My 74 Lesabre is now just coming out of storage after almost two years of sitting. I just purchased it a month ago from a relative, and I'm looking for some suggestions from the wealth of knowledge and experience on this board. I have two main questions. 1 - the motor ( 350 4bbl ) runs fine, but is there anything I should do besides changing the fluids after sitting so long? 2- Any suggestions on performance upgrades? I am not looking for speed here, after all... this car is a cruiser, not a racer. I have asked friend of mine that are motor junkies, but I just get the "deer in the headlight look" when I say it is Buick.
www.taperformance.com www.postonbuick.com www.paeenterprises.com www.trishieldperf.com All are excellent sources for performance products for your engine. Where are the pics of this boat!?? :TU:
The attached pic is one I found online somewhere. Everything the same color, interior,SIZE except mine has the Buick Rally Rims on it. Sorry, I don't have a digital camera. Thanks for the links.
Adam, You definitely want to change your antifreeze, and oil. Also, whatever gas is in the tank is stale by now. I would drain it and add fresh gas. Do a major tune-up on the motor. As far as performance upgrades go, I would put a dual exhaust system on it, and convert the ignition over to electronic(MSD would be best), as well as recurve the distributor. www.davessmallbodyheis.com is best bang for the buck. Get the MSD trigger conversion and run an MSD 6AL. That should keep you busy. Good Luck.
Thanks very much for the info. A supid question; I am very new to the Buick line. I know my Lesabre is a "B" body style, but what would be comparable? I see tons of parts for other Buick models, but very rarely is anything mentioned or listed specifically for the B Body. Example would be the exhaust.
There are no aftermarket performance exhaust systems available for our cars. (B bodies).. Best bet is to take it to a respectable muffler shop and have them install a dual exhaust system. They SHOULD know what they are doing. Might want to ask for references - like I mentioned in your convertible top thread. Chevy Caprice, Pontiac Grandville, Olds Delta 98 are all B bodies, and carry the exact same convertible top that the big Buicks do - the Scissor top, as most people refer to it. If your top needs frame work, you DEFINITELY want to let a pro who knows scissor tops look at it.
Get used to it... Adam, Get used to that "look", you will see it regularly. People outside the realm just don't know.o No:
Welcome to the board Adam. Are you up in the Wilkes-Barre area? A 2.5 inch exhaust system, with an "H" (crossover) pipe will do wonders. I prefer quiet mufflers. Also a good tune up, plugs, wires, distributor cap, etc., replace all filters, and get the timing and carburetor set correctly. Dave does an excellent job on converting the points type distributors over to electronic but I would probably work on the suspension after getting the motor running good. A new set of shocks, add/upgrade the sway bars, and replace the suspension bushings. A cruiser has to ride good. Again, welcome to the board and good luck.
Hey Adam! Thats a sweet car. My first car was a 75 LeSabre convertible, I loved it! Take care of it and listen to the guys on the board, they wont steer yah wrong Having duals made for it should'nt be a problem, its a pre-cat car, and should have the cut-outs in the tranny crossmember for it. Definatley ditch the points ignition, go electronic! Also I would have some one that knows Buick oil pumps install the thrust plate for the oil pump gears, and set up the proper gear end clearance (.002) to maintain good idle and cruise oil pressure. How many miles on it? I'd love to get another big Buick convertible, eh, maybe one day :bglasses: Mark
Axle, You are right...I live right across the river from Wilkes Barre. Grew up there. The regular stuff (filter and fluids) are ready to be done. Just got to wait for some sunshine and above freexing temps. Mark, Thanks very much for the complement. "Big Daddy", as my uncle calls it sure does turn heads while driveing down some of the cruising strips around here. I have learned so many tricks and tip from this board, and everyone treats you great even if ou are new to the hobby/love. Thanks to everyone. Adam
