[lancer61]

Has anyone had experience in adapting a later auto ( 350/400/200-r4) to an early Pontiac engine, 55-60? Having lots of problems w/ the original trans and wondered how difficult it would be to get a later ( maybe OD ) trans. Are adapters available?

[buds56]

http://www.transmissionadapters.com/early_pontiac.htm


http://www.wilcap.com/pontiac.html

Never used them personally, but they have been around for awhile
Hope this helps Bud

[camerjeff]

Wilcap made a custom adaptor for my 77 Astre, I put in a Buick 215 V-8 with its very odd bolt pattern, and needed to bolt it to a Late 95-2002 F-body T-5, I also wanted to install it in the stock canted 17 degrees toward the driver to be able to use the Stock T-5 shifter.

They were able to make one for my odd ball set up. I would recommend them. Call Pat at 805-481-7639 he will be able to tell you if they can make one for your car.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by buds56

http://www.transmissionadapters.com/early_pontiac.htm

I have a Bendsten's plate (starter mount plate, rather than an adapter) allowing the use of a '67 Riviera TH400 with my '63 389 block.

I wouldn't mind having an overdrive of some kind, probably a 200-4R.

K

[lilabner]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

I have a Bendsten's plate (starter mount plate, rather than an adapter) allowing the use of a '67 Riviera TH400 with my '63 389 block.

I wouldn't mind having an overdrive of some kind, probably a 200-4R.

K

Bendsten doesn't list the plate online anymore, but I bought one from Butler (a Bendsten) and put a 400 in my 61 Catalina.

[63 Pontiac]

I have a Bendtsen's adapter plate listed in the big car parts section if you're interested.

[jww]

Pick up current issue of "Street Rodder" magazine. There is an article on a 60 Pontiac that did exactly what you are asking about.

Jerry

[Poncho60]

The Street Rodder article is OK, but not all that detailed (IMO). If you go to Wilcaps website you can actually view their installation instructions. But neither of these address issues such as filler tube / dipstick issues, tranny length, shift linkage, etc.

[stevep]

Rebuild the Hydramatic!

[JD311]

There's some info in the race section on adapters to early engines. I plan on using either a 4l80e or th400 for my 59 389 turbo project.

[gavin]

This is the plate from the race forum.It is nearly ready for release.Bruce Wilke has offered to check it out and do a tutorial on correct setting up of the starter.It will be freely available to down load in a form for laser cutting once Bruce gives it the OK.It is designed to adapt pre 1960 blocks to both late pontiac and chev gear boxes.We also working out how to adapt late engines to early trans and that is also nearly complete.regards Gavin.

[BruceWilkie]

This is progressing well. In the correction process Gavin and I found a way to use the 55-60 starter.
The current 61-64 Delco reman wont work(without a headache on the upper bolt) and the "upside down" or "421" starter that will fit is difficult to locate.

Aftermarket mini's for 61-64 from Butler or Ram Air Restorations will work well.

With the starter adapter the 55-60 starter works out well and easier to find. You might even have one that came with your 55-60. Rebuild parts are also available if your drive or brushes are worn out.

I test spun earlier today and engagement is smooth with proper sound spinning. Ready to move on to fitting of t400 and checking run-out. Hope to have written instructions lots of pictures and some video ready by end of January.

[X--GASSER]

Looking forward to the results on this.

[BruceWilkie]

Originally Posted by X--GASSER

Looking forward to the results on this.

Results are good. This fits up a BOP T400 well. I'm behind on written instructions(with pictures) and trying to put a decent video together.

I just aquired a chev pattern t400 and will bolt that up this weekend... I dont forsee any issues. Gavin did a nice job with hole location on the plate he supplied. ! lower bolt hole was off so Gavin revised the drawing and I fixed the work piece pretty easy.
Gavin was figuring out how to make use of early starter and I revisited (worked but difficult R+R)my early attempt... anyway I made a pilot plate that adapts the 55-60 starter to the trans adapter 61-64 big car starter pattern. I dont have a laser cuter so it took a bit of time...but it works nice and is easy to R+R.

With BOP/Chev patterns it offers a wide choice of transmission options.

Best part is money you can save if doing your own.

A few pics of starter adapter.
Upper fastener has to point forward with nut on engine side of plate. Doing opposite the upper bolt gets pinched under trans bell making R+R miserable. With a good condition early starter on hand it only cost the effort to make the adapter and the cost of two hardened 7/16 NC flathead allen bolts, 2 7/16 NC grade 8 bolts(made into studs) and a package of ARP 12 point 7/16 NC(1/2" 12 point wrench) nuts and a scrap of 1/4" plate.

[BruceWilkie]

BTW this uses the modern Pontiac 13.98" 166 tooth flexplate. Early cranks need a register spacer ring which can be made at a machine shop.(2.75" OD x 2.6"ID x 3/8") You'll need crank /convertor pilot hole or convertor pilot machined. 59-60 can fit modern crank if upgrading and crank/convertor pilot adapters/machine work wouldnt be required.

[BruceWilkie]

Had hoped to finish this up this weekend... My kids grandfather passed this AM so headin out of state instead.

[BruceWilkie]

Wow this is long overdue. My apologies.
Gavin posted this AM in race section and I've added info and pics.
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...12#post5600512