My neighbor, also a member of our car club is trying to get his 57 Buick ready for our car show. He has a 401/425 in his all stock 57, It is a great looking engine with powder coating and dual four barrels. Here is the problem. We went to put the engine in and the starter won't go in correctly. The 401 starter does not line up to work with the 57 dyna-flow and the 57 starter doesn't align up with the 401 to work properly. Are we hosed or is there something you guys can suggest to help us out. Does one of the starters have to be cut and the snout turned to work? Your help would be greatly apprciated. Thanks, Fourdy
HMMM, what a perdicament. email Hotroddrummer at ihrs1932@triton.net or call the shop tommarow and talk to Denny (his dad), he is a fountain of info on many things, including Nailheads. Ionia Hot Rod Shop- 616-527-6051. Mike
He's got the newer motor bolted to the older trans, is this correct? How'd he manage this? 64-66 nailheads had a different crank. Is he using an earlier block with the later intake and stuff bolted onto it? 57-60 were their own little group. 61-63 and 64-66 were their own groups as well. I think you can use the early starter, one bolt should bolt up. Think you have to drill and tap 2nd hole for it to bolt up all the way. I'm in the opposite predicament, trying to stick a 65 ST400 onto a 60 401. Someone said I need to make a 1/2" spacer for it to work. Not trying to hijack, but can anyone elaborate on what all I need? Crank spacer, newer flywheel, starter spacer and ???
a mini starter might help you out.... a guy named Tom Telesco sells them.... do a search here, the info was posted a while back... or even an internet search will get you pointed in the right direction.... good luck..!! and let us know what you end up doing to fix the problem..!! later Snacks....
Yes he did have to use a different crank. Not sure what kind or year. I can ask him tomorrow. Thanks for everything so far. Fourdy
[ QUOTE ] I'm in the opposite predicament, trying to stick a 65 ST400 onto a 60 401. Someone said I need to make a 1/2" spacer for it to work. Not trying to hijack, but can anyone elaborate on what all I need? Crank spacer, newer flywheel, starter spacer and ??? [/ QUOTE ] Carmen Faso 716.693.4090 - J&C's Parts 7127 Ward Road North Tonawanda, NY 14120 Has the spacer you need. The rest of it isn't to bad. You need the flexplate for the trans.
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