New 66 Skylark daily driver project

[hurley1718]

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to say that this is an awesome board and I look forward to contributing as much as I can in the near future.

Here is a pic of my first ever classic project car. I've customized newer Chevy's and Fords but nothing like this.

Feel free to let me know any secrets you may have about this year ride and I will fill you in with more information on the car as I find it out.

Thanks.

[Snowbound]

Nice car! Welcome to the board.

They really are great cars and can be good performers with a few add on's. What engine is in it? The biggest draw back to these is the 2 speed ST-300 trans and the doggy rear gears. I took care of that on mine and it performs nicely now.

Brian

[hurley1718]

I'm trying to figure out the engine size as we speak. The previous owner said it was a 340 but there are no marking on the engine at first glance. As for the tranny it has a 3-speed powerglide with a suicide shifter on the floor.

It's also geared really low and possibly has 4:11's in it but I'm not sure. I need to change that out. Any recommendation on where to buy some gears?

[custum65GS]

Sharp looking car!!! Looking forward to more pics!!!:beer

[Snowbound]

Post up a pic of the engine and we can try and help you. The 340 was red in '66 and the 300 was green with the more upright "nailhead" looking valve covers.

The trans is most likely a THM-350 if it is a 3 speed. The factory 2 speed it originally had is known as the Super Turbine 300 and is not a Powerglide as most Chebby guys like to think. Could be a THM-400 also, but it is a more difficult swap.

If it has a 4.10 gear, you might think about an overdrive. My 200r4 has a .67 overdrive and makes my 3.90 gear drive like a 2.61 gear.

Brian

[custum65GS]

SnowBound!!!
How do you like your 200R4??? I was originally going to put mine behind the 300 that came in my 65 and run some gear like you have,,,,but ended up stumbling on a 401 Nail and mated it up to that with a 3.55 posi rear,,,,haven;t driven it on the street yet,,just wondering what you thought of yours!!!!:beer

[wkillgs]

Great looking car!:TU:
Overdrive tranny sounds like a good idea.
The rear axle specialist is this site is monzaz....
www.jdrace.com
or see his post here about posi's and gears:
http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=188731

Steering and suspension upgrades are easy on the 66's. A Fast-ratio steering box and bigger swaybars are junkyard items and will make a HUGE improvement in how the car drives.

If you were wondering what your car would look like with Buick mags and a black top, here's my Special:
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff123/retlaw66/GS/Special.jpg

[dragn4door]

Thats a good looking car!

[Snowbound]

The overdrive and steep gear is a great combo. So much more fun to drive than with the 2 speed and 2.78 gear.

That said, if I was going with a big block, I would use a T-400 and a 3.08 gear. Don't need alot of gear with all that torque!

Brian

[bobc455]

Curious why you are trying for a daily driver.

-BC

[wkillgs]

The overdrive and steep gear is a great combo. So much more fun to drive than with the 2 speed and 2.78 gear.

Brian

Right! The stock combo in mine was BORING.
I opted for a Richmond 5 speed install.....now that makes for a fun driver.:TU:

[voodoochild54]

I saw that car on Craigslist F.S. Nice looking car......

[hurley1718]

Curious why you are trying for a daily driver.

-BC


I only live about 18 miles from work and I've always wanted a classic car to fix up. I am not going for a full off body restoration. I can do all the interior myself. I have an engine guy and a body & paint guy, so by spring of 2010 this should be a good looking car that is fun to drive. I honestly can not justify putting money into a car that I can't enjoy daily so thats the reason for my daily driver project.