Not sure if all 455 engine harnesses are the same but on my '72 Riv, it's one of the first breakouts...2 wires go to a big boot that has 2 perpendicular terminals that plugs into the drivers side of the th400. To set the switch, release it and then push the accelerator pedal to the floor. Swap info: http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/350-th350-to-455-th400-swap-any-ideas-help.258800/ Refer to step 5 - http://www.buickperformanceclub.com/conversi.htm
Kyle - I found the plug under the dash. I don’t think there is any wiring on the fire wall for the turbo 400 kickdown as our cars are turbo 350 born. I’ll wire from the switch at gas pedal to the turbo 400. Ordered my turbo 400 emerge brake cable etc from inline tube today and picked up a turbo 400 trans mount. Tranny should be ready next week.
I could be wrong but you should only have to plug the plug into the pedal solenoid. Even with my TH350 I have a plug that goes to the transmission. I may be totally incorrect though. Kyle
Ahh yes. My bad. I’m wondering about that firewall wire no myself. I’ll be doing a TH400 swap myself here in the future. Kyle
There is a spot for it on the engine harness side, even if there is no wire currently there, you can add it with the proper Packard 56 terminal. You just have to hook it into the right spot on the engine harness firewall connector. Kind of hard to see, but it looks like the lower right side corner of the connector, right next to the purple solenoid wire. Or, you can just run your own wire through the firewall.
For now, I’m going to wire through the firewall myself. I think when I put the 455 in, I will purchase a 455 turbo 400 engine wiring harness- which should come with this connection to the tranny.
Got the tranny back today. So I’ll paint it aluminum. Kyle, I ordered the t400 energy brake cable - both the front and the intermediate from inline tube. I ordered a turbo 400 tranny mount. I will be modifying the turbo 350 crossmember to accept the emergency brake cable for the turbo 400. There is a good article on Buick performance showing the differences in the cross members. I have a turbo 400 gas pedal and kick down. Here’s a couple pics. You can see the reinforcements in the bell housing and the extra material in the pan area as was pointed out by another member.
Guys - what are your thoughts on using type F tranny fluid? I will be adding a cooler and the TSP 9.5 converter.
I don't see the need for it unless you want a harder shift, and even then. I use Valvoline Max Life. It is a synthetic Dexron 6. https://www.valvoline.com/our-products/automatic-transmission-products/maxlife-multi-vehicle-atf
I use F in mine, no issue, converter guy requested it says it give a more true flash. I cant say one way over the other
Looking at my tranny cooler kit, it has barbed hose connections with hose clamps. Is this a satisfactory method to plumb this cooler in? I’m not sure I like barb and clamp? Thoughts?
Painting the tranny cast aluminum on Thursday.......hope it doesn’t look to disco! I’ll keep the paint to a light coat.
It does look really good in person too! I made sure I cleaned the case extremely well before painting it. I used a can and a half on it. Basically 2 light coats and 2 heavy coats and no primer. I taped off all the openings to the internals where you don't want paint getting into. I did it while the case was empty, strung it up from a piece of heavy tie wire so I could get all the way around it evenly.
