[wasco42]

Greetings Rodders!

I've been a GM guy my whole life, which is funny, because the the only car I've driven for any length of time was a 1967 Cougar. I have two 1967 Camaros - one is for sale, because I finally bought my dream car - 1968 Charger. Once the Camaro is gone, I can finally get to work on the Charger (bought it in June) but what I really need help with today is a friend's Pontiac. A 1965 Bonneville hearse, to be exact. Pretty much complete, pretty good shape, TH400 transmission - no engine. Originally a 389. My friend wants to put a 389 back in, so the search began.

I don't know anything about Pontiacs, but I'm learning. First, I learned the pre-64 389s have a bell housing mounted starter and we couldn't bolt one up to his TH400. Sold that one, found a '64 389 that is a transition block and had the bolt holes for an upbolt starter - problem solved, right? Wrong. The block might have had the starter bolt holes but the crankshaft wouldn't accept the later flex plate. The flex plate fits on the crankshaft hub, but the holes don't line up.

My research seems to indicate that ANY crankshaft from a 65-79 326, 250, 389 or 400 would swap right into this '64 block and make everything work. Is this correct?

Thanks all, and this is an awesome site!

 

[wasco42]

Already in trouble!

I shouldn't have posted a question with my introduction - sorry about that. Didn't want to say "hello" and seek help right out of the gate and I did it anyway.

Turns out I'm a total idiot and didn't realize the holes in the crank and flex plates aren't evenly distributed around the hub. I'd realized my mistake when I measured the flex plate holes and thought it had been drilled incorrectly but then measured the holes in the old flex plate and saw the same thing. Put the new flex plate on the crank, spun it until they all lined up.....:roll eyes:

Thanks!