Hi there. This is my first post to the Forum. I have a 1987 Buick Regal with an Oldsmobile 307 in it and I plan to put a Buick 350 in it. I also plan to install a T5 transmission with a hydraulic clutch setup. I've located an engine. It's a rebuilt '76 Buick 350. I don't know what it was pulled from. What I'm concerned with is whether or not the crankshaft has a spot for a pilot bearing. The seller said "apparently it does" but I don't know what it would actually look like in person since I'm brand new to Buick engines. Can anyone point me in the direction of some pictures of Buick 350 crankshafts so I know what to look for?
Welcome aboard! I'm afraid I can't help with photos, but I can tell you that others have complained that some SBB 350 engines not originally set up for a manual trans may not have the pilot hole at the rear of the crank machined large enough or deep enough to receive a pilot busing, and some (many?) blocks are not drilled for the Z bar ball stud. See: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?258223 While the ball stud isn't a big deal with a hydraulic clutch, you still may have to deal with the crank not being machined for the bushing. More good info in the last post in this thread: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?253095 Devon
I would get the moter, trans, pilot bushing and bell houseing, then take measurements, and see if you need to have the crank drilled. then i would pull the crank and have it done, or maybe a shop could drill it with the moter assmembled. Or you can get a pilot bearing from Dick Miller raceing. it goes in the tourque converter slot. you might have to drill your crank a little deeper to accommadate the trans shaft, or you can cut some off. I installed one in my 455, did not have to drill or cut. Worked great for me, because my car was originally a automatic and the crank was not drilled quite large enough for a pilot bushing, and i did not want to pull the moter. They cost about $50. IMO ,i would have the crank drilled for a pilot bushing. bushings last much longer then pilot bearings.
[[/COLOR] Instead of placing a SBB I believe a Olds 350 would be a easier fit and all the original 307 engine parts will bolt up to the Olds 350. You could just sell the SBB and purchase an Olds 350. Just my two cents. BTW in 1987 I special ordered a 1987 Buick T with the Olds V8 Engine, three speed automatic, posi rear, bucket seats, T-package and the Black out package. It was a little slow with the V8 but it did drive and looked great! George
oldsmobuick... not sure where you live, but if you are in need of drilling out your crank to fit in a pilot bearring, there is a guy here in Vancouver W.A that has a tool specifically designed to drill out buick motor's. the name of the shop is "Garage Motorsports" 360-735-0753. they specialize in manual transmissions. http://www.garagemotorsports.com/
