64 StarChief jet/T400 swap
 

I've done quite a bit of research on this, and have a few questions I can't pin point. So, I'm swapping the jetaway for a T400 long shaft, my main question is do I need both the 65+ starter and the 65+ flywheel? And this is probably a dumb question, but I know I need to lengthen the drive shaft, but which yoke am I suppose to use? And generally how long to hyoid need to stretch it? Thanks in advance guys.

You will have to just have a new driveshaft made. A regular TH400 yoke is what you need.

Using a '65+ starter is likely necessary, too.

What about the flywheel? And are gm and bop t400's the same minus the bell housing? As I search for a yoke. Thanks again

Flexplate and not a flywheel. You will have no problem finding a Pontiac one. They are a dime a dozen.

If you search the archives there are many threads on how to do these conversions. You will also need to figure out about your crossmember, which will require looking at all those posts. Too long to reiterate.

Guess what i meant by I've done a ton of searching, was in this forum. And others, I just can't seem to find a solid answer on these. Or a solid answer on the flywheel/starter matter. Thank you for the help. Didn't want y'all to think I just made a thread without searching. And does anyone know if the Chevy and bop t400's will use the same yoke? Or if there are any differences minus the bell housing. Thanks again guys

from a donor vehicle, get:

trans
flywheel (flexplate)
starter
kickdown switch & wiring off the carb
drive shaft

The '64 Starch Chief body and engine will support it all. Post pics as you go thru it for folks future searches, will ya?

I've done the swap many times... The guys covered much of what you need, but for my own sanity.... I'll cover the entire list:

Trans - from a '65+ Pontiac, flexplate AND BOLTS, torque converter, starter (use for a core on new one), linkage from frame to tranny, driveshaft (for yoke), kickdown switch and wiring/mounting brackets.

Once the trans is in, and you have the extension plate made for the trans mount (I have the pattern if you need it)... measure from the end of the tailshaft housing to the end of the U-joint connector on the rear end - this is the measurement your driveshaft maker-guy will need. Make sure the car is level and on all 4 wheels to get this distance (or make sure that the rear axle is on jack stands vs the frame on jack stands so that the "load" of the car is on the suspension). - All he'll need is the yoke from the TH400 driveshaft. It should run you about ~$125.00

You will need to modify the shift linkage to adapt to the TH400 with a combination of the old frame to trans linkage and the new TH400 frame to trans linkage - some welding will be required.

Since you're in a Star Chief - the trans tunnel will be large enough to accept the TH400 without any floor pan modifications (i.e. use of a BFH not required)

Take the old starter, use it for a core, and get a new one.

You'll need to locate a vacuum port for the modulator on the trans - off of the back of the carb (a "T" works well).... if there is hard tubing for this on the donar car - I grab it also.

Have the trans rebuilt

With a 1/2" knock-out punch, you can place the dipstick tube fitting from your Super Hydro into the pan of the TH400 - takes about 1/2 hour and some silver solder to put the fitting into the new pan - send me both pans, and I'll do it for shipping.

The rest is pretty much easy - drive and enjoy your Pontiac ;)

Ron

Awesome! Thank you. Didn't think it would be that much work. Ha

Fix the Jetaway!!!

Best idea yet.

If i can find someone around South Dakota, that is familiar with these damn jetaways, I will rebuild it... and find a rebuild kit...

Steve is your man for finding the parts. He has posted with the place to get them before.

Hey remember that FedEx ships everywhere if you don't have a local source!

The Star Chief trans is a great transmission, and you won't regret redoing what you have.

Ha! Funny! I work for FedEx

Employee discount? Roxbury, MA in your future.

It is a better tranny than a rotohydro!!!

I will add, though,... that a new driveshaft would be in order - no matter if you do the tranny swap or rebuild the super-hydro (jetaway).... the automatic transmission used a two-piece with a rubber damper that rots over the years and throws the driveshaft out of balance - you can't replace them and it's just easier to have new one made

Yes I get a discount. I will put in a 1piece driveshaft. As it's getting air ride ASAP. And the 1piece should work better.

Where in SoDak? I grew up there till about 10 years ago. I have a guy here in Rochester, that is great with these Pontiac Transmissions. I can check with him on what his knowledge is on the jetaway.

Pierre! Yea check with him please. But I'm going to exhaust every local option 1st.