364 vs 401 question

Hello all. I own a 59 Buick with a 364 in it. It runs, but not great. I contemplated soaking money in it (4BBL man, distributor etc). But I ran across a 401 block number 1349046 with a 2BBL, but can access a 4BBL manifold. Is it worth swapping that 401? Is the HP dramatically noticeable?
Thanks

 

You start with more you end up with more. A 401 swap with a 364 is bolt-in. You will need to access a crank used with a DynaFlow trans. which was used up until '63.

 

OK. As far as the crankshaft? This engine I am looking at has the, I will call it, the 3 triangle type flywheel. Did that change after 63?

 

I am not certain what that particular flywheel was called. I am newer to nailheads. Please enlighten me.

 

if the I.D. of the pilot bearing hole in the back of the crankshaft is the same size as yours, it will work.

 

Yes, the triangle one is the type used for a DynaFlow. So it appears you have the correct one. The only diff. I know about is the off balance between the 364 & the 401. The 364 has an imbalance of approx. 3-3 1/2 ozs. & the 401 has about 4-4 1/2 ozs. just make sure the flex plate is bolted on correctly as it can go on six diff. ways with ONLY one being correct. Maybe post a pic????

Tom T.

 

Great information. The 401 still has the flex plate bolted on to the crank do I am assuming that is the stock correct one. Will the engine shake if the flex plates are accidentally swapped?

 

Are there 3 groove water pump pulleys and harmonic balancer?

 

Jerry, (I assume that's your 1st. name)

You will see 6 bolts that hold the flexplate to the crank. In between one set of holes there will be another hole. That hole should match up to the hole in the end of the crank. If it's on the wrong way the engine will now be out of balance & vibrate. Not good for anything.
Yes there are 3 groove pulley's that are for A/C cars. One goes around for the P/S belt & the other two are for the A/C compressor & the Alternator.

Tom T.

 

https://www.teambuick.com/reference/nailhead_part_interchange.php Note the flexplate is in the "does not interchange" picture. Use the one from the 401 0n the 401.

 

Thanks so much for the info.

Jerry.

 

I suspect that the "does not interchange" is due to the differing imbalance. "Fit" and "interchange" do not have the same meaning. I agree on using the correct flexplate for the engine.

 

a 401 with a 2 barrel carb from the factory is going to be a low compression engine.... 9.25 to 1.... as I recall... which is going to be a "actual" full point lower.... you need to scare up a set of 10.25 pistons to go in it....
I have a set of good used rods/pistons that I will sell.....

 

I could have FORGED pistons made specificly made for your application.

Tom T.

 

Actually there is both a low and high comp 2 barrel . 410 wildcat is the high comp 2 barrel. Thats what i got for my 66. The low comp iirc was 375. Was only on the 62-63 lesabre.