Hey all, I bought an 83 Regal that had an engine swap to a 4.1. I was thinking of turbo-ing it, but I have a chance to buy a 73 350 from a guy at work. It hasn't been out of the car long and ran when he pulled it. I can't seem to find any info on swapping it into my car, and wanted to know what others have done. My concerns are headers, mounts and wiring. The Buick has a 350 trans in it, bolted to a Buick engine, so I think I'm okay there. I also have been thinking of upping the stakes with a Blow-through turbo set up. Any and all advice in this matter would be appreciated. Thanks all, MIke
This V8 swap is probably the easiest swap there is... The V6 accessories/brackets/pulleys/mounts/wiring all swap to the Buick 350. The only hiccup is the heater box will probably need notched for the passenger side valve cover. Its best mark right behind the V6 cover before you pull it and modify the box the the engine out. I don't think there are any bolt-in headers for this swapo No: If you have any other other questions just ask, Ive done several of these swaps
So for the headers, I'm looking at custom work or is there a set that can be "persuaded" to fit. ( he asked, smiling as he looks at his hammer). And as far as the brackets and stuff go, I'll be selling them with the 4.1 if they aren't needed to make it all work in the Regal. Is there any thing I need to watch out for when prepping to do this that I should be careful of? And WV, since you have done this before, what kind of MPG should I expect to get with my th350 and a set of 3.08 gears? Any idea? What I'm looking for is around 20 MPG, it will be the car I use daily. Thanks for the advice all, these are newer waters for me.
Hey Mike, There are a few examples of people persuading a set of A-body headers to fit without much issue. There are a few members on here who have done so. A quick search should help you find what you are looking for. I seriously considered doing a 350 swap into a G-body and had a lot planned out. Are you determined to use the th350 and 3.08 gears? I strongly suggest using a 2004r. 200-4rs came in many G-bodys from the factory and would definitely give you more latitude to go with shorter gears and still get better MPGs. All you need to do to make it work if your car was originally a 350 car is to replace the Neutral safety switch (you dont always have to do this) and you will need a new crossmember with frame extensions which can be had for less than $200. I think this is one of the best bang for the buck approaches and will feel like you are making an additional 50hp or more. I have a couple transmissions for sale if you are interested. I think these swaps are going to become much more prevalent over the coming years as the 350 gains more aftermarket support. I am strongly focused on doing this swap on the future, and feel like this is the engine GM should have offered from the factory in the non turbo cars.
Well, the final build will be a Buick 350 with a Blow through turbo, 2004r shifted by a Hurst duel gate, 8.5 rear from a GN with 3.43 gears, GNX style fender louvers and wheel well flares, a spoiler from an 87 Trans-Am, hood tach and a GSX inspired paint job, Apollo white w/ black stripes and hood. As for the trans you have for sale, it depends on what you are asking, where you are, and lastly, how much I have left after I sell the 4.1 and get the 350. But please let me know, and thanks for the heads up on the A body headers.
That sounds like a great plan to me. It will definitely be a one of a kind car and would inspire others to follow. http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?266107-2-CZF-200-4r-transmissions that is my for-sale ad if you are interested:TU:
Yo-Joe!!! Sorry, your user name and pic caused a childhood flashback.....Zartan, Tomax, Xamot.... Anyway, the 350 Buick sits on the 3.8/4.1 frame stands (engine/motor mounts) the rubber part bolts to the engine block. You can use either the 4.1 or the 350 Buick accessories and brackets. If you use the 350 brackets, some of the power steering pumps set really low, right at G-body power steering box height. There is no off the shelf a/c manifold to use the long compressor off of the 350 Buick to the G-body a/c system...easy enough to have made....or use the V6 brackets ans short radial compressor that came on the Regal. The A/C box to valve cover is close, take your time it will be a tight fit on the a/c box/passenger side. Wiring harness seemed to have enough slack. Stock manifolds fit until you trial and error the headers. If the front end springs still have much life left, there is not a great deal of difference in weight of the V6 to the Buick 350. Use the 4.1 alternator and power steering pump as they look the same as those ont eh Bucik 350, but, are not. You should try and score an HEI 350 Buick distributor to make life that much easier. If you roll with the Quarda-Jet you can knock back decent mileage for a daily driver with some pep. I would procure a V8 radiator new ($120-ish at most parts stores) locate a salvage to get a V8 shroud from and spring for a new fan clutch to protect your new radiator. Buy a new Melling wear/booster plate and oil pump re-build kit for the oil pump, use Turbo 3.8 cam bearings (mainly just the front one with the external groove for improved lifter oiling) if you are re-building the Buick 350. I would also score an aftermarket dual exhaust friendly transmission crossmember while you're at it.
