Jump to content

Rebuild or Replace Engine


flh73

Recommended Posts

My 63 Riv 401 has a cracked block. This engine is not original however the change was done many years ago professionally as everything seems to be in order and original there after. Crack was Known when purchased. I have struggled to find a block or engine but finally have located ( local) a 66 block with some pitted rust in cylinder may cleanup @.040 over bore. I have also located a complete 66 engine (same source). If I rebuild my engine I keep the dyna flow trans etc. if I swap to newer engine I have to change trans to the st400 etc.

Any thoughts, suggestions, opinions?

prices for better understanding.

Block $400 + machining, parts (pistons, ext. valve, etc.) I can assemble.

Engine carb down $2400 used but freshened up with lifters, timing set, distributer, flushed and cleaned oil pan etc.

NEW rebuilt 63 401 $3222.50 to my door.

thanks for the help

Gary

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If the crank in your '63 is good, you can use it and the flexplate in the '66 block and everything will work as if it were a '63 block and you wont' have to mess with a trans swap and everything associated with that. If your '63 heads, (66 heads have valve seals on the intake valves) carb and intake are in good shape, I'd use them as well. That way you'll have the correct vacuum fittings, and the correct carb for the Dynaflow's kickdown. Other than that, I'd use the '63 water crossover pipe (thermostat housing) just because the '66 looks different. That's only a cosmetic matter.

Ed

Link to comment
Share on other sites

OK Flh: I suggest NOT using that 66 block for several reasons. First a cracked block can be repaired but at additional expense. Second .40 over is too much meet off a nail head, especially a 425 and thirdly, even though these things don't grow on trees the magic combination you want is out there in your area too. It just takes a bit of tenacity to find that sweet spot. Perhaps it might work but in the end you have a Frankenstein car. Find a full size 62 or 63 Buick that runs good and harvest that engine....have it rebuilt. Yes, I'm spending your hard earned money. And yes, if you hire a competent machine shop you will have a nice running car for years to come. By slim chance if there are any problems and they will stand behind their work. Mitch

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest DRM500RUBYZR1

Write the check.

buy the new rebuilt proper 401 for the $ 3,222.50.

Rebuilding anything that you find if done by a quality shop will set you back near that much anyway.

Even if you found a good car with a good engine, why put all of that on your plate as well?

if you put in something that is not recently rebuilt you will likely need to deal with it later on, which is silly.

write the check install the nice new engine, and then continue as planned.

You get what you pay for,or as I say more often, you don't get what you don't pay for

I of course am operating under the assumption that the new 401 was rebuilt by someone fully knowledgable on rebuilding these engines properly.

write the check and make up for it by doing other things yourself.

Historically,every time that I have tried to save money by going the seemingly less expensive route, I usually end up either spending as much or more in the long run, or I am disappointed with a lesser outcome, and oftentimes, both.

write the check.

Good luck!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...