Buick noob here. Recently picked up a 64 Skylark 300/2spd car. Engine is tired, burns oil, leaks oil and has a rattle in the top end. Was going to build it, then was thinking small block Chevy might be easier. I really don't want to put a Chevy in a Buick though. I came across a complete running 430/th400 combo out of a 67 LeSabre for sale. What would it take to get that squeezed in? I think I'm going to have to change the pan, pick up and frame mounts. Not sure if the manifolds will work. What other common issues will I come across that I'm not thinking of right now? Trying to plan ahead and see if a rebuild of the engine is in the budget.
As long as the oil pan is rear sump, all you should need is frame mounts and motor mounts. Of course engine swaps are never that simple.
I may be picking nits here, but a ‘67 leSabre didn’t have a 430/T400; It would have had a 340 and either an ST300 or T400. The 340 would be a direct swap, the T400 not too difficult. (‘67 Electras, Rivieras and Wildcats had 430s with T400s). Patrick
I would say definitely go for the 430 swap. All Buick and 430s are awesome engines. Big blocks in the early cars perform awesome even when left stock. T/A has the frame pads you need. We have been chatting on the post someone linked above for some other info. Headers are a tight fit in the 64' to 67' car so if you are doing a mild build stick to the exhaust manifolds. If you have power brakes you could have some interference with the booster. Go with a manual master or find a more compact dual diaphram booster. There are some OEM options like a 80' Turbo Trans AM one like I used or there are plenty of aftermarket booster and master cylinder combos available. A disk brake upgrade is recommended if you don't already have that done anyway. The short shaft TH400 is an easy swap. Just slide the crossmember back a couple inches and drill new holes in the frame to bolt in. The driveshaft may need to be shorted about 3/4" though. You will need the driveshaft slip yoke for the TH400. If the engine is a good runner you could just put it in as is. If you have some time and a couple of bucks to spend I would recommend checking bearing clearances and doing the Big block Buick oiling mods. Maybe fresh bearings and rings. If really tight on cash just rebuild the oil pump and do oiling mods in it and what you can to the block. I set of cam bearings and a cam upgrade is a good thing to consider too. Of course fresh gaskets are always a good idea. I am not 100% sure but think the Electra is a mid sump oil pan. You will need a rear sump pan. You will want to use the large 5/8" oil pickup from the 71' and later. T/A performance has all this stuff or look for it used. Feel free to ask questions. I would be happy to help and I am sure others will chime in. Plenty of info on this site too. Good luck. If you swap the 430 you will be frying the tires. It is fun. Cheers. Greg
The Big Block Buick is an awesome choice for the 64-67. They tend to be lighter than the later cars. I opted for manual disc/drum on my Build.
Simple swap..... the whole thing can be done in a few hours.........NOT! LOL! Especially when you add a mid plate, 2-1/8" Stage 2 custom headers, a ProCharger, rack & pinion, etc.
Just have patience installing frame pads. You will need some swivel sockets. I did it on my 70. If you have to ding the headers just do it. It won’t performance. I did on mine for cylinders 1 and 3. Good luck and get it done. Keep your Buick all Buick. And step into the world of big blocks. Best upgrade you can make.
Kriz, The swap would be a great idea. The tranny you have from the 67 LaSabre is a SP400 (Switch Pitch) I have run a few of those over the years. I used to have a momentary button switch taped to my shifter with a power wire going to the stator terminal of the trans. It will make the convertor stall to 2200-2300 for a much better launch. I did that in my 65 Riviera GS 40 years ago. I have the same tranny sitting on the garage floor-short tail, just gone thru with a NOS KB149 convertor in it. Just waiting till I grenade the turbo 350 I have in it now. Have fun and keep it all Buick!
That 430 in the Electra is not a 67....that's a 68-69 430 with all the emissions plumbing on top...front-inlet Q-Jet as well.
Thanks for all the excellent info. I just plan on building a cruiser with torque. I've already converted to discs, new springs and fixed some loose suspension components. Going to run the the stock intake and exhaust manifolds, at least for now. Aluminum radiatior and electronic ignition are definitely on the todo list. Didnt realize that Buicks weren't running the TH400 yet. I'm going to have to look around and see if i can find an old school builder that knows those trannys. The car was abandoned at a body shop a couple years ago. Rusty, no title, missing most of the interior and chrome but it runs pretty good when the bowls on the carb are filled up. Hoping i found a diamond in the rough.
The ST400 is a derivative of the TH400. It is directly related and shares many parts. They guys were mentioning that it could be a switch pitch torque convertor version which is a good thing. They never made the switch pitch convertor ST400s long. If that is what it is then that is a good thing. You end up with a high stall convertor and a low stall convertor in one. Kind of a predecessor to lock up convertors in more modern transmissions. Sticking with the stock intake and exhaust manifolds is a good choice. Easy installation. The Edelbrock dual plane intakes are not a big power increase anyway. Make sure you have a rear sump oil pan for your installation.
Nice setup Bill. I have the same layout with power brakes. It clears just fine but if I was running a solid cam it would be a pain in the..... I did not put my car together but the headers I have fit great. Really long collectors on them. Never seen headers with collectors that long. What brand, I don't know?
I just used stock exhaust manifolds and 2.5 duals. The motor got a new timing chain and a rattle can rebuild. Had 85,000 on it out of a 69 electra
I just used stock exhaust manifolds and 2.5 duals. The motor got a new timing chain and a rattle can rebuild. Had 85,000 on it out of a 69 electra
Thats my plan, maybe rebuild the oil pump and regasket it while I'm in there. Hope I don't have clearance problems with the new booster...
