mulling over 3 engine options... The 350/350 sbb combo is my #1 option right now because it will bolt right in. Although while I was looking over the car last night I noticed the ST300 tranny looks kind of small. Will the 350 tranny fit with no problems? My father in law has a rebuilt 455 with tranny out of a 1973 Riviera. Besides having the frame pads welded in, are there any major modifications that need to be done? I know of a 1962 Invicta with a 401 and tranny that I can get. How hard would this engine/tranny be to put in? Any major modifications? Im looking for the easiest option. All options would cost me about the same. Thanks for your help!
Just saw your post and thought I should throw in my 2 cents. The 350 is probably your best and easiest option. At least you will be keeping it all Buick!!! When transplanting the 455 you will have to weld in new frame pads, the driveshaft should be shortened because of the engine setback, if you decide not to shorten the shaft, you will have clearance issues with the stock fan and radiator. If you decide to go with electric fans, that will take away some of your worries. The 62 401 and trans is a good option, but it is a dynaflow trans and should be replaced with a ST400, good luck finding one with the Nailhead bellhousing.
Just a thought....... Since you mentioned wanting the EASIEST powerplant to run........ just stay with a 300 motor like the car came with. With even a little patience and seaching I'd be willing to bet someone would give you 300 for free or close to it. And a good running one at that. I don't even want to think just how many good small block buicks I've sent to the crusher. I've NEVER been able to find a taker for FREE let alone SELL one. Post an ad in the parts wanted section ??.......... Just my three cents........... Steve weim55 Colorado
Thank you for your suggestion. I am going to San Jose this weekend to check out a running Buick 350. I would go with a 300, but I would like to easily find replacement and maintenance parts. I plan on traveling all over California and Nevada to various car shows and events. My 64 still has the ST300 2 speed in it. Will the torque converter bolt to the flywheel of the 350 sbb?
Went to SJ and checked out the engine. I ended up buying the SBB 350/350 combo for $1000. It runs and came with everything from carb to oil pan. Even has the a/c pump still bolted on. This will be my first install, so I might have some questions down the road if you guys dont mind. Thank you. :3gears:
Anybody know if I can leave the 350's motor mounts on when I drop it in? Or do I have to put the 300's motor mounts on?
