Ok a guy my dad works with has a 1962 Buick Wildcat with a 401c.i. engine and a 2 speed powerglide tranny. Both are in working order. Stock the engine was rated at 425 horse and 435 torque. My question is will the engine bolt into a late 70's Olds or Buick transmission or a Chev. Turbo 350 (I doubt the chev. 350)even motor mounts the same as later Buick, Olds, or Pontiac?


I think that 425 horse and 435 torque would be a lot of fun in a T/A, or my 442. But I was wondering how hard it would be to make it work.

Thanks, Garrett

 

i'm sure it isn't just going to bolt in. the BOP engine bolt pattern won't fit your trans and the PG isn't worth the trouble. you also need to consider the torque arm when you do a trans swap. i wouldn't put my time on money into a old engine like that and it'd be a bastard engine swap.

 

And that engine/trans combo would probably be a lot more valuable to a restorer.

 

Ok I was always told the PowerGlides were a good drag tranny (up to about 100 mph, redline) So even if I can pick the engine and tranny up for $200 you don't think it's worth my time. I mean come on 425 horse is a lot to play with, even for a bastard swap, oh ya the 442 I have now has a Pontiac 301 in it anyways.

Thanks, Garrett

 

I'm not positive on the '62 Buick, but that PowerGlide may be air cooled, and it may be cast iron instead of aluminum. You might want to check into that before you get too anxious.

Incidentally, I know that a built PowerGlide can be good for a lot more than 100 MPH, too. My '67 used to get 85 MPH in LOW range, all on the torque converter. The speedo only went to 140, and I know it worked at least up to that point, too.

 

Well I would image that the rear gearing would matter, but still 85 in low, how many rpm's. The tranny isn't air cooled it has coolant lines. Not sure about it being cast or aluminum.
Thanks again for all your input.
Later, Garrett

 

a PG is a great trans for drag racing, in a light car, and not a PG from GM, but one built and set up for racing by an aftermarket trans builder

 

Remember, that engine was built BEFORE unleaded gas, no hardened valve seats.

 

I have to say, I am A buick maniac, And I too know the power of the Big Block Buick, although I have the convential big block 430, it is still quite the motor. Nailheads have awesome possibilties, and you should definatly do the swap. Hell I did, and let me tell ya, it was not as hard as I thought, and it is the torqueyest car I've ever driven. I can help you with the mounting and that sorta **** but I goota say, it would definatly be awesome. as far as the tranny thing goes, you should go with a tubo 400, only drivable cheap tranny that will take the torque of that motor. its what I run and its bullet proof. I used a the spohn crossmember, and built a custom torque arm mount that bolts right to the cross member. mounting that on the tranny was just a bad idea anyway. at anyrate you can look at my car in the readers rides section, and I'd be glad to answer any of your questions regarding teh swap or making the custom mounts, or any buick info at all thanks

 

I had a '65 Gran Sport with that combo. The stock 401 and Super Turbine 300 (BOP powerglide) was hooked to a posi rear of 3.90. The 3200 lbs. car would do the 1/4 mile in mid 15's but wouldn't break 100 mph (in the 1/4). The 401 is a low reving torque engine.

Wes

 

If you're looking for more info on the nailhead, you could always try www.v8buick.com ...

 

Even Buick realized the low torque, and in about 68, the lowest gears ran in a buick were 3.42s, but the GSX and Stage 1 cars got
3.64s because of better cylinder heads. with that combo, they got those cars into the low to mid 13s. that is with TH400 though