I have chance to buy a 1966 Electra convertible without an engine or transmission and i have a complete 1970 350 cu in engine and was wondering if there could be any problems
Yes the car’s hookups are configured for a nailhead engine and not a 350. The 350 is not built to power such a heavy car. You need a 65 or 66 401 or a 425. Hopefully a 425 could be sourced.
A '64 Nailhead should also bolt in, I'm not sure about the oil pan though. I don't remember which engines had center sump pans and which had rear sump pans, but as long as you have the oil pickup it's just a pan swap.
64 was such a one year only set up with the transmission that I was and am still unsure about one being bolt on ready.
A 1964 transmission will only have shifter positions for drive (D) and low (L). But the 1966 shifter has D, 2, 1 positions. The 1964 trans also doesn't have the switch-pitch converter, 65-66 did. A 63 and earlier 401/425 used the Dynaflow automatic transmission. The engine crankshaft flange is different for those, but it can be adapted to work with a later 64-66 ST400 trans. A later 400/430/455 could be swapped in with some work. You would need the correct engine mounts, the radiator would need the inlets/outlets opposite from the original 401/425 one, and the wiring harness and battery location needs to be modified since the 401/425 had the starter on drivers side, 400/430/455 had it on the passenger side. As Jim said, a 65-66 401/425 would be the best fit.
And, IMHO, a 401 or a 425 is much more suited to pull that two and a half tons around comfortably. I have one, and I like it. A 350 is happy in a LeSabre.
Wasn’t there a board member who swapped an 67' 430/th400 in his 66 Electra, and said it was a direct fit? Think I read it a couple of weeks ago.. Could be in the Nailhead forum?
