Does it matter what year of buick 350 engine I throw in my 81 regal?

Discussion in 'Small Block Tech' started by Deadwing, May 3, 2020.

  1. Deadwing

    Deadwing Member

    Has anyone any tips on wether or not I need an 80s era 350 engine for the car? Or would a newer version work? Thanks!
     
  2. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Wow, that was quick. Welcome. Go introduce yourself in the "Wet behind the ears" Forum.

    http://v8buick.com/index.php?forums/wet-behind-the-ears.72/

    To answer your question, any Buick 350 will be suitable, 68-81. The earlier engines had more compression and less emissions devices. If you intend to rebuild the engine, then all that can be remedied for later engines.

    http://v8buick.com/index.php?threads/a-first-timers-guide-to-a-performance-sbb.72823/

    http://v8buick.com/index.php?threads/455-350-regal-swapout-faq.66510/
     
    Last edited: May 3, 2020
  3. Deadwing

    Deadwing Member

    LARRY70GS you're my new best friend. Thanks for the link to this glorious portal of information. I've introduced myself to the welcoming arms of this forum. Thanks. I've read the smog pump and emissions on the newer ones always get ripped out so I will be on the lookout for a 70s one most likey
     
  4. no1oldsfan

    no1oldsfan Well-Known Member

    I say if you are changing the engine do whatever fits you best. Get/build the right motor for YOUR needs. You will be happiest making it yours. Nobody (screw them if they do) will knock you down for changing the motor in an 81.
     
  5. nekkidhillbilly

    nekkidhillbilly jeffreyrigged youtube channel owner

    if the car isnt a v6 you have a little work to do. you need the mounts and to move the wiring and fuel over to the opposite side. simple but you just need to be aware. i got a v6 set of mounts somewheres if you need them. 307s are totally reversed on everything from a 3.8.
     
  6. Deadwing

    Deadwing Member

    I have the 3.8l v6
     
  7. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

  8. 1987Regal

    1987Regal Well-Known Member

    That link should help you, if there are still questions in the air never be afraid to ask. Things you'll need V6 motor mounts, accessory brackets and power steering pump all that stuff will fit on your 350 you just need bolts to go from metric to standard and you can eliminate a lot of wiring and keep it to the basics. The passenger side valve cover is tight.
     
  9. nekkidhillbilly

    nekkidhillbilly jeffreyrigged youtube channel owner

    also later units is going to run on 87 octane all day long and have a hei dist. granted less power than say a 69 gs motor but idk you intentions with the car. if its just going to be a cruiser. 73 up would get my vote.
     
  10. Gallagher

    Gallagher Founders Club Member

    Do you have a 350?
     
  11. MrSony

    MrSony Well-Known Member

    350 buick was made from 1968 to 1980.
    68-69 oil through the rocker shafts and have special lifters and solid pushrods and different rocker arms. You can eliminate that by plugging the oil fill holes in the deck surface and just using a standard cam, lifters, and hollow pushrod set. 70-74(?) have slightly weaker but lighter connecting rods that use studs and nuts. 75-80 use the slightly stronger but heavier rods that use bolts. i think in 73 they changed coolant passages so try to not mix and match heads and blocks. Starting in 68-71 are the high compression engines, ranging from 9.5-10.25:1. After that it was all 8.5 then 8:1 (or less).

    But does it matter what year? No. As long as you build it with good parts, dont rev it much passed 5500, and have the crank and rods ground to get .002 max bearing clearance, then you'll be golden.
    The 3.8 is a 350 buick with a shorter stroke and minus cylinders 3 and 4. The whole front drive swaps over, as does the timing cover, water pump, starter, wiring, etc.

    Looks factory too. Valve cover to ac box clearance is dictated by how wasted your body bushings are, but it is tight regardless. Hooker 1103HKR headers are tight, but fit like a glove. But expensive.
    They tuck up SUPER far to the floor which is great for these cars. For my (your) money, TA sells downpipes for about $120 that bolt to the manifolds and run your exhaust that way.

    This is (was) my '70 SP 315hp/410ftlb GS 350 engine I put in my 85 Regal.
    regalengine.jpg

    You can use a 307 cutlass top radiator hold down plate and shroud but the buick 350 is like 6" shorter front to back so you would need a fan spacer to center the fan in the shroud. However that puts unnecessary stress on the water pump and will crack it eventually. or go to electric fans.
     
    Last edited: May 6, 2020
  12. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    Will the car have to pass an emmissions inspection?
     

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