howdy, im new to this awesome site. I got an 87 T-type with a turbo 6 in it (blown up!). I have every intention of rebuilding it...in the future when funds allow a quality rebuild. i know a buick 350 drops in...and SBC work as well. If i found a smashed/cheap caprice(cop car?) van,or F-body..is it worth dropping it into my regal? all those motors bolt up to my 2004r, right? my primary concern is if it's a LT1..do they use the same motor mounts as older SBC? if i have to spend a $1000 plus on this project..i might as well wait and redo the turbo 6. it's just going to be a cruiser, and gas $3.40 in detroit!! any thoughts??
Well, if it was me I'd rebuild turbo 6. You'll have to change the cooling system and the front springs with the SBC. Not a lot of work but the 6 will be a better engine than the SBC in terms of milage. Most folks with a decent rebuild are getting better perfromance out of the turbo than the SBC too... might want to look in at www.turbobuick.com for some ideas....
point well taken. i was just trying to toss a cheap motor in so i can drive it around. i'll wait till i redo the 231 thanks clint
Think about resale - v8 Regal vs True T-type - Invest your money in the right place. I have a buddy that has a GM crate short block.
I really don't know if he would sell it - It wouldn't be cheap!! He bought one of the last short blocks that was available through GM years ago and I drove him up to the flint warehouse to pick it up. Still sitting there all crated up.
haha that's ok...im on a super-omega-intergalactic budget anyway!! i just started going to MCC to get my associates in auto tech. im just going to pull the motor this summer and wait till i take the engine class. judging by the how motor died, im pretty sure it needs some machining
If you're an automotive guy and can do your own work then pulling & rebuilding will work out great. The cost of bearings, rings and some good machine work is not too bad. he bonus is the extra experience you get. ...plus you can weenie the cost out over time instead of buying everything at once.
I completely agree with Leviathan. Get advice from an experienced turbo Buick builder though. Also maybe GNTTYPE.org. With gas prices being what they are that would also be a reason to invest in the turbo 3.8 as well as the car being worth more with it than a sbc.
