I know this is probably in the archives somewhere but... Here in a couple of months I will be swapping my 231 for a sbc 350 in my 1985 Regal. Does anyone know what kind of hurdles I'm going to have to cross during the install like motor mounts, tranny, radiator, clearance, etc? I'm a notch above a novice because I've swapped out engines before but I've only swapped for the same engine. Thanks!
A sbc will require some wiring work and moving the mounts. Also going to a chev transmission. A Buick 350 will drop right in with no effort and run as strong as the Chevy......with much less work. Mike
fdgds i would go with the buick 350. i think they are better for there low rps torque they have and such high stroke. they have the most stroke for all of the sb engines.they are also compatible for the th 350 tranny
Why would you desecrate a buick by asking Buick guys how to butch a chevy motor in your car?? ou: Thats for the chevy websites .............
Head on over to Thirdgen.org and make your self at home in the V6 and motor swap section. They are a tad up tight over there but lots n lots of useful info. But you should go with a buick. -Matt
Eh, thirdgen doesn't really know much about the NA 3.8L (never offeredin one) anyway, and the 2.8/3.1 that was available is a completely different beast. I think you should pull it and replace with a Buick 455 That's my plan, anyway.
Yea but they know plenty about the sbc swap he wants too do. That was the only reason for the plug. One reason I kinda don't like thirdgen my self cause all anyone says is do the V8 swap[out side of the V6 section]. Even if you have a turbo 3.8 20 out of the 30 replies will be how you should just do the sbc V8 swap. Now since he wants too do that ohhh so common and boring sb Chevy V8 swap, he will get lots of info on what he needs there. -Matt
come on the buick 3.8 is an awsome motor. The 87 GNX had a 0-60 of 5.5 stock. Hell the 87 Trans Am 350TPI had a 0-60 of low a low 7. Think about it. Plus when you put that chevy motor in it it will add about 100 more lbs. Which in turn you will need more power to over come. They make plenty of parts for the 3.8. I would build that motor up.
Thanks everyone for the info. The only reason I was going with the sbc was I have a bunch of upgrades already purchased or aquired. I guess I could put them on eBay. Stupid question: Could I easily find a Buick 350 at the salvage yards (or 455)? I know every turn I make I trip over another sbc 350 but never looked for the Buick motor. MARK
Hey Mark, Not sure where you are in Ohio, but in Beaver, PA there's a yard with a few buick 350's. Don't know the years, but they're painted red. Name of the yard is Don's. You can usually get a good price if you sweet talk Linda. She's pretty easy to deal with. My buddy bought a low mile 430 for $75, that was the last big block Buick in there though. There's another yard off of rt 60 (same general area) called Fezel's. He's ALOT more expensive, but I spotted a couple of 455's and a 430. He also has a 65 Riviera with the drivetrain in it, if you want a nailhead. Also, sometimes motor's just pop up. It's spring, and alot of guy's wives want that "crap" out of the garage (or basement, or spare bedroom or kitchen), so you might find a good deal. Good Luck!!
Hey Mark, The 350 SBC swap is relatively simple. I've got a buddy that's bought several "grandma" Regals and they all had bad V-6s and he swapped junkyard 350's into all of them, even setting one up with an old 400 small-block. Now, most puritans would agree that putting a Buic 350 or even a 455 into the Regal would be the way to go. Personally, I'd use the 350 because I'm more familiar with the engine. The guy that built my 350 put a 455 into his 86 GN and it ran like the wind. The 200r4 lasted for a while but he eventually replaced it with a TH400 , but then the rear end gave out... I guess what I'm leading up to is that if it's cash you're wanting to save, use a small-block Chevy. If you want to reatin some heritage, drive the car as it is, sell the Chevy parts, and build yourself a stout Buick 350 or throw in a 455 and watch the cash flow. In the end... there's always the Cadillac 500. -Phil
One thing Ive noticed is that lots of yards see a 350 chevy and get all excited, especially if it runs. They see a buick 350 and its just another chunk of iron. Usually you can get a 350 buick for pretty darn cheap from a yard. Also the beauty of it is that it takes almost no work to put the buick motor in. It will use the same motor mounts, transmission, wiring and all the other stuff that drives people nuts with these engine swaps. ________ California Medical Marijuana
Thanks for the reply and advice. I think I've made up my mind to get the Buick 350. Now I just have to go find one. There's a few salvage yards here near Columbus, Ohio but they've been pretty high in price for everything. I might check out that place in PA or call around to the rural yards. I have an Edelbrock aluminum intake that fits a sbc up to 350. I wonder if it will fit the Buick motor as well. I can contact Edelbrock to be sure. MARK
Sooo... Anybody want a Chevy intake? Probably not. I'll put it on eBay and promise to never again attempt to de-face my Buick.
same question, but more I've got a 83 regal. Its got a N/A v6 and is a good runner, but I can't seem to get good oil to the rockers. I would like to put a sbb350 or a bbb 455 in it, but don't money (or knowledge) to build one right now; however I have a 327 sbc built already. (left over from my last S10 project) I also have a TH350 trans ready to go. I am not shooting for a lightning fast street rod (yet), just a good day-to-day car. My unfortunate problem is I don't have a good knowledge base on these buicks yet, I've been reading anything I can find. Most of know-how is sbc and the GM 3.8 v6 in the newer W-bodies. OR..... I know this is a V8 website, but if someone has the knowledge of the buick 3.8 v6 that could help me trouble shoot, I'd be very appriciative. I got the car and was told the engine had 0 oil pressure and no oil to the rockers. I started the car w/o the rocker covers on and sure enough, no oil. I did not verify the 0 oil pressure though. knowing the the oil pump had been removed during a water pump replacement (don't ask, the previous owner wasn't mechanically advanced) I was hoping they just botched the oil pump prime. (like not packing the gears with vasoline) So, I pulled the pump installed new gear and a thrust plate, packed it good with vasoline, buttoned it up and started it again w/o the rocker covers. This time i had oil on about half rockers. running short on time before having to leave for an occasion, i decided to dick with it the following morning. the next morning, NO oil on any of the rockers again. I haven't done anything since. shouldn't the rockers see constant oil? what else should I do? where can I tap in for an oil pressure gauge? what psi should i have? Thanks in advance. RB:beer
