hey guys... I have a 1972 Buick Skylark Custom. has a wimpy little 350 in it. I was looking for a 455, when I came across a LS4/700R4 out of a Corvette combination for just a couple hundred dollars more than a 455 with no tranny. The motor is stout and only has 55k original on it. (guy is turning his vette into a race car). I know its sacriligious to put a chevy motor in a buick, but this is a deal I couldn't pass up!!! Wil
Usually people will shoot down this idea, aside from being purist, because the poster is trying to save money. They generally point out the wiring and tranny will be issues. Since you have a compatible tranny with it, I'd not think it would be too much more to get it to fit. Definitely a project, but it sounds cool.
Well, We have already made the motor mounts. Lord knows there is PLENTY of room under the hood of the 'Lark. I bought the computer for less than $100 at a junk yard, and it works like a champ. I am just ready to get it finished so I can get some pics and get on the road!!! Wil
An LS4 is a FWD all Aluminum 5.3L Gen IV V8. An LT4 is a 5.7L Iron block, Aluminum Head Gen II V8 paired with either a manual transmission or very rarely a 4L60E. If you are really talking about a TH700R4 out of a 'vette you either have the lackluster '92 Corvette LT1 or an old L98 TPI system.
I don't think so . We're getting kind of "Pidgeon Holed" on our classics with oil, fuels (no zddp in oil and E-85) . If this isn't a 100 point car ,basically a clean modern classic then it's real practical . Evey time I see an old classic and it's an EFI'd old classic I'm impressed ! I'm considering the GM LQ4 6.0l that Car Craft has featured the last 2 issues . With a set of GMPP Aluminum Heads , a cam(#-?), and the GMPP Intake they were over 500 HP . Without the heads they were at a solid 480 HP. Hey it IS at least a GM engine afte rall . I want the classic car that is a pleasure to drive ,easy to maintain , with a modern drive train . My dilemma is a great running 71' 455/400 that I got near OK. City last december that's sitting next to the 64'.But I'm still leaning hard towards the 6.0L . The more I read about it the more it makes sense . Your conversion sounds very cool , hope to see some progress pics soon . Another thing I'm mulling over is once the suspension/control arms and 4 wheel disc is done, is to head up to St. Louis or Kansas City and find a car with 2whl.-ABS but it would be cool to get a 4whl. ABS system ! I figure it would be a Nightmare .Thing i'm concerned about is more than likely all of the lines/fittings are metric .I'd need adaptors for the calipers ( :idea2: unless.... I had my neighbor just drill out and bevel the flare end on the SAE fittings to fit the lines ). It's not sacriligious if it's not a #-s matching GS/X . GO FOR IT !!!! Steve
Warning Rant Section: I think it is sacreligious to put a Chevy drivetrain (they call it a Gen III/IV small block after all and Gen I and II aren't anybodies but chevy's) in a classic Buick. I won't argue that they are cool, cheap, and very powerful but they don't belong in a Buick. Get a Chevelle, Impala, or a Nova for that. Warning Hijack Comentary If you want ABS, 4wheel at that, get the Bosch 4U system off of a 91-94 B-body car. Use the global west control arms for the B-body spindles and it will allow the use of the front brakes with reluctors though you will need to get them remachined for 5x4.75" pattern since the B cars use 5x5". The rear sensor is located on the pinion of the 30-spline 8.5" 10-bolt and it would take some customization to match up the upper control arm ears to your A-body suspension. Another option is the simular system on the Cadillac D-body Fleetwoods of the same years which use the same front system but a 4chanell rear so the reluctor rings are located on the axle shafts out need the hubs. This would allow you to adapt nearly any rear end for the reluctors and sensors. 94 is the last year its not intregrated into the body harness and computer so you can add the system stand alone.
You are correct, I am retarded... Don't know why I was thinking LS4... Sorry, it is an LS1 out of a 99 Corvette. The 700R4 was put in after he hosed the original tranny... Anyway, it gets good power, and the bolt-ons are plentiful and cheap. As far as never putting a chevy in a buick.... When you loan me the money to buy a 455 and tranny, I will swap it...until then, the Vette engine stays.
Personally, I think it's your car, and you can do whatever you want to with it. Efi, and an overdrive tranny?? Kickass!! I've got a 67 Skylark with a 70 LeSabre 350 and I've got a 700R4 and an 81 Cutlass rearend with a 3.42 posi on the bench, waiting for installation. A lot of people would oppose the rear, cuz it's a 7.625 or whatever, but it's not a 500 hp motor, it's 3 1/2 inches narrower, and it'll allow me to put the rims and tires that I want into the rear fenderwells. I love this message board for several reasons. First, I'm a Buick guy. I don't want a Camaro, Mustang, or any other run-of-the-mill ride. I think Buick has class and style that no other car has. Secondly, I don't know everything about what I can do with the parts I have for my car, so I want to know what other people have already done, and share ideas. And lastly, I have done some stuff to my car that people wonder if it's possible. I enjoy sharing my trials and tribulation with other Buick owners. I honestly didn't know so many people owned 67 Skylarks until I found this site. Back to my point, with gas prices on the rise, and a great deal on a motor and tranny, I say have at it. I too look forward to seeing your photos of the swap in progress. And good luck. -Josh :TU:
I think you have to change the oil pan. If I remember right, the LS1 & LS2 GTO's have the correct oil pan.
The whole thing is you are asking for opinions, and like the saying goes everybody has one and they all stink!! It was already said in this post, but I'll say it again..... your car therfore your opinion is the main one that counts. I say if you choose to put a 500 HP twin turbo alcohol injected 4 banger in it, I hope you are happy with it and good for you. Sure it will never be on Barrett Jackson, but are you building this car for that anyway???? Build your car for your use and for Pete sake drive it like you want to, becasue if it isn't fun anymore you are going to quit.
