231 swaped to....?

Discussion in 'Buick FAQ' started by BaRoN vOn BuIcK, Mar 2, 2003.

  1. I have a 1984 Regal and i want to swap the engine but i'm not sure which engine would fit in there nicely or be the best to swap in there, 350? 455? so please just give me your input and exactly (if you have time) what i would have to do for the swap. Thanks all!:Dou:
     
  2. Smartin

    Smartin Guest

  3. Mike Atwood

    Mike Atwood The Green Machine

    A 350 Buick engine would drop in with almost no hastle. The only difference I think might be the fan shroud depth. With a 455 I think you will have heater/AC clearance problems that need to be looked at.

    Mike
     
  4. Floydsbuick

    Floydsbuick Well-Known Member

    Dazed and Confused,

    350s fit really nice with several parts from the V-6. 455s take more work, but the power would be nicer. If you are on a tight budget like me, I recommend the 350.

    Dan
     

    Attached Files:

  5. Ok now someone mentioned on another forum that i would have to change the whole suspension with the 455 swap now if that is true does that also apply to the 350 swap?:Do No:
     
  6. Floydsbuick

    Floydsbuick Well-Known Member

    You'll want to put V-8 springs up front. Thats all. Mine still has the V-6 springs. Handles BAD.

    Dan
     
  7. If i put the 455 in my regal is that all i have to do is change the springs or is there more to it? Also

    WARNING WARNING! Very petty readable material ahead!

    My friend has a 87 Gn mostly stock alls he does is flap his gums about the car "my cars fast, i beat this i beat that.....etc...."
    If i swapped the 350 in with some other work on the car can i make him eat and choke on his words?

    END OF PETTY DIALOGUE!

    What is a good tranny and rearend combo with the 350 and or 455?

    Thanks all
    Patrick

    P.S. Me and my friend love to out do eachother!
     
  8. Floydsbuick

    Floydsbuick Well-Known Member

    Your goal of beating your buddy's GN is a lofty one.
    It would really depend on what you can afford. Best speed for the buck is a Big Block. A 350 will need built up to take on the mighty turbo Regal. I guess a built TH350 trans is your best bet. Those who know say the TH400 use's up to much power.
    The factory 7.5 inch rear is weak. Turbos used the beefier 8.5.
    Aftermarket companies make Ford nine inch rears that will bolt in. Those are pretty darn strong, but expensive.
    If you can afford all the top of the line stuff, consider just buying a decent T-type instead. However, in my opinion, the reason we put the V-8s in is cause we can't afford GNs.


    Dan
     
  9. Smartin

    Smartin Guest

    I've always wondered why the gear ratios in the TH400 are different than the TH350...the 400's gears rob you of power.

    2.48 as opposed to 2.53 (?)
     
  10. FJM568

    FJM568 Well-Known Member

    To swap the 350 in place of the 231, use the 231 rubber motor mounts and the motor will drop right in place...All the 231 accessories and brackets will bolt right on...Use a radiator from a V8 Regal...New aftermarket radiators are less than $150...You will also need the upper radiator support for the V8 radiator...I think they are still available from GM and not very $$$ either...Or get one from a salvage yard along with the V8 fan shroud...Other than that, it should be a fairly simple swap...
     
  11. tlivingd

    tlivingd BIG BLOCK, THE ANTI PRIUS

    then.. add

    then all you need to add is a pair of turbos on that 350 and you'd be beating that GN in no time.
     
  12. Pair of turbos?
     
  13. tlivingd

    tlivingd BIG BLOCK, THE ANTI PRIUS

    twin turbo

    yea you have 2 sets of 4 cylinders. so twin turbo. comon man work with me here. yea there is the small problem with the common intake manifold but thats pretty easily over come.

    Nate
     
  14. how would i go about doing that on a 350?
     
  15. Floydsbuick

    Floydsbuick Well-Known Member

    $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

    Dan
     
  16. Of course:ball:
     

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