I'm new to the group, so forgive me if I'm posting this in the wrong spot. I have a 1966 Skylark with a 310 Wildcat (300) with a ST300 transmission. I'm considering a swap with a 455/TH400 combination. Can this be done? What problems will I have? Will it fit? Can I get headers that will fit by the frame? Any issues with the engine that I can address while I have it out?
Trans wise you will need a different lenght driveshaft and a yoke for the TB400. You will need to also move the Trans crossmeber back towards the rear of the car , the needed bolt holes in the frame may need to be drilled.
It's a pretty straightforward swap. You'll find tons of info here from dozens, if not hundreds, of folks who have done it.
Awesome. I just wanted to make sure this is a viable project before I purchase the engine & transmission.
The TB400 makes throttle on down shifts by means of a switch mounted off the gas pedal so you might start looking for this assy out of another car.
The 66 cars used that throttle mounted switch. They used a different throttle linkage and gas pedal assembly. The 68 ? and up used the gas pedal mounted switch I believe.
I have heard that I need to swap the oil pan so it doesn't interfere with the cross member. Is this true? If so, what oil pan works?
If you don't already have a TH400, I'll just throw out there that you may want to consider the TH200-4R instead. It will work with your existing driveshaft and yoke, and there are a number of builders for these transmissions that can make them plenty strong enough to live behind a 455. It'll cost more, but you'll get the benefit of overdrive and lockup torque converter.
Thanks for the info. I tore down the block over the weekend and I'm sending it to the machine shop to have them check it out. Once I get the thumbs up from him, then I start rebuilding. I'm trying to figure out the most economical way to get 500hp out of this engine. Stroke it? Aluminum heads? Headers?
You will need good heads to get to 500 HP. The most economical way? Edelbrock aluminum heads. You won't be able to get to 500 with the the stock heads unless you have them ported. I don't know what your budget is, but it is easier than ever to build a 470 or 482.
I really like the TA Performance heads, but they are expensive. How do they compare to the Edelbrock? I was thinking about stroking it to a 470. I'm assuming you can buy a completed kit that includes everything. Any recommendations? Also, how do I figure out the size of the carb once I'm done?
The Edelbrock heads can flow enough air to make big power. You have to use Chevy stud mounted roller rockers (that is a plus as they are WAY cheaper) Jim Weise can sell you everything you need to stroke it to 470 or 482. Size of the carburetor? I can tell you that right now. Use a 950 or 1000 4150 Holley DP type of carburetor.
