4-speed setup from '65 Lark/300 V8 into '65 GS w/401/Auto?

[halfmoontrail]

I just had another idea about the '65 Skylark 4-speed that I am getting tomorrow...how hard would it be to make my '65 GS with automatic into a 4-speed car, by moving parts over? Is any of it irreversible?

Steve

[Mark Ascher]

Steve,

Other than the trans, almost none of the parts from the Skylark 4 speed will work on a GS 4 speed. The trans is the same dimensions, but the gearset is different. The one irreversible part would be the larger hole in the floor for the shifter.
Your better off getting the whole deal from another car.

Mark

[WkillGS]

Pedals are the same between the 300 and 401, but the rest of the linkage is different.
You'll need a bellhousing and flywheel for the Nailhead. Both are avail from the aftermarket.
Hydraulic throwout bearing is an option to trying to find the correct 65-66 GS clutch linkage pieces.
Ted did a conversion on one of his 'cats with the above mentioned products.

[halfmoontrail]

Thanks, Walt and Mark. It sounds like more work and $ than I want to do. I have a built 300 in another car, maybe I'll put that in front of the 4-speed in the lark convertible.

I appreciate the input.

Steve

[Chris]

Here are some pictures that Pat sent me to share with everyone.

Enjoy,

Chris

[glenn4spgs]

Walt there was a ad on craigslist looking for 4sp setup for his 65gs 4sp car.   Talked to him a little and gave him the hyd. option and could find the hard to find parts latter. Maybe you could tell us how ted likes the setup in his cat? Told him to come on board and register the car with us, Thanks Glenn!

[WkillGS]

Glen, Ted is already signed up on the board.
I looked up the craigslist ad you mentioned.... is that the same Mike in Flint as the Mike on this board, SkyGSRivGS?
There was a bellhousing on eBay (twice), now avail from Buickrodder. We've discussed it here. It's expensive.

[glenn4spgs]

Walt maybe the same . his name is mike. He didn't let on like he was familiar with this site anyway I was wondering how the hyd. setup was working in the cat of ted's. Thanks Glenn.

[glenn4spgs]

When I talked to Him I gave him Russ  Martin's# he said it was gone already on ebay!

[jmos4]

Hi,

If you don't mind going non-stock you could get a aftermarket Bell Housing and then use a Hydraulic Throw out set-up believe I have seen one on V8 or this site

or this place sells a kit you would have to fab your own linkage or go Hyd.

Aftermarket:
http://www.transmissionadapters.com/Buick%20Bellhousing.htm


Good luck, Sticks are more fun,
Jim

[telriv]

We are using a "Quick Time SFI" approved bellhousing on Bob's '66 GS with a hydraulic clutch set-up. Works perfectly & no linkage to play with & get in the way of headers or exhaust.

[kcombs]

Go with the after market bellhousing, it would be a shame to modifiy a stock nailhead bellhousing.