Major Challenges:
* Different Bellhousing Bolt Patterns: The Dynaflow and the 700R4 have completely different bolt patterns on their bellhousings. You'll need an adapter plate custom-made or sourced from a specialized transmission shop. This is a critical component and must be precisely machined to ensure proper alignment and strength.
* Torque Converter: The Dynaflow uses a completely different torque converter. You'll need a 700R4 torque converter, and possibly a new flexplate or flywheel adapter to mate it to your engine.
* Driveshaft: The 700R4 has a different output shaft length and yoke. You'll almost certainly need a custom driveshaft made to the correct length and with the appropriate yoke to fit the 700R4's output flange.
* Crossmember: The 700R4's case is differently shaped and sized compared to the Dynaflow. You'll need a new crossmember to properly support the 700R4, likely a custom-fabricated one.
* Shift Linkage/Control: The Dynaflow's control system is completely different from the 700R4's. You'll need to adapt the 700R4's control system (likely using a cable-operated setup) to work with your 1963 Buick's linkage or install a completely new shifter and cable system. This often involves considerable fabrication and wiring.
* Computer Control (Possibly): While some 700R4s can be adapted to operate without a computer, for optimal performance, especially with a later model 700R4, you might need to integrate it with a computer control system. This would involve significant wiring and potentially a standalone controller.
* Cooling: The 700R4 might require a different cooling system setup than the Dynaflow. You might need to add an auxiliary cooler or modify existing lines.
General Steps (Highly Simplified):
1. Research: Thoroughly research the specific transmission you'll be using (year, model, etc.) to determine compatibility issues and potential challenges.
2. Source Parts: Locate a 700R4 transmission, bellhousing adapter plate, torque converter, flexplate/flywheel adapter (if needed), driveshaft, crossmember, and shifter linkage/cable components. This might require sourcing parts from multiple vendors or custom fabrication.
3. Engine Removal (Possibly): Depending on the access to the transmission, you might need to remove the engine to make the swap easier.
4. Transmission Removal: Remove the Dynaflow transmission.
5. Installation: Install the bellhousing adapter, 700R4 transmission, torque converter, and flexplate/flywheel adapter.
6. Driveshaft Installation: Install the custom driveshaft.
7. Crossmember Installation: Install the new or modified crossmember.
8. Shift Linkage/Control: Install and adapt the 700R4 shift linkage/control system.
9. Wiring (if applicable): Wire in any necessary computer control systems.
10. Cooling System: Adjust cooling system as needed.
11. Testing and Adjustment: Thoroughly test the installation and make any necessary adjustments to the linkage, control system, and cooling system.
Recommendation:
This is a complex project that requires significant mechanical skills, experience with transmission swaps, fabrication abilities, and specialized tools. Unless you have extensive experience with automotive mechanics and transmission work, this is a job best left to a professional transmission shop. They possess the expertise, tools, and equipment to handle the challenges of such a conversion effectively and safely. Trying to do this yourself without the proper knowledge and experience can result in significant damage to your vehicle or even personal injury.
