Been wanting to do this swap since 1985. Now, I'm certainly not the first, but I'm still glad I did it. 87 Regal Limited, originally with the 307 slug V8 - now has 70 455 from an Estate Wagon, fresh rebuild to slightly better than Stage 1 specs in front of a built 200R-4. Not completely done with it yet as the headers and exhaust are going on this week. I didn't have the headers when the engine went in... I will definitely need a GN/T posi rear end for this car. I knew this going in, but one thing at a time. Work in progress I guess. If anyone has a rear end for sale, let me know. I also heard that the GN/T driveshaft is required as well, is that correct? Is it also true that the 442 rear end is the same? Read a lot on here about air cleaner clearance. I had a Buick 10" air cleaner that I got at one of the Buick meets somewhere. I cut out the hood support only under the turbo hood bubble. The bubble area was enough to clear the air cleaner. I changed to a narrower element anyway. This is a new factory rebuilt quadrajet on top of an Edelbrock Performer 455 intake. Here is a handful of pics. My son pulled off the old decals and replaced them with identical ones made from cool reflective decal paper. Check them out when light reflects off them. COPY AND PASTE THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR BROWSER. Guess I don't post enough to put up pics. Sorry. :blast: zamiska.net/regal455 *
That thing looks real nice :kodak: Not sure on your questions. I think the 200r uses the same drive shaft as the t400. Someone here might know - Larry?
Make a few more posts than you can post up your pics directly to this thread. The 455 is a perfect motor for Regals. Even with the stock 7.5 rear with 2.41 gears my 455 still pulls hard from a standing stop. The tall rear makes for great high speed runs:laugh: As for beefing up the rear you will find the GN or T-Type turbo rears a very common swap. Other G body rear ends from the same generation Monte Carlo SS and Olds 442 will work also with minimal hassle as opposed to say the Ford 9 inch.
Thanks for the replies. I will see how it "feels" after the exhaust is on, and I break it in some. Everything is fresh, so I want to break it in right. Initial feel didn't feel like the response is there, but I didn't really get on it. Time will tell!
If you are able to find a "G" body 8.5 rearend also buy the driveshaft as it is about 1" shorter than the 7.5 one. As for vehicles that came with the 8.5 rearend they are the GN's, Turbo "T" types (read turbo "T" types) you could buy "T" types that came with the 307 Olds type motor and if not specially ordered with a 8.5 they came with a 7.5 rearend. Also the 442 and the Pontiac Aero coupe had the 8.5 rearend but the Monte Carlo SS did not come with a 8.5 rearend nor do I believe you could order a SS with one. If you are lucky enough to find one of these vehicles ensure it has a 8.5 rearend don't take it for granted. Reason being, due to the age of the "G" body vehicles now the 8.5 could have been swapped out with a 7.5 one. My best friend who owns a transmission shop had a guy with a "T" type (307 Olds motor) come in his shop and ask if he knew anyone who had a rearend with better gas mileage gears that would trade for his (his was a 8.5 with 3.42 gears) and my buddy fixed him up with a 7.5 with 2.56 gears. After the swap they were both happy especially my buddy and the guy that owned the "T" type didn't care as he only wanted better mileage. Additionally, the 200R4 driveshaft and the Turbo 350 one are the same as already stated.
Hey zBUICK, I FEEL I CAN ASSIST; 87 Regal Limited, originally with the 307 slug V8 - now has 70 455 from an Estate Wagon, fresh rebuild to slightly better than Stage 1 specs in front of a built 200R-4. Not completely done with it yet as the headers and exhaust are going on this week. I didn't have the headers when the engine went in... I will definitely need a GN/T posi rear end for this car. I also heard that the GN/T driveshaft is required as well, is that correct?(THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE IN A GN OR REGULAR-REGAL'S DRIVESHAFT OTHER THAN THE LENGTH). Is it also true that the 442 rear end is the same? (YES. SOME OF THE g-body OLDS/442's had posi units ... some did not. They ALL had 3.73-gears). Read a lot on here about air cleaner clearance. (I REALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY; I AM ON MY 3rd 455REGAL/ROCHESTER CARBED ... WITH NO CLEARANCE ISSUES, AND I USED K&N's 4-3/4" TALL FILTER. THIS WAS DONE WITH POSTON'S CHASSIS MOUNTS & DROP-BASE AIR CLEANER). I had a Buick 10" air cleaner that I got at one of the Buick meets somewhere. I cut out the hood support only under the turbo hood bubble. The bubble area was enough to clear the air cleaner. I changed to a narrower element anyway. This is a new factory rebuilt quadrajet on top of an Edelbrock Performer 455 intake. I ALSO HAVE A CUSTOM "STAGE-2 COLD-AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM" I DESIGNED/PATENED FOR 455 REGALS. ENJOY THE BUICK. LATA.
Thanks again for all the replies. This confirms that I need the driveshaft along with the GN/T rear end, even if only because of length. As far as the air cleaner clearance, I did not use the Poston mounts, nor do I have a drop base air cleaner. I have the 10" GM/Buick on where the word BUICK is stamped on the cover.
Thanks, it was going to be a 350 project, but since I always wanted to do the 455, it was a no brainer.
Welcome to the board! I love the hood scoop :TU: If you're the guy with the 79 Century Turbo I've seen a few of your other projects on the net, nice job! ...course I am a tad biased towards the Century. The driveshaft is something best custom-made. It'll cost about $100-150 but you'll get something that can really stand up to Buick torque and will be better balanced than a rusting piece. Regal 455's can also vary their length by more then just the rear end. I use the GN 8.5 (thanks Kerry!) and it's great, but with the placement of my engine and the ultra-straight pinion angle I tried for it's just not worth trying to fit in an old driveshaft. Get one made, cheap and simple....
