OK. I did a 350 to 455 engine swap on my 71 Skylark. Since the 350 was a solid runner with no leaks I decided to keep the engine and look for the next project. I found a 69 Riviera without an engine. Is the 350 enough engine for this car? Not looking for a lot of power, but don't want to get beat off the line by a Prius either. The car isn't original (no motor) so please don't read me the riot act. Opinions?
Plenty of power...go for it...as long as it is a Buick 350. In the 90s some people put V6's in Skylarks....man there was alot of room in that engine bay!
You will need to find a mid sump oil pan or mount the engine further farward and use an electric fan. I would go for it yes, lots of upgrades available for a Buick 350. I have one that is about 750 HP, turbos, alum heads, tons of options.
Find a running 430 with the correct oil pan. You will more than make up the difference in the money when you sell.
Gonna be more fab work than you might think. Oil pan, engine mounts. moving fwd will mean you need a drive shaft mod and these are 2 yr only shaft for the 69. the trans mount will also have to be fabbed if the engine is moved. Tiny little part between the X frame
In my opinion, not worth the effort. Drop in the 455(430 parts will work) & thm400 with the correct lower sump and pan components. If you go the 350 route in the riv you'll be messing with frame pads, mounts, fighting engine alignment, front, springs, modifying the two piece drive shaft etc. Put the 350 back in the skylark then go from there in terms of making more power in either power plant in either car. Only if you want the challenge should you do it. Too many people ignore the chassis considerations of the riviera and many of those folks are ABody owners. The rivieras are completely different cars save for a few things.
