Our 364 block is cracked. It's external, but since we are trying to make this a long haul road trip car, we don't want any surprises and now we are on the hunt for a good block. The heads on the other hand look great. After they got cleaned up and the machine shop guy pulled them apart, they are damn near perfect. So we'd like to use them if possible. Will they work on 401s? What other parts from our 364 will work on 401s? Front cover? or is a later front cover better? Is the deck height different? are push rod lengths different? Any information on putting 364 heads on a 401 shortblock would be appreciated. By the way it is a '57 364 if it matters.
The deck height is different between '57-'58 and '59-'66 blocks, so the pushrods on the later engines would be slightly longer. No reason your heads shouldn't work on a later block, though. Be sure to use whatever flexplate comes with the short block, as '57-'66 nailheads are externally balanced. I'm not sure when the block mounts went from a three to four bolt configuration.
the heads are interchangeable, the timing cover and water pump can be used. Distributor swaps. Oil pan works. Flywheels can be had...
The 1960 Buick parts catalog lists the same part number for '57-'60 standard shift cars, but I believe that a stick was only available in the low priced '59-'60 cars, and they still ran 364s. A 401 most likely has different balance than a 364. The Schiefer catalog sold the same part number for both engines, but had a footnote stating that the flywheel would have to be balanced to the engine.
Yes the flywheels are different, I believe pinstriper (Sam) at Rocco and Cheaters may have a few 401/425 ones left, I may have gotten the last 364 one from him.
No expert here, but here is some info I've come across while researching mine. Rod and Custom article http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/howto/4905/index1.html From buicks.net here are two illustrations that may help. These parts interchange from 364 to 401 These don't:
The Jalopy Journal
