Want to install a TH400 into my 66 Classic

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   I recently bought the adapters needed to install a nailhead TH400 into my 66 Classic. My questions is, I did not get the prestolite starter, and am wondering if my Delco unit will work, or do I need to contact the person I bought it from, and buy the Prestolite unit?  I see there is a spacer for the prestolite to attach to the cast iron adapter, so I was hoping mine would be useable in the conversion, but since my car is still being driven, I don't want to just pull the starter to fit it, so hopefully someone can give me experienced advice. I am still considering the small car - Spirit/AMX - rear end, to convert over to, and keep it all AMC.

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Cricket Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jul/06/2015 Location: Milton, FL. Status: Offline Points: 736	Post Options Post Reply Quote Cricket Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Want to install a TH400 into my 66 Classic Posted: Nov/12/2016 at 4:30pm
	I recently bought the adapters needed to install a nailhead TH400 into my 66 Classic. My questions is, I did not get the prestolite starter, and am wondering if my Delco unit will work, or do I need to contact the person I bought it from, and buy the Prestolite unit? I see there is a spacer for the prestolite to attach to the cast iron adapter, so I was hoping mine would be useable in the conversion, but since my car is still being driven, I don't want to just pull the starter to fit it, so hopefully someone can give me experienced advice. I am still considering the small car - Spirit/AMX - rear end, to convert over to, and keep it all AMC.

AMXFSTBK390 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Oct/22/2013 Location: SF Bay Area Status: Offline Points: 3489	Post Options Post Reply Quote AMXFSTBK390 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Nov/12/2016 at 5:53pm
	Cricket, You got me to scratching my head. So I went out in the garage and looked at a spare'73 Jeep Wagoneer 360/TH400 I have. It has a Motorcraft starter on it D2TF 11001. This eng/tranny was pulled out of a running Wagoneer.
	Questions are powerful tools...what's in your toolbox?

Cricket Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jul/06/2015 Location: Milton, FL. Status: Offline Points: 736	Post Options Post Reply Quote Cricket Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Nov/12/2016 at 9:19pm
	Guess I should have stated, mine is the earlier 1967 Wagoneer unit, that had the GEN1 AMC 327 in it, same as my 66 Classic. Later models are completely different. See pics of my unit. Edited by Cricket - Nov/12/2016 at 9:24pm

vinny Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Jan/05/2012 Location: Calgary Status: Offline Points: 2837	Post Options Post Reply Quote vinny Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Nov/13/2016 at 9:42am
	So you originally had a BW trans. behind the 327 and that adapter in the lower picture is to fit the TH400? I have not had personal experience in trying the three different starters on the same engine but my understanding is that you could use either the Prestolite (IMO better quality) or Delco starter or probably even Ford starter (IMO the worst quality for longevity). I think I'd want to make sure by first seeing how the gears mesh by somehow extending the drive.

Cricket Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jul/06/2015 Location: Milton, FL. Status: Offline Points: 736	Post Options Post Reply Quote Cricket Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Nov/13/2016 at 9:59am
	That's correct, I still have a BW8 in my car, and the adapter shown uses a Nailhead Buick type transmission. I have been told the prestolite starters were horrible, and many people swap them out due to problems, but don't know what was used. The parts houses do not have any for replacement or repair parts. The Ford starter, as far as I can tell, will not bolt to this adapter, and I don't have a spare Delco unit to try. I may just remove mine and try it, or see if the parts house has one for me to check out. Thx. Cricket

304-dude Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Sep/29/2008 Location: Central Illinoi Status: Offline Points: 9082	Post Options Post Reply Quote 304-dude Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Nov/13/2016 at 10:43am
	If you have a problem with starters fitting... that starter adapter can be used as a template to assist in making a new adapter. It would require... installing everything but the Nail head tranny and the starter adapter. Then with wood blocks find a good distance required for engagement for the starter of choice to mesh with teeth. You will need to kick out the gear manually to check proper distance. Once you have the thickness set, mount on wood cutouts (layered wood sheets or cut block) verify inboard clearance to teeth and set, for measurement. Compare your block with adapter and cut a new adapter from aluminum. It may be more work than you want but it should make using a starter that works for your needs without having to obtain some other tranny adapter to make things work.
	71 Javelin SST body 390 69 crank, 70 block & heads NASCAR SB2 rods & pistons 78 Jeep TH400 w/ 2.76 Low 50/50 Ford-AMC Suspension 79 F150 rear & 8.8 axles Ford Racing 3.25 gears & 9" /w Detroit locker

farna Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Moderator Lost Dealership Project Joined: Jul/08/2007 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 19679	Post Options Post Reply Quote farna Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Nov/13/2016 at 11:39am
	Maybe try a Jeep forum and see what starters are used with the adapter. Only Kaiser Jeep used the adapter with the AMC 327 and Buick Nailhead trans (also sold as a "universal" TH400 due to the shallow bell, which allowed plenty room for an adapter), from 65-68. You might just look at starters for those applications. Rock Auto only lists Delco-Remy remans... REMY 25365 for 65-71 Jeeps (69-71 Jeeps used a Buick 350, replaced in mid 71 by AMC V-8s). So I'd say it's safe to assume that either the Prestolite or Delco starters will work, but not the Autolite.
	Frank Swygert

Cricket Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jul/06/2015 Location: Milton, FL. Status: Offline Points: 736	Post Options Post Reply Quote Cricket Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Nov/13/2016 at 12:10pm
	Will check it out, thanks!

Wrambler Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jul/02/2007 Location: West Virginia Status: Offline Points: 4199	Post Options Post Reply Quote Wrambler Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Nov/16/2016 at 3:30pm
	Let me know what you find out. I have the prestolite starter, but only the one I need.
	Wrambler 69 AMC Rambler 4.0L, 5 speed 2015 Grand Cherokee Limited 2019 Chrysler 300

Cricket Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jul/06/2015 Location: Milton, FL. Status: Offline Points: 736	Post Options Post Reply Quote Cricket Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Nov/16/2016 at 5:07pm
	Thanks Mark, I was able to contact the fellow, and he is sending me the starter. He said it was working fine when he parted out the rust bucket Jeep. Only charged me 40 bucks, and shipped it free, so I am a very happy Rambler now! I guess I will be looking to try and get a Spirit/AMX rear end and put in leaf springs, next. Thanks to everyone! Cricket