Guest Steeleco Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 (edited) Does anyone have any thoughts regarding which transmission performs better circa 1963 1964 Riviera. Does the TH-400 (or maybe its an ST-400) get the car better fuel economy? Any thought on reliability etc? Just currious.Thanks. Edited November 23, 2013 by Steeleco (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Cannon Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 The Dynaflow gives you the classic smooth drive the Buick was known for. It does not start quick off the line. It is pretty reliable.The later model transmissions shift, so they start you out faster. That shifting generates heat, wears on bands and clutches. But for the limited miles we put on these cars, not a big deal.MPG for the three are going to be about the same. You have to go to a much later transmission with overdrive to get a boost in fuel economy. Keep it tuned up and keep the carb clean to get best fuel economy. On all of them, you just have to go easy on the gas pedal to improve your MPG. Hard to do with all that power under the hood screaming to get out and show you what it can do. Personally, I recommend you stay with what you have. Everyone who rides in my '63 comments on how smooth it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 Personally, I recommend you stay with what you have. Everyone who rides in my '63 comments on how smooth it is.I agree with what Jim says 100%. Mainly because the change over from a Dynaflow to an ST400 is much more than a simple R&R. You'd have to have a different carburetor, a different trans cross member (and the frames are not drilled for both) a different shifter lever, which means a different wiring harness, and the list goes on. You'd spend way more $$ on the conversion than you'd ever save on gas.Unless you're looking for a total performance package, stick with the Dynaflow - best cruising trans on the market. If you do want performance, then you'd want to step up to the 65 - 66 ST400 with the switch pitch converter and avoid the ST400 from the '64.Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lapham3 Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 I've always liked the 400 as they all have been very reliable for me in many cars over 45 years. I've also sold quite a few over the years to Dynaflow guys for conversion. Nobody has asked me yet if I had a Dynaflow to sell them- Dan Mpls. Mn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul K. Posted November 27, 2013 Share Posted November 27, 2013 Tough one. All comments are valid regarding PITA for the conversion and how smooth the Dynaflow is if you like that. But, the Dynaflow did not get the nickname "Dynaslush" from nowhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleach Posted November 27, 2013 Share Posted November 27, 2013 Tough one. All comments are valid regarding PITA for the conversion and how smooth the Dynaflow is if you like that. But, the Dynaflow did not get the nickname "Dynaslush" from nowhere. I've also heard them being called Dynaflops too but could never understand why. I've had to have TH's rebuilt but never a Dynaflow or whatever else they've been called. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAF E Duck Posted October 19, 2023 Share Posted October 19, 2023 Dynaflow is what makes a Buick unique. When I browse Buick for sale I am not interested if the engine/tranny are swapped for TH or other modern AT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drhach Posted October 19, 2023 Share Posted October 19, 2023 (edited) This thread is 10 years old. Edited October 20, 2023 by drhach (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted October 20, 2023 Share Posted October 20, 2023 This just popped up on FB. In 1963, Motor Trend tested a new Riviera and posted some 1/4 mile times and speeds - 401 and a Dynaflow. They did it again in 1964. This time the Riviera had the 425 and the ST400. Their 1963 times and mph were better than those from 1964. I’m hoping that my copy and paste works here so you can read it for yourself. https://www.curbsideclassic.com/vintage-reviews/vintage-road-test-1963-buick-riviera-hot-rod-buick-even-without-the-optional-bigger-v8/ 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XframeFX Posted October 20, 2023 Share Posted October 20, 2023 21 minutes ago, RivNut said: This just popped up on FB. In 1963, Motor Trend tested a new Riviera Yes, the link successfully directs to the Curbsideclassic.com Riviera posted today October 19th. I've visited this site before where they featured my Father's 1st new American car. He specifically ordered a stripper 1965 Biscayne. The 4-door was the same price as a 2-door, bonus! Anyway, surprised to see the feature car a Canadian cheapo unit as well. Not Plain-Jane, rare! never seen a bare bones 1965 Chevrolet before even back then. My Dad's previous NEW cars in Canada were a Ford Prefect and Triumph Mayflower. CHEAP! Curbsiteclassics.com appears to be Canadian. Many images from my locale here in Edmonton and Western Canada. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted October 20, 2023 Share Posted October 20, 2023 (edited) Try this to go to the Automotive History Preservation Society website . . . //autohistorypreservationsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/1963-04-MT-BUICK-Riviera-test-1-6.pdf The complete road test, including a picture of how the Turbine Wheels work. For the heavier 1966 GS with 3.42 rear axle ratio . . . //automistorypreservationsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/1966-02-CL-1966-Buick-Riviera-GS-Test-1-5.pdf See if those work, NTX5467 Edited October 20, 2023 by NTX5467 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted October 20, 2023 Share Posted October 20, 2023 (edited) Hmmm, Where have I seen this before...? Oh yeah, now I remember! Edited October 20, 2023 by EmTee (see edit history) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted October 20, 2023 Share Posted October 20, 2023 (Now, why would a classy Riviera be driving on that "dirt road" in the hills if it was not involved in something "sinister"?) Bernie's "crop dusting" could be anywhere, like remote Alaska, headed to a fishing village. Enjoy! NTX5467 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted October 20, 2023 Share Posted October 20, 2023 (edited) I live in New York and have more pictures of my cars on dirt roads than people from the sticks. That picture of me under power was taken by my son, lying on his stomach by the side of the dirt road as I approached at 50 MPH on biased tires and drum brakes. Talk about your Yahoos. Here is one of those "Headed down that long lonesome highway" pictures. Stationary. I was alone. Edited October 20, 2023 by 60FlatTop (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted October 20, 2023 Share Posted October 20, 2023 The beauty of the 1960 Buick is that it looks like it's moving, in "stop action", when it is sitting still. Great styling! NTX5467 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted October 21, 2023 Share Posted October 21, 2023 Towpath road? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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