I am about to take a 71 skylark off of my bass teachers hands. He was going to junk it (I dont know why) but im trying to convince him to give it to me. It is gold and has NO RUST in the body. It is 350ci with turbo350 tranny and I dont know what rear (any idea?) I know its a plain jane though. Not a gs or anything. Anyway, it has the 350 and I am wondering what I can do with it. I want it to pull high 13's. I know its a heavy car and im questioning the engines ability to do this without extensive modifications. At first I thought it was just a chevy 350 and I could stroke it to 383 and that would get the job done. But ive figured out its a seperate buick engine and im wondering what I can do with it. I want to stay away from forced induction because of $$$ so Im wondering what I can do. I figure that it isnt the same block as the 400. I was hoping I could swap in a 400 crank and that would be it but im guessing it doesnt work like that. The current motor has a bad main seal so I figure its going to be a rebuild anyway. What are your opinions on this. I figure 450 hp would do the trick. I know this sounds stupid but can I do this on a small budget? I figure pull the motor, bore it, bake it, get the heads redone with light porting and decking, put some pistons, and a nice cam and it would have all the power in the world. I cant figure that is super expensive. Let me know what ya think. Also is there anything else I need to know about this car pertaining to any part of the drivetrain or anything? Also, what are some must-need websites that should be in my favorites for this car?
For less money I would look for a 70 Buick 455 out of an Electra or a Riv. Perhaps you can find a running engine on the cheap. The trite saying of there is no replacement for displacement is so true. Also for street using a big cam may slow you down stoplight to stoplight where most of the action is. The 455 is great down low even when stock. If it is a 2 barrel and had the standard rear--2.56 If standard with a 4 barrel --- 2.73 There were other ratios it could have been but you would need to give us the code off the axle housing.
It is a 2barrel. Im guessing its not a posi?What is the good rear to have 10bolt? engine wise I would like to build one. How expensive is a 455 block? Will it bolt right up. I figure I could build an engine with headwork and stuff for like what, $1500?
450hp out of a Buick 350 won't be cheap. Good sources for performance parts are www.taperformance.com and www.postonbuick.com Adding dual exhaust, headers, a better rearend ratio & posi, maybe a TA alum intake, will wake that 350 up. Most Skylarks would have had single exhaust, maybe just a 2 barrel too. If you want to do 13's, a near-stock 455 will do it with ease. Running 455's can be had for under a grand easily. In fact, I've seen them go for 300-500. Jason H travels the country regularly selling running 455's. I think he's BOPConnection on the board.
You would have a corporate 8.5 after 70 so I would like a 3.08 for honest comfort in driving on the highway and reasonable performance. 3.42 was also made. No I do not think for a Buick $1500.00 will do the trick for you. They are much more expensive than Chevs. There is a guy on the Board that sells and regionally delivers junkyard Buick engines called BOP Connection. Perhaps you could see what he has.
Keep in mind that a BOP trans boltpattern is different than other GM trans. There is more work than you may think to put a Cheby motor in your car, but is cheap to hop up. There are allot of things people overlook when changing to a BBB.
:laugh: Dude, you're "almost" right, you can buy the HEADS for about $1500! The Aluminum Stage 1 Heads are "ON SALE" for $1800! SERIOUSLY!:laugh: Remember, this is a BUICK you're talking about, NOT a CHEVY! You can NOT compare the two to each other, they are TOTALLY DIFFERENT! A 455 will "bolt up", for the most part, yes. Even if you swap in a STOCK 455, it would be an Improvement over the 350 that you already have. Don't get in a "HURRY", though. Drive it as it is, for now. Do your research, to find out what it is that you REALLY want the car to do, and then buy your parts to make it happen. Ask a LOT of questions, to learn what you need to know about the car, so you can work on it yourself, eventually. There may be some things that you won't be able to do, at first, that you may have to have a shop do FOR you, but it's CHEAPER if you can do it yourself! Don't get too discouraged, We're here to help!:TU:
You can buy a remanufactured 455 with a 7yr/70,000 mile warranty for $1500 http://www.wiegand-liners.com/buick-engines.html
The warranty on the engine builder You guys need to read the fine print on the warranty. The disclaimers mentioned below from that company turn it into a no warranty situation if you get right down to it. Buyer beware........ Jason Hise B.O.P. Connection 1-317-508-2336 bop_connection@yahoo.com AUTO & MARINE ENGINE WARRANTY WARRANTY INFORMATION: Warranty coverage is for seven (7) years or seventy thousand miles, pro rated. All long blocks have a full two (2) year replacement coverage against factory defects. For the remainder of the warranty period, the unit will be replaced at 1/2 the current retail price. Warranty period on one ton and above chassis, diesel, farm equipment, commercial vehicles and marine applications is for one year. Labor reimbursement for labor cost for repairing or replacing a defective unit is limited to $35.00 per hour for the first year only, based on time allowed in Mitchell time guide, up to a maximum of $400.00 including parts and labor. A Premium warranty is offered paying $55.00 per hour up to a maximum of $700.00 including parts and labor. The cost for this extra coverage is $110.00. An Extra Premium warranty is offered paying $65.00 per hour up to a maximum of $850.00 including parts and labor. The cost for this extra coverage is $150.00. EXCEPTION: Warranty period on one ton and above chassis, diesel, farm equipment, commercial vehicles and marine applications is for one year. SUMMARY OF OUR ENGINE LIMITED WARRANTY: Passenger car and light truck long blocks are covered for 7 years or 70,000 miles. If failure of a long block should occur during the first twenty-four months and it is determined the failure is due to a defect in workmanship or parts installed by us, we will replace or repair the defective unit to the original buyer. During the balance of the warranty, we will replace the long block at one-half of the current retail price. The Standard limit labor reimbursement covers labor at $35.00 per hour up to a maximum of $400.00. A Premium warranty is offered for $110.00, which pays labor at $55.00 per hour up to a maximum of $700.00. An Extra Premium warranty is offered for $150.00, which pays labor at $65.00 per hour up to a maximum of $850.00. All Premium and Extra Premium warranties must be purchased at the time of sale. WARRANTY DISCLAIMERS - Loss of time - Loss of income or revenue - Loss of transportation or vehicle rental - Equipment rental - Any towing charges - Crankshaft thrust damage - Diagnostic time, fluids, filters or shop supplies - Oil starvation for any reason - Piston scuffing - Overheating, melting of heat tab - Detonation, pre-ignition (melting of pistons) - Head gasket with burnt fire ring - Abnormal wear from contaminated oil (fuel or dirt) Most rebuilt engines are just that, rebuilt. Our remanufacturing line builds to IMPROVE not just REPLACE! All parts in our remanufactured long blocks meet or exceed all original manufactures specifications, and most of the time are purchased from the same suppliers who supply the original manufacture!
