Whats needed to put a chevy engine in my 72 skylark?

I wouldn't worry about the engine that you have failing, unless it wasn't built right.

As for the mechanic.
If you don't trust him and his work doesn't hold up or costs you in efficient running, you are going to pay the difference in cost between him and a good mechanic in gas or repairs.
When you pay the crappy mechanic and end up paying more later you also get the added bonus of having to get a tow home.

I do understand the tight budget thing, but if you have your doubts about the mechanic I would save my money for another month and get a better mechanic if that's an option.

 

A quick search of things like "chevy engine" "install SBC" would probably let someone know what the reaction would be!

 

I've thought the same thing before in other similar threads.

I think he'd get all the sbc swap information he wanted from a chevelle board, and all the encouragement to go with it. I'm just glad he's going to try the SBB again.

 

Didn't mean to ruffle anyone's feathers ( I think) - just answering jagarcia with what he asked for. And a buick site might be just the place to ask what would fit in his buick. Seems like he got some answers anyways.

If you read it all, I did say to use a SBB if he didn't already have the Chevy parts. :beers2:

I on the other hand had a 80 Z28 parts car and little cash so it was the cost of the engine. Made too tempting to pass up.

Could have been worse.... I also have a warmed over 302/over .40 with 3.000 miles on a stand in my cellar. I think the thought of getting it up the stairs did the trick!

 

It's probably his only option, since "Chevy" guys, or most anyone for that matter, don't even know Buick made a 350. They all make a$$es out of themselves when they "assume" that it'll bolt right in with no mods.

Truth be told, they are COMPLETELY different animals, and well, Buick guys should know. We don't run the whored-out engines of the world; the small block Chevy, but we do know that they are completely different.

 

We did give him all the info he needed in posts 2,5,6,33 ect.

We also added the truth about how the costs and time to make this swap are something to consider. I am no purist, more of a realist.

Yes, most of us know that the Buick 350 is a better design than the cheby 350. They need all the bolt on parts just to run with us LOL!

 

Not to mention the number of people that say "Wow, it's got a 350 "Rocket" motor in it".

It makes my blood boil. I think there's more Ford and Mopar owners that know the difference between the Buick 350 and it's lesser GM siblings.

 

In the next 2 months I am going to convert my 71 Skylark from the Buick 350 to a SBC 350 and will post pics and a writeup for those who in the future are looking for this information. I have 2 buick 350 engines and 350 tranny's for sale if anyone is interested.

 

It'll be good to see someone contribute that info in one large writeup.

That being said; If I wanted a Chevy motor, I would've bought a Chevelle. My own personal preference is to at least see a brand of motor that matches the brand of car.

I still don't understand all those guys that put Chevy motors in Ford street rods. :rant:

 

So another victim.............Put it on a chevelle site they are ready to give you props. Over here at V8BUICK.com we would rather see a 455 installation. Anyone can put a chevy in something use your imagination will ya!:moonu:

 

do you live near boston

 

If a replacement engine was necessary, why not order a remanufactured stock Buick 455 engine, for around $1,200?!
Much cheaper to swap in than a Chevy engine, and upgrade from small block to big block, adding performance & value to the car!

As soon as I find a '70 Chevelle for 1 of my 455's, I'll start working on the Chevelle GSX!:Brow:

Because you can't DRIVE a car, without an engine that RUNS!:TU:

 

Not looking for props or trying to upset the purist. Just trying to help those who want to go down a different path and need unbiased factual information. I think the real thing to bear in mind is the cars are not going to the crusher and a drivetrain can always be replaced.

 

Sorry! California

 

I think part of the no Chevy thing comes from people taking our cars and trying to turn them into something they are not. It isn't a Chevelle and will never be one no matter how hard you try. Buick owners seem to consider Chevelles to be a dime a dozen for the most part. Yes they can be fast and beautiful, but they seem to be for those that follow, lack imagination, and perhaps are easily led by hype and trends.
Yes, the car is saved, but we get hurt in an area that we really, really need help in. Parts for our engines. When people toss Buick engines for Chevys the demand we need to make manufacturers pay attention is diminished.

Glad you guys explained how the Buick engine would be better cost wise.

 

A lot of what has been posted prior wasn't biased. Believe me when I say I would have put another Olds motor in my 68 if I would have had the time and space. What I posted is what will have to be reworked to make it work in a Skylark. I'm always torn on this as I can understand someones frustration on trying to buy almost non-existent speed parts for a Buick unless you have a decent trust fund or recent lottery win.

 

Why???? Cause it's a step up at least!!!!!!!:bla:

 

Wow....

 

If you cant work on your own car, then it really doesnt matter which is the cheaper motor does it. o No:

If you are going to drive old cars you better learn how to work on them.

If you are unable to change the oil and put in a set of spark plugs or adjust the timing, then swaping keys with a hyndai might be in your future.

Maybe thinking of your car as a video game might help.
Level 1, putting gas in it.
2, changing oil.
3, changing flat tire.
4, spark plugs.

and so on......

motor swap maybe somewhere in the 50's

Go get dirty:TU:

 

Lots of good info in this thread. :TU:

I've done two Chevy swaps in my '64 Skylarks over the years, a SBC and A BBC and both worked very well. The SBC was out of a '68 Biscayne and was a bone-stock 2bbl with a PowerGlide. The BBC was a '69 Impala 396 that I rebuilt and built up slightly and had a TH400 behind it. This photo was before I painted the engine all Chevy orange. It looked much better afterward. Both required motor mount fabrication and u-joint experimentation as well as hoses, fuel lines, wiring mods, etc. I was in my early 20s when I did both of these and wouldn't hesitate to do it again if the situation was right. I had to work with what I had at the time and Buick stuff wasn't readily available to me back then. Both were successful but cost me quite a bit to pull them off. More time than money, but still...

If I did an engine/trans swap today it would be with a 3800-II and appropriate trans. I hate computer stuff but doggone, they're almost bulletproof, powerful and get great mileage.