231 > 350 SWAP - COMPLETE Specialty swap (Fixed - Cranking issue / Turning over) - Built from Block

Discussion in 'Small Block Tech' started by Orlando M, Jul 8, 2020.

  1. Orlando M

    Orlando M I’ve got something to prove and something to lose.

    Here is how I got my diagnosis.

     
  2. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    If you get spark at step 3, but no spark at the plug wires, the only thing left is the rotor and cap. Spark comes from the coil to the center rotor contact, and then is conducted to each cap tower contact and to the wire. Are you absolutely sure there is no spark at the plug wires? None of this is making sense.
     
  3. Orlando M

    Orlando M I’ve got something to prove and something to lose.



    Yes I am sure. That’s why I thought it was the wires. That’s why I’m surprised that there isn’t any spark but there’s one coming from the coil. Only thing I can think of is the hairline cracks that are on the cap in the pic that could be effecting it. Otherwise, I’m Not sure why it would do the same thru the wires when I see the spark.
     
  4. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Well, then replace the cap and rotor.
     
  5. Orlando M

    Orlando M I’ve got something to prove and something to lose.

    I just got a MSD HEI cap and rotor (8416) . I got a coil just in case cuz it was cheap. Just in case if I need it for testing and can always take it back within the next couple days. These hurricanes are headed my way so I have to try and figure a good time but I’m gonna shoot for the morning to see how it good with the old and new parts.
     
  6. Orlando M

    Orlando M I’ve got something to prove and something to lose.

    Tried the new rotor and cap, got the same result. No spark to plugs with new cap and rotor. Used a spark tester and got nothing from coil to plug wire. Still slow cranks.
     
  7. Orlando M

    Orlando M I’ve got something to prove and something to lose.

    HUGE BUMP COMING...


    Update: FULLY BUILT and completed.
     
  8. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    So, what did you find and how did you fix it?
     
    Mark Demko likes this.
  9. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Yeah what was the issue?
     
  10. Orlando M

    Orlando M I’ve got something to prove and something to lose.

    Here we go...


    So first off, the front of the engine had to be broken back down to the block. If you have been previously following this thread, long story short, the guy who install the engine clearly did not know anything about Buick engines. He was one of the people who thinks Chevy and Buick both fit the same with them being GM. There was plenty of issues when this was happening. It was not the cap and rotor, spark or fuel. It was simply not installed properly with plenty other issues.

    Here are the diagnosed issues:

    • No distributor gear on cam
    • No oil slinger inside on the crank
    • No fuel pump eccentric on cam
    • Distributor would not sit in properly
    • Temperature sensor not fitted properly for 350 (3.8L)
    • Leaking fuel fitting from Pump to Carb (Leaking at both ends)
    • Everything basically put onto car to make it look nice rather than showcasing ideal experience.

    So now all of these issues have been fixed. There has been plenty of things replaced,swapped, and converted since the latest posts of videos and pictures.
    There is also plenty of things that people would possibly see as ideal for the 78 REGAL because it is a Gbody. This particular Gbody does not fall into the full category of G body because parts have to be assessed from A-body, Skylark, Century before 79. Most parts for 79-8x do no t work. All parts have been retrieved from 68-79. From interior to exterior and under the hood.

    Here are the new items since back then that have been updated.:


    • Modern Single core Radiator
    • Derale 18in Performance fan
    • 2 inch spacer
    • All Original pulleys
    • Original Intake Manifold
    • 1972 Buick Skylark Exhaust Manifolds
    • TA Performance Stock Manifold Dual Down pipes
    • Pypes X-Pipe G-body Dual Exhaust kit
    • Flowmaster 40 series Mufflers
    • Russell PushLok - Fuel line hose
    • PushLok AN fittings (angled)
    • Mechanical Fuel Pump (hole on diaphragm)
    • Carburetor: Rochestor 4MV Manual Choke (I had the electric M4MC But it kept sticking and would stall out every time the vehicle would idle. Manual gives full vacuum.)

    New:
    • Brake Master Cylinder
    • Power Brake Booster
    • Brakes
    • Brake Calipers
    • Brake Drums
    • 350 Block Assembly
    • 13Gal Fuel Tank
    • AC component (not installed)
    • Power steering
    • Wiper/Washer motor Pump
    • Custom "GN" Gauge pod
    • Optima YellowTop Battery



    Here are the couple of things that just doesn't work that came with the car from factory:

    Tachometer ( does not start up connected to MSD dist. It only cranks)
    Blower Motor fan ( Ac compressor not connected)
    Cruise Control Transducer (Went out within driving these first 20 miles)
    -Only issue at the moment is the speedometer stopped working. The original th350 is installed with new driven gear and cable(s).


    Feel free to ask me anything about the inbetweens of the procedure. I pretty much did everything myself other than the distributor being pushed in an being broke in.
    From post break in to Exhaust shop. Everything before or after was done by me @ home. Plenty of more things done. This is just under the hood mainly.
     
    Last edited: May 25, 2021
  11. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Wow! Did the guy helping you know ANYTHING :rolleyes:
     
  12. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    Omg that has to be a new record for missing the most pieces on an engine build!
     
  13. Orlando M

    Orlando M I’ve got something to prove and something to lose.

    I know right. He literally thought it was the same as Chevy but didn’t know a lick of sh*t about Buick other than the distributor being in the front. I said wow… if only I had a lift and could do drop ins myself. I would’ve saved a $1000 when I first started.
     
  14. Orlando M

    Orlando M I’ve got something to prove and something to lose.

    I have a video.. I will post it soon. Just can’t upload it from my phone.
     
  15. Orlando M

    Orlando M I’ve got something to prove and something to lose.

  16. theroundbug

    theroundbug Well-Known Member

    Glad you got it running. Looks like there might be a bit of a misfire there. How does it drive?
     
  17. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Hope your putting a fan shroud on it:D
     
  18. Orlando M

    Orlando M I’ve got something to prove and something to lose.


    Thanks! Yes it had a small misfire when i started it back up later that day. My tuning was off and I had to readjust it. It runs smooth though! I'm just still in the break in stage. But driving it through the little bit of traffic, it don't have any common engine issues which is what I hoped for. Also no leaks :)
     
  19. Orlando M

    Orlando M I’ve got something to prove and something to lose.

    I will eventually. I'm going to possibly get one from TA or a universal because the shroud bolts are weird on the 78.
     
    Mark Demko likes this.

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