Thread: 53 buick drivetrain swap?

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Billy,
One thing up front, you really, really want an OD automatic for the car so it will be a reasonable highway cruiser. What would be really cool would be to latch onto a Buick Nailhead engine for it, and if that's out of the question then a takeout engine/tranny package from one of the LS machines. That said I understand that going basic 350 Chevy may be cheaper for you. I'm just a big fan of Ford in Ford, Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth in their models, Buick in Buick, etc and I know I'm not alone. Later on a nailhead in the old girl will make her more interesting to buyers if you can score one. Check out Ahwooga.com Buy and Sell Automotive Parts and you might get lucky.

+1 waht Roger said; besides, with an early model engine, you won't have to mess with all the electronic stuff. If I recall correctly, the Nailhead came out in '54, and the '54 Buicks were basically the same as the '53s, so if you can find the correct mounts, that would also make a Nailhead swap easier. The rear end swap should be pretty straight forward.