My 72 skylark has bad 350 motor....will a 76 Regal 350 motor plug and play? Can I take the electronic distributor out, and put in my 72 points distributor? Will my aluminum intake fit on the 76 350? Thanks in advance!
Yes. If it’s a front distributer engine. It’s basically the same engine. Alittle lower on power and compression ratio. Oil fill on valve cover is different.
Great! I noticed on the 76 motor, one valve cover has no openings...on the other, theres a hole for a breather, and hole for oil fill? My 72 has chrome valve covers, which I would like to reuse on the 76, but they each have a breather hole? Usuable?
Yes, the valve covers should be interchangeable, especially if you are going to hook it up in your Skylark and everything is already routed to your liking.
Yes the intake will fit. Just wire up the HEI distributor no need to switch it. The HEI requires full 13 volts vs the points which needs about 10 volts I think.
I was switching the distributor since I have no clue how to wire up an HEI.. lol And, my points distributor runs so good!
Ok then put the engine at top dead center on the compression stroke of number. Stick a wine cork in the plug hole and wait till it pops then line up the TDC mark on the balancer. Next remove the dist and slide the other one on ensuring the rotor points the same as the other one. With the cap on the rotor should be directly under the number one plug wire.
You MAY want to swap the drivers side exhaust manifold too. The '76 probably has a heat riser valve, and the manifold outlet is flat where the valve mates to it, the valve itself has the tapered end.
This write-up should help if you decide to try the HEI. I recommend it as they tend to me more reliable than points! https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?t...ystem-function-tests-and-modification.248990/
If your performance oriented, a 2200 torque converter would increase fun factor. Or maybe just slightly more . Since engine is out already.
I know I'm getting way ahead of myself, but lots of great advice here on the forum.....when it's time to swap motors, will the bracketry and accessories swap over from the 72 block, to the 76 block?