[64catdroptop]

Great pics. It's interesting to see how different people do things differently. I just put a TH400 into my '64 Convertible. I have a '64 389 B (February) motor, and it was drilled and tapped for a block mount starter. My question is, when did GM start this with the 389?.. Some time late '63?

Anyway, it was an easy swap and I have about a 4 page Word document of how I did the swap if anyone is interested. My linkage is different as I have column shift. And I have drawings for that also.

I used a pan of off a '64 Cadillac TH400 which has the same dipstick tube setup as the Slim Jim. For you purests.

The '64 Cadillac TH400 is setup for a bellhousing mount starter. The Coupe DeVille I robbed had a short shaft TH400. Not sure about the bolt pattern.

Suggestions on the kickdown switch? I still haven't figured that one out yet.

-r-

[6T4gto]

As memory serves, the 389 GTO engines used the later starter mounting, and I think the '64 Grand Prixs did as well. The Bonnevilles (4-spd Hydromatic) used the earlier starter design.

Does this sound correct to the more experienced motorhead?

[64catdroptop]

I'm not sure what automatic trans they used for the LeMans/GTO. As far as the full size: In late '63/early '64 Pontiac started to drill and tap the block for a block mount starter in prep for convertion to the TH400 in '65. In '64 thougth - GP & Cat used the RotoHydromatic, Bonneville/StarChief used the SuperHydromatic. All used a bellhousing mount starter.

-r-

[BVR421]

No block mount starter pad until 64
GTOs and GrandPrixs with _manual_ transmissions got the new starter and the automatic cars got the old starter. 1965 new starter was universal.
Im using a nitrous throttle switch for my th400 kickdown on my 63

64catdroptop
there is a lot to be said for just sitting around with an uncluttered mind! LOL

[Deadhead]

64CDT-

For your kickdown -

If you can not find a way to mount it on one of the carb mounting bolts (I have seen a cap screw used where they replaced the carb mounting stud with the cap screw) you could try using one off a '67 which uses the throttle linkage. I think inside the car (see previous posts on this subject on this forum). I would think that would work.

[64catdroptop]

Thanks guys!

I've got my eye on a '68 Ventura that has the kickdown on the pedal. It's a complete car, with the keys in the ignition. This car as been sitting in this yard for about 15 years now. I think I'll give that a shot and let you know.

-r-

[63RedCat]

64catdroptop, I would like to have a copy of the word file. I am in the process of changing my 63 now. Did you have to modify the floorboard to fit the 400 under the tunnel?

[RAJNWDY]

There might be some minor interferance with the tunnel. the Roto hydramatic is narrower in the tail shaft then the 400 and the only place that I had contact was with the upper 2 bolts of the tail shaft housing of the 400. You have to remember not to get the tilt of your engine to far out of whack. it will cause carb angle problems and driveline angle problems. I have had no problem with my setup since it's been together.

[RAJNWDY]

After a long leave of spacing my Password and other things like moving, I'm Back to answer questions and present quotes.

And other needless information!!!

[RAJNWDY]

Just bringing this back to the top for those folks that need to install a current trans in a older body style

[hobbygto65]

I'm going to use a console and floor shift from a 64 GP in my 63 Catalina also 73 400 cu w/turbo 400 trans. Has anybody had any experience hooking this shifter to the turbo 400?

[RAJNWDY]

look at the pictures in this thread #s 1-6 and see how I did the same thing in a 63 Catalina Wagon!!

[hobbygto65]

Did you change the gear selector indicator, if so how?

[RAJNWDY]

I found one in a 65 or 66 floor shift car and made it fit. It works fine!!

any engine after 63 will work for this change out. Like I said in the photos, all the stock componants were used, I just had to bend to clearance and make up a longer adjustable shift rod. I don't use a kick down either, because the floor shift works so nice I just shift manually. with 2.56 to 1 in the rear end, the car will go into low with no problems below 50 mph anyway. no worrys

[Jagtec1]

Anyone do this and retain the column shift?? That will be the only thing that may give me fits. Thanks!

[PITTSBURGH 64]

I'm planning a T-400 swap in my 64 Bonneville. As much as I like the hydro, my big 500+ ft.lb. 462 is beating the hell out of the Super-hydro...

I can get a short tail T-400 from a GTO. Would this tranny be OK or would I be better off swapping it for a long tail?

Thanks,
Jeff

I plan on using a cable from the stock tree shifter to shift it. B&M sells nice ones in different lengths...

[mike nixon]

Depends on your Driveshaft length.

Mike

[TININDN]

Originally Posted by PITTSBURGH 64

I'm planning a T-400 swap in my 64 Bonneville. As much as I like the hydro, my big 500+ ft.lb. 462 is beating the hell out of the Super-hydro...

I can get a short tail T-400 from a GTO. Would this tranny be OK or would I be better off swapping it for a long tail?

Thanks,
Jeff

I plan on using a cable from the stock tree shifter to shift it. B&M sells nice ones in different lengths...

I used a long tail in my '64 2+2 so as to not move the X-member forward -

Dave B.

[PITTSBURGH 64]

Originally Posted by mike nixon

Depends on your Driveshaft length.

Mike

So it's possible to swap one in without having a new driveshaft made?

[TININDN]

Originally Posted by PITTSBURGH 64

So it's possible to swap one in without having a new driveshaft made?

I think not - but I will measure if you want me to -

At a minimum, you'll need a new fine spline yoke -

Dave B.