Here is a newbe question. I currently have a 65 special conv. It has a 300 2bbl. Are ther othe engines option that will drop into the car with out cuting the inside up or major changes needed? If so I am thinking about rebuilding an engine while I still have it on the road and replacing it after the new engine is ready. Thanks Brent
A 350 Buick would drop right in there in place of theat 300. The exhaust would have to be slightly changed to line up to the manifolds. You could still use the 300 motor mounts as well. Jim Burek
To be honest with your newbie question, probably most Buick 300 engine replacements are with GM 350's, also known as Small Block Chevy (SBC) engines. You see them advertised all over the car mags, and they are cheap to buy and easy to enhance. Now, I've just committed the biggest sin any Buick owner can commit by mentioning this....But, you deserve to know the facts.
Newbie... Just so it's perfectly clear... a BUICK 350 shares nothing in common with a Chivvy (SBC) 350 except eight piston holes. The Buick engine is far superior. JMC
'65 "A" options Brent : currently putting together 65 special w/350 sittin' in it . was originally a v-6 "three on the tree" car . used stock v-6 frame mounts and '65 small v-8 motor mounts and seems to fit in there good and seems to be room for the th400 too . i have to trial fit the th400 to check out the crossmember fit . only problem possibly is the left exh. manifold is close to the steering column but the stock 350 exh. manifold seems to have room , but , headers may be a problem ??? your 300 frame mounts i would guess would work as is . Del
Brent--stay with the 300--excellent engine in my opinion. You can rebuild it with the higher compression pistons and find a factory 4bbl intake and carb, as well as bigger cam an it will fly. By the way, I just live down the road from you in Rocky Mount, NC and I have a '65 special with the 300 4bbl and a 4-speed if you ever want to come by and get some ideas. I can also help you in finding parts/building an engine if you like--I have built a ton of 300's. I have an extra complete '65 300 sitting in the garage you could build and swap out with the one in your car if you like. You can call me at 252-446-8259 in the evenings if you like or E-mail me at stonesautomotive@juno.com
Brian's offer is a great opportunity for you to see mods and ask more questions. But, you should think twice about the higher compression. You have 9:1 right now and can run on pump gas. Many people who use the higher 10.25 CR have to run a mix of racing fuel. I have for many years to stop the pinging. So, look for the easy hp gain items first.
