1955 Buick special 12v swap.

[tornado112]

Ya i couldnt recall the exact ratio. I went looking for that rear because i wanted the best mpg i could get, I think ford called that gear set cruise o matic. In the 67 stang i built it was upper 20's all day with a 5spd and 302

[gorilla550]

No lock up on diesel A518's only gas unless modified. The 2:79 is a bit steep unless you plan on running rubber bands. I had 3:54's in my 93 D250 and if I behaved I would get mid to high 20's on the expressway. I like the choice of body shells.

[BrandonBerkosky]

With very little cutting the engine is basically where it needs to be. I'll have to look at a dodge or maybe my Fummins to make sure.
iirc the engine should be tipped back a little and the turbo should sit level. As well as my tailshaft pointing at the diff.

This is a pic of the dynaflow trans. It's easy to see why I had to cut the floor. It was shaped to fit right into that dip.
The 518 is more slanted. With the bell and case being one piece.











The car is on the ground where I think the ride height will stay.

The front did not drop if anyone is wondering. I think the iron block nailhead/iron dynaflow setup is close to the weight of the iron cummins/aluminum 518.



My helper.

[BrandonBerkosky]

[gorilla550]

If that Dynaflo is as heavy as the iron powerglide I've got that Cummins and A5518 are lighter.

[smokinVE]

Awesome project. Thank you for all the pictures!



AND.... Where do I find a helper that's that easy on the eyes? I suppose it's a good thing I can't find one, I'd never get anything done, just telling her she needs to pick stuff up and reach high in the air to find me stuff, possibly jumping up and down to see if the "suspension" was sturdy.....

[BrandonBerkosky]

Nothing new as far as cool pics to post.
I did get have the engine in and out 3 more times for more trimming and fitting.
I feel like before I start making mounts I want to dig into the 8"
Truetrac and possibly 4 link. If I can make it fit. Worst case I can just keep the truck arm setup.
Is it cool to post the non-engine swap stuff like the rear and suspension?

[BrandonBerkosky]

Gorilla. No joke. The front end sits higher now. I have the car off the stands and the weight is on the suspension.

[Shainer]

Originally Posted by BrandonBerkosky

Is it cool to post the non-engine swap stuff like the rear and suspension?

It is expected.

Heck yeah post it all up. Lots of guys with good insight on all sorts of subject matters on this forum.

[BrandonBerkosky]

SmokinVE. I don't know what to tell you on that. I got lucky.
It's funny it was probably on our second date. We were riding around in my 57 Chevy and she said it was annoying how loud it was. lol.
I almost turned around and dropped her off at her house.
Now she has her own pickup we built together.

Good pic. 2 birds one stone kinda thing.
Our
71 ih and my 57 belair

[12vriviera]

I may just be partial to Buicks with a Cummins in it.
Just saying

Keep up the work!

[Loaded burrito]

That car is so bad

[TheBac]

Originally Posted by BrandonBerkosky

Nothing new as far as cool pics to post.
I did get have the engine in and out 3 more times for more trimming and fitting.
I feel like before I start making mounts I want to dig into the 8"
Truetrac and possibly 4 link. If I can make it fit. Worst case I can just keep the truck arm setup.
Is it cool to post the non-engine swap stuff like the rear and suspension?

You're kidding, right? I say, "Give us MORE!!!!" Builds like this inspire others to attempt their own.

If you run into a bind, there are guys here who may know how to get you unstuck. There's a lot of smart (and smart-ass) guys here who bring lots of knowledge and help to the site.

[BrandonBerkosky]

Finally got to give the Buick some love today. I am actually posting while the welder cools down. I guess I hit the duty cycle.

Here's where I cut the frame. I am putting all the surface area back in with some 3/8" plate that I had.
And I plug welded a piece of 1/2" inside before I capped it off with the 3/8".









Did some cleaning up with a flap wheel before I go back at it.

[BrandonBerkosky]

Gotta love having a zuperDooty wrecker.
After I finished trimming welding and grinding
I Pulled the drivetrain and the car outside.
Pressure washed the engine bay till I couldn't feel feelings then I swept up the shop.

[12vriviera]

keep it going man, hardest this about these is keeping on target.. It took me 2 years and change to get mine done.. and another 5 to modify it accordingly.

[BrandonBerkosky]

Yeah it's harder these days. Before I had a house I built whole vehicles in under a year.
That orange harvester took 6 months.
Oh well I still rather be the king of the castle. Instead of living at home.
I can do whatever I want. As long as it's ok with Jess )

[BrandonBerkosky]

Finally got a chance to play with the Buick. Dropping the engine back in so I can start the engine and trans mounts.

[BrandonBerkosky]

[BrandonBerkosky]

Engine is in and sitting exactly where I want it.
I starting cutting out some metal for the mounts.
This is my favorite part of putting different drivetrains in places they were never meant to be.
I found some beautiful bushings on that dangerous eBay app.