Looks like I am getting roped into this job! I think it would be lots easier if it were originally a V6 car but it has the 307 Olds. Sooooo, I know that there will be lots more stuff to do since the alternator, fuel pump, battery, etc are on the wrong side. What am I getting into here? Will the 455 fit with the stock a/c box? Anyone have a receipe with needed parts and things I haven't thought of yet like throttle cables and who knows what else? The saving grace for now at least is that we will use the existing transmission.... thanks for any input. I read the links here and they are helpful!
Hi John I would go to the boneyard and collect the engine wiring harness (unplug form the back of the fuse box under the brake booster), and accessory brackets with alternator, power steering pump and air-conditioner and applicable hoses from V6 equipped G body (or even B body) and order set of the cast iron frame pads from TA performance. I know that throttle cable may be a tad short as even the turbo Regal throttle cables are longer. Plus you will need to find a way to hook up the throttle valve cable for the 200 R4. TCI Auto Link About halfway down the page you will find where to get the "TV Cable Bracket" and the "Universal Lock-up Wiring Kit" You will need a set of valve covers for the later 70s model 455s that will help with clearance to the heater box. There are two style heater boxes in Regals with one going into the engine bay an extra 2 1/2 inches. For the V6 with a down pipe near the box the heater box in my former 307 sbo equipped Regal had to be changed out for one from a turbo Regal, but for a 455 it would just make changing the spark plug back there difficult. The spark plugs on the 307 sbo are lower so you could get to them from the wheel well. That low numeric ratio 7 1/2 inch differential will not last long behind a healthy 455. At least that would be a good start
The customer is bringing me a 75 455 engine to use as needed. So, in theory at least, I have all of the brackets and pulleys, valve covers and such. Loyd, you sound like such a pro on this sway maybe I'll just deliver the car over to Chicago so that you have something to do this winter. :grin:
i put a 4buick 455 into my 86 cutlass without too much of a problem. of course the starter, fuel lines etc... are on the wrong side. i used the stock motor mounts from the 455. just welded them in place. so far so good. definitely no room for an air cleaner. no hater box issues. (car did have a/c). hope some of this helps and good luck
I have a buick 455 powered regal and it's a lot of fun. However when it comes to practicality. If it's got an olds 307 then swapping to an olds 455 would be a much easier swap. Everything just about bolts up. Engine mounts, radiator shroud is in the right place, fram mounts don't have to be changed, Much easier to do an olds swap. As for swaping the buick v6 to the buick 455. You save the same as you would on an olds powered car. Next to nothing. I've ran an olds 307, buick v6 and a buick 455 in it. I used the same throttle cable for all three.
is he looking to run headers? clearance is tight for them i suggest shortys for the street. i havent had much problems with my swaps but 2 out of 3 swaps we line up electra frame mounts (stamped steel) and welded in place i used postons swap kit of g body didnt work right for me the engine hit the firewall on the driver side also junk the 75 heads and find 74 and earlier heads -the owner will thank you it will make more power
I agree 100% on not using the 75 heads. Does anyone here have a set of Electra frame brackets sitting around? I used to have lots of them but they all got tossed..... :error: And, I think we are using exhaust manifolds.
on my swap the radiator hoses, heater hoses, and fan shroud all went right back in with only a little modification to the shroud so the fan wouldnt hit.
Mine had a 307 olds I didn't have any wiring issues? I had to lenghen a couple of wires as the distributor is at the front. I have poston headers they are close! but don't hit. I did have to cut a "v" slot on the lower a-arm mounts and reweld to get the headers to fit. I had to cut the heater /AC box to get the poston valve covers to fit. The ac didn't work so I tossed it and relocated the heater core and made a nice "plate to cover the hole. I used poston frame pads and drilled my own holes. I used the sp-1 intake and had to cut some of the hood bracing to get the hood to close. I used a howe 31" aluminum rad that took a little work to fit. I had to "rework" the crossmember to get dual exhaust to run through. It is a bit of work but its worth it! Any morron could put in a sbc! People really like it at my local cruise night! Do it!!!! Brad
I have a friend who has purchased a 1976 Buick Electra with an excellent 455/TH400 powertrain. He owns a 1980 Pontiac Grand Le Mans with a 305/TH350 combo. Which trans should he use or does he have a choice? The 305 is the original Chevy engine in his G-Body. The TH400 from the Electra has a 9 1/2" tailshaft. From reading thru this post it sounds like we should be using the frame motor mounts from the Electra with the original motor mounts on the 455. What else should we be aware of before we dispose of what's left of the Electra. We have kept the driveshaft thinking that we may need the yoke for the TH400 if we can use it. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
you will need the yoke for the 400 also take the downshift switch from the accel pedal maybe the whole assembly incase you want to use in other car
He will have to use the TH400 as the Chevy tranny won't bolt up to the 455. I'm also wondering if that long shaft 400 will have to be disassembled and a short shaft used in its place. The long shaft extension may hit the floor. Anyone have a set of Electra frame brackets for MY swap?
john, remember Norb? Hes in erie with the white 455 regal? He works at the soldiers and sailors home here or I can take you to his house,chris
