I need a adapter kit to be able to put a turbo 350 chevy ****** in my 59 buick.Does anyone make one.The motor runs great ,but the trans slips really bad.Can anyone help???
Why a TH350? For what you'll pay for the adapter you can get a ST400 or SP400 from a 64-66 Nailhead equipped Buick, rebuild it and get it in. 65-66 is the best, 64 is a one year ******. If you decide to go with the adapter... http://www.transmissionadapters.com/ is the only real choice.... And if you had your location in your profile it'd make it easier to know if anyone is close enough to help out.
Your also going to have a starter problem but it can be worked out. The 364 starter and the later 64-66 401/425 starters bolt differant. If you get to that point there is a company that will build the starter you want to mount the way you want it for $250.00,or you can modify your 364 starter to work with the 400 ******. Your going to need a fllywheel also.
I believe the 64-66 engines also had a different crankshaft flange. I think you may want to check that out. Check Bentsens or Wilcap for adapters and the transmission to engine requirements.
I just converted my 1956 Buick wagon to a 700r4 with an adapter from Bendtsens. It used my factory starter and flywheel.. I'm not sure about the 59 Buicks, but their site has installation instructions. Attached is a picture of the installed transmission. No clearance problems at all, just a simple fab crossmember.
You can also use a 61-62 third member in the 56-60 rearend to convert to open drive. I have a bolt in starter for the 57-60 blocks with the st400 and the crank adapters. The 61-66 blocks have the same starter bolt pattern ..Russ
As Zman said why spend all that money for an adapter when you can bolt on a st400, you will need a 64-66 type flex plate but balanced for the 364, my crank adapter is 39.00 and supply the flex plates too. My web site explains the st400 swap along with wiring instructions. nailheadbuick.com
Buickrodder I believe if I am not mistaken that I used a 63 Lesabre 3rd member. I could be wrong and it's a 62. You were the person I was referring to about the starter. TP
Update: Started the Dynaflow project. Have the bell housing cleaned, along with tail housing. Now to see what adapters are needed for bell and tail housings. This project might turn out really well, and cheap too. Clue: Won't have to change out torque tube, only shorten it a few inches. And it isn't a SP400 adaptation.!
Hey, d2_willys, did you ever move along and figure out a way to shorten that Torque Tube and ultimately switch trans? Im very interested. Thanks
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