My Dynaflow needs a diaper---Update

[Dr Crankenstein]

Here's what Blue Eyed Devil and Tired Iron are talking about, the dynaflow's replacement used on later nailheads until '67.


From Wikipedia...

In 1964, the Dynaflow was discontinued in favor of the more efficient Super Turbine 300 two-speed and Super Turbine 400 three-speed transmissions, Super Turbine 400 being Buick's trade name for the Turbo-Hydramatic. One feature of the Dynaflow, the variable-pitch torque converter stator, colloquially the "Switch-Pitch", lived on in some versions of the Turbo-Hydramatic (Super Turbine 400) fitted to full-size Buicks, full-size Oldsmobiles and Cadillacs built from 1964–1967, as well as the Buick Super Turbine 300 and Oldsmobile Jetaway.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynaflow


From what I've found, the later nailheads have a larger bellhousing pattern, so the ST300 and STH400's won't fit the 264/322.

From v8buick.com....

The nailhead (264/322 364 401/425) have a different bellhousing than ANY other motor (the 264/322 even being different than the 364 401/425).

http://www.v8buick.com/index.php

 

[super56]

Ok Doc, So give it to me straight!

The STH trans will NOT work, the TH400 will?

Is that what yer tellin me? Ive never been good with tranny stuff, I can take one out and put another in its place. The 56 is new ground for me.

Dont mean to be a bother...

and thanks.

 

[Dr Crankenstein]

Sorry, I didn't mean to confuse the issue!

I simply found the dilemma interesting and went poking around for info on the subject. What I found from several sources, is the later automatics have a different bellhousing pattern/size because they're bolted up to the "second generation" nailheads, the 364, 401, and 425 engines.

If that's true, the autos from 64-67 are useless, they won't fit the 264 and 322, which brings you back to an adapter. That would be my choice anyhow. Adapted to the Chevy bellhousing pattern, you then have your choice of common transmissions, T350, T400 or 700R4.

Blue Eyed Devil and Tired Iron might know something I haven't found or read. No disrepect to them, I'm just passing along what I found.

 

[super56]

Sorry, I didn't mean to confuse the issue!

I simply found the dilemma interesting and went poking around for info on the subject. What I found from several sources, is the later automatics have a different bellhousing pattern/size because they're bolted up to the "second generation" nailheads, the 364, 401, and 425 engines.

If that's true, the autos from 64-67 are useless, they won't fit the 264 and 322, which brings you back to an adapter. That would be my choice anyhow. Adapted to the Chevy bellhousing pattern, you then have your choice of common transmissions, T350, T400 or 700R4.

Blue Eyed Devil and Tired Iron might know something I haven't found or read. No disrepect to them, I'm just passing along what I found.

Ok, thanks for clarifying that, now I know.

 

[super56]

Ok, another question, What trans would be in a 63 buick that bolts up to the 401? I think its a Dynaflow... Now if the bellhousing dont work could I use the bellhousing from mine?

 

[super56]

Also, I just found this...

http://forums.aaca.org/f177/63-riviera-dynaflow-transmission-swap-238427.html

any thoughts?

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

My thoughts are this - pay out the nose to rebuild your dynaflow and put it back in. Continue to put around town hoping it doesn't break down again OR drop a little coin on an adapter and put in a transmission that is modern, dependable and able to be worked on at any transmission shop in the country. Forget the Buick tranny swap business for these reasons - (1) You admitted you don't know much about transmissions (2) It will STILL be an obsolete transmission meaning harder to find parts, service, etc. (3) You STILL have to swap to an open driveline, so why waste time?

Like I said and the advice Don gave you - spend the money for the adapter, convert to an open driveline and enjoy driving your car instead of worrying about all this other nonsense. You can beat yourself to death looking for hairbrained solutions that MIGHT work, or you can do the obvious one that is guaranteed to work and give you the best results in the long run. That's really all I can tell you on this. Good luck with your car...