Hi Guy's, I will be picking up a 1987 regal T type that is in very good condition. The guy that has it says it has a V8 in it and it runs very well and is all original. What size motor would it be ? I thought it would have the V6 with a hair dryer. I have never messed with this kind of car and just wanted to ask you guys that know more about them. I am thinking about a 455 and TH 400 trans swap. It will be for the wife to drive and race. Also do they have a posi rear and what gear ratio comes in them. Thanks Billy.
If it's got a v8, it's probably either not the original engine, or it's not a t-type. The Olds 307 V8 was available in the regular Regals in '87, but I thought for sure T-type meant Turbo 3.8... At any rate, my money is on a 307 Regal with fake t-type badges...
they did make some t-type regals with 307's in them, they just have all the t trim and that v8 boat anchor under the hood. if you do the swap just remember stay patient :TU:
Some T's were made with 307's. Not sure about posi or gearing. I think the fan shroud will be re-useable in the swap.
If it's a 307, the easiest upgrade route would be to another Olds engine (350/455). Not much will interchange between the 307 engine and any Buick engine. Your best bet would be to find an N/A 3.8L Buick car to serve as a parts donor if you want a Buick V8 under there. Interesting to hear about the 307. What genius was responsible for that?
What happened in 1987 was Buick dropped the "T-Type" as a whole package, breaking it into 3 seperate groups: the turbo package, the T suspension, and the bleckout package. As a consequence you'll see some strange combinations that year, most notably the Limited Turbo. Far as I recall the 8.5 rear was only available with the turbo motor.
Guys For your information. I originally ordered a white exterior and grey interior 87 Regal with V-8 and the T and black-out package. Basic the car is just like a turbo T without the engine and hood. I was always approached and told that I made the car but truthfully that I special ordered the car and always carried my window sticker in the glove box to prove it. My Regal T included the bucket seats, 3 speed automatic, posi rear (3.08) and dual exhaust just like the 442. Yes of course it didn't run like a turbo but looked as good as one, that is why I bought it. It was one of the best GM car that I have owned, never had a problem with it. If I would change the engine I would go with a Olds 350 because the 307 is just like one with all the accessories! Just my 2 cents worth. George
87 T type regal. I have only seen pictures of it so far. It does have a center console and a turbo steering wheel with bucket seats and power windows and locks. It also has the turbine wheels on it. I will be picking it up in july. I might put a V6 with a hair dryer in it or a super charged V6....But the 455 mildly built would be nice too. I will try and get some pictures of it on here soon. Thanks Billy.
Turbo conversions aren't any easier than the big block conversions, and unless you have already have a largely intact parts car it will probably be more expensive to boot. (been there-done that) Easiest thing (other than a chibby crate motor) is an Olds 350 or even 403/455 swap, followed by a 455 Buick swap than maybe the 3.8 turbo. From what I gather on this board and based on my own experience the Buick V-8 swap would probably be the most gratifying however. Best advice would be do some research here and on some of the turbo boards and decide from there.
my 455 olds regal was a 307 car, all i had to do was move the steel frame mounts forward about an inch, weld them in and drive. it was a hell of alot easier then my 455 buick regal. then again i didnt use headers on the olds car either. all of the little stuff like starter wireing, fuel lines and stuff are on the same side if you do a 307 to bigger olds motor. just like when you do a 3.8 to a bigger buick v8. tuff part about adding a turbo motor to that car would be all of the wiring, computers,relays and electric fuel pumps and such. thats what kills your budget in the end.dan
Yeah, I don't get that either. Anyhow, starting with a 307, the swaps in the easiest order to do are: 1. 350/403 SB Olds 2. 425/455 BB Olds -- you'll have to modify a few of the accessory brackets, and exhaust is a slight issue) 3. NA Buick 3.8 (why?), SB Chevy (dear gods, WHY????) -- both require donor cars. 4. Buick 350 (slightly more difficult than a Buick 3.8) -- requires donor 3.8L car to do it right. 5. Buick 430/455 -- requires donor car (3.8L) to do it right, exhaust issues, engine mount holes need to be drilled resulting in multiple test fits. 6. There is no #6. 7. Buick Turbo V6 (donor car + electronics + unique parts issue) -- I'd just sell a 307 Regal and buy a turbo car before screwing with this. Don't get me wrong, a Buick 455 isn't a HARD Swap. It's just that, starting with a 307, all the others are EASIER.
ya know thats what i thought too when i decided to put the olds motor in, but it was against the firewall when i left it where it was. it was real close.i couldnt get it to sit down on the pads, so off they came and welded on they got. i guess i could have taken a different approach but it seemed the easiest.
Buick 455 motor. I will be installing a Buick 455 with a TH-400 trans. The spare motor that i have is mildly built with stage 1 heads and a poston 116 cam with stock intake and a quad carb. Trans is a TH-400 with a shift kit and a B&M 2400 hole shot converter. It should run in the high 13's and be a fun daily driver. Just need to check the gear ratio out and go from there. I plan on installing 323's or 342's. Billy.
If you're picking the gear ratio, I'd probably go with 3.23, especially with a 3 speed. I ended up with a GN rear, so I got 3.42 whether I liked it or not. Good luck with it! :TU:
i agree with ron on the gear ratio. the 323 range will make it alot more streetable with the 400 trans, but it will still fly.
