still haven't decided
 

Hey Guys I'm back,
First I'd like to thank everyone who got back to me. I haven't started the rebuild on my '62 389 yet. After long drawn out discussions with my engine rebuilder as to wether to work with what we got or shop around for a later engine, he seems to have convinced me to stay with the original motor. In the long run, it'll probably be cheeper because like he said, most people won't build two motors. So, here's the new delema. I want to swap in either a TH400 of 700R4 tranny. I'm told I will need an adaptor. Has anyone out there done this, and what problems should I expect. Should I also worry about the rear end? I also understand that there may be a clearance problem with transmission tunnel. Once again, thanx in advance for any and all info. Al

Can't speak to the adapter but there are a few here that have gone that route and can shed more insight on that process. Myself I'd put in a later motor of the 400/455 variety as you are obviously not concerned with keeping it original. Turbo 400 is a relatively easy/straightforward swap. I did have to clearance my floor a little. Rear will be fine but might have to do a little driveshaft work.

Just find a post 63 389-400 block and use your crank and all other parts for the build.That way all brackets will fit and a T-400 will bolt up without a adapter.JMO,Tom

Forget the adapter plate, it just adds cost to an already expensive project. Use the later engine and trans. What rear end gears are you going to use if you go with the overdrive trans? How important is it to have overdrive? If your intended use is around town, cruise-ins, etc, then do you need overdrive?

I'm getting the impression, you guys don't care for adaptors. I've been shopping for a later engine, but so far everything I've looked at are boat anchors. I don't mind a little rust, it's what may be under it that has me concerned. I knew that massaging the tranny tunnel would be needed, also drive shaft work. I figured the money I saved on a newer block could be spent on other things. I thought about going over drive, because I do long highway cruises besides local stuff. It's a good thing I'm not in a rush. More thinkin'.

A 400 will be a ton cheaper to build in terms of all the parts you need. If you nix the adapter and go to a 400 I bet you will save $1k. Go with a TH 400 instead of something else, and that will be another chunk of change saved. I don't know how many miles you put on your car, but all those savings will buy a lot of gas.

These are the most common components, so with a little more looking I am sure you can find some good examples. Post in parts section here, and I bet you will come up w/ something

Thanks Deadhead, I'm going shopping. I also have to figure out where I'm storing the original motor and trans. Maybe I can talk my wife into a new coffee table, (HA)!!

Per tom_s' post, consider getting a '64 block/motor from the Steves...

Snyder in Indiana: http://www.indianapontiacs.com/

Barcak in Arizona: http://www.pontiacheaven.org/

Thanks man, I'll check it out. If you know of any thing in the NY try-state area,it's appreciated.

Everything from you engine will go into the later block.There are bare blocks forsale on this site all the time.That would be your cheapest way out.If you use a later engine you could run into belt alignment issues etc.Tom