Guest Chaz Paul Posted September 27, 2014 Share Posted September 27, 2014 I got a 56 buick century 4D, the motor starts but I was told that transmission is bad. I got. Qoute on the trtransmission rebuild, around $1, 000. Im on the fence with it and wondering if I should put a sbc 350 and transmission with a new drive line and reae for more power, and parts availability. Opinions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted September 27, 2014 Share Posted September 27, 2014 Without giving you my opinion, I will say that a $1,000 rebuild is a reasonable price, and you will be in the car for at least $5k in parts for the changeover as well as a buttload of fabrication. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted September 27, 2014 Share Posted September 27, 2014 Unless you have a good running sbc you can't do a replacement for 5K. A complete crate motor is over 5K by the time it starts in the car. Buy a used sbc engine and rebuild? Parts may be cheaper but the machine shop work will be the same as a 322 or more, since most of the steel crankshafts in the 322 often do not need to be turned. Add in driveshaft, complete rear and that 'buttload of fabrication' and you are in the hole. After all that what do you have? A common old sbc that looks common, sounds common...(yawn). I have driven and ridden in cars that had the conversion and the ride was harsh and handling was flakey. If your 322 starts and runs quietly with good oil pressure it will probably go another 100,000 miles. We will be glad to help you keep the car all Buick, but you should look elsewhere for the how-to on a change over.Willie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 You were told the trans was bad, but what is bad about it? Does it move forward in Drive and Low, and backwards in Reverse? Were you told it does not shift gears in drive? Were you told it leaks? If you have the where-with-all to do a engine /trans/rear axle conversion, then you have the same ingredients to fix what you have. And by the way, If you were told the car was slow with the Dynaflow and the 322, well, you were told wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 If you have a 56', you need a shop manual for a 56'! You can diagnose your transmission, if it has problems, right out of the manual. Ask me how I know......Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Chaz Paul Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 I got it started awhile back without hesitation and sounded good without smoking, I was told when they put the car in drive it did not respond. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 And, what happened when you put it in drive? Low? And Reverse?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Chaz Paul Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 Im not sure, most likely the same thing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 That's not a good assumption to make. Who is "they"?A Dynaflow may not move when put in Park, but take off in low, or after what seems like a long delay. And it will move when shifted into Low or Reverse. That problem is caused by a loss of suction in the pump. The clearance of the pump can become worn and allow the prime to flow back to the pan or, if you are lucky, a seal can allow air to break the vacuum holding the prime.I was lucky. A can of Trans X restored the seal performance and the car shifts instantly. I did that over two years ago.Be careful dealing with "they's".Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 54fins Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 just an opinion, but I just can't wrap my mind around doing the SBC. And yes, it's major surgery. I bet you can figure out that Dynaflow, but the 1K is by far your cheapest way out. The 56 nailhead is a cool engine, if it runs good then adapt it to a more modern tranny- but be advised you will need an entire new rear end for an open driveshaft. 5K would be possible if you do it yourself but otherwise it will turn into a complete frame off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airy Cat Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 I wouldn't have a SBC in my Buick for anything! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rooster Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 Maybe it just needs the bands adjusting ? An easy enough job once the trans is out. Do the seals at the same time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d2_willys Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 Maybe it just needs the bands adjusting ? An easy enough job once the trans is out. Do the seals at the same time.Bands are used in Lo and Reverse. Drive does not use a band, only direct drive clutch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 Maybe it just needs 2 quarts of trans fluid too( which is common) . But I'm beginning to believe we'll never find out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 Maybe it just needs 2 quarts of trans fluid too( which is common) . But I'm beginning to believe we'll never find out. YEP Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 When I get a quart low my eyes turn blue.Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhambulldog Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 I wouldn't have a SBC in my Buick for anything!For better traction in snow, it's good to throw one in the trunk... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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