So i just scored a really straight 86 regal Limited with what I believe is an Olds 307 . It drives smooth has okay pick up but then just flattens out. I was thinking about pulling the engine and dropping in a Buick 350!!! Is it a matter of removing the 307 and bolting the 350 in the same mounts and bolting it up to the trans? I have tried searching forums but its just different bits of info like the true dual crossmember I want an easy simple swap since its going to be my daily driver
My understanding it is a bolt in of sorts, Get rid if the Olds 307 frame stands... and install the Buick V6 Stands. Bolt the V6 Motor mounts to the 350 Buick, and install.... leaving the current trans, and trans cross member in the car will help with the install. Anyone else? Got the info? also try our search engine, put in 350 Regal you will see some build threads with the info Goodluck
Thanks for the reply! To my understanding its just what you said. Like its that easy, thats what bothers me intead of making me feel happy haha, like there are some hiccups we dont lnopw about, sounds too easy! If it swaps right in with v6 frame pads and engine mounts, I am guessing I have to modify the exhaust? The wiring has to be redone, Removing Computer etc, Radiator should be fine and shroud since its a v8 olds? The trans can be left alone since its BOP and later rebuilt to handle the 350 as long as I dont beat on it too much. that should be it I guess o No:
i dont think to many poeple really comment on buick 350s into regals because the swap is so easy. i know u would want to use the pully system off of the v6 because it will all mount to the 350 with slight modifications. i think u could even use the original pully system if you wanted to. you will need a v8 fan shroud and maybe some front v8 springs. and watch out for the heater ac box hitting the passenger valve cover. some poeple have problems with it some poeple dont. but over one of the easiest swaps. i have yet to do this swap and i really want to type up the entire process step by step and pictures. but i haven't got to it. good luck and check out TA performance they have really cool buick stuff
BTW Welcome aboard 68Rivi_In_Cali !! I love seeing those 80's Regal get a Buick engine versus GM's "corporate" engines, Like yours a Regal with an Olds 307, or an Olds Cutlass with a Buick V6. I had an 84 Cutlass with a Buick V6... yanked it and put an Oldsmobile 403 in it's place.... !! I like being brand loyal to the Car... As for the wiring remove only what you need, if I remember correctly on both my swaps, the 403 in Cutlass, and the 455 in my Regal, the main harness that starts and stops the engine can be retained. It includes the starter wires, alternator wiring, wiring for your A/C, and if you want to keep it and use it the wiring for the electric choke that was on the computer controlled carb that atop the 307. Also you will have to move the Battery from the drivers side to the battery hold down on the passenger side of the engine bay. If you are keeping and using the trans that came with the Buick, it will probably be a Metric Trans either a 200 or a 200R4( wich is the Overdrive transmission) in either case, retain all the carb brackets that were on the Olds 307 4bbl carb. Those transmissions bot are metric trans, and they run their pressure off of what is call the TV cable or throttle Vacuum cable, kinda like a "kickdown" cable of sorts. That bracket off the olds 4bbl is set up correctly to hold that cable plus the throttle cable. This all assuming you are going to run a Q-jet carb on the Buick 350. If not and its a Holley..... go to www.bowtieoverdrives.com and get their complete setup for a TV cable, it will be a no brainer install then. Also those trans are metric and have a "lockup" torque converter, that was operated by the computer. You need this operational or it will cause problems later, plus the benefit of better MPG . When engaged it drops the RPMs down by 200 rpm... thus better MPG and cooler trans temps. There are kits on the market that allow you to run this set up, based on Trans PSI, and engine RPMs and they work well. They will engage the lockup at hiway speeds and when the brake is applied disengage it to stop or slow down, if it's not disengaged the car will buck so to speak like its a manual transmission in the wrong gear. or you can turn it off and on manually , leave all the harnesses and wiring connected to the trans and leave the computer in the car with the wiring and get a off/on switch and using the ALDL port, the Port that the mechanic plugs into to scan your engine for a problem) it under the drivers side dash, tap into terminal F wich is the top one on the left side and Terminal A wich is the top one on the right side and put the switch between those 2 terminals, it should turn on/off the lockup ... but you will have to remember to turn it on for cruising and OFF when your braking. Here's a link to what those terminals look like. http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/threads/aldl-which-ports-are-for-torque-converter-lockup.82337/ The TCC kits do this for you don't have to remember to turn off and on and do require some Cash outlay, but if you wanna save some coin and you can still use it, till you get the funds go the ALDL set up. On mine I have a 200R4 behind my 455, and I hard wired a switch directly to my trans using the plug in harness at the trans.... works great. I only "turn it on" when I'm over 55mph. I get around 17-19 mpg with mine... Keep us updated on your swap.
Thanks for the insight , as of now, I am n the parts gathering stage.I am attempting to find a Buick 350 in my area @ a decent price. I will be painting the car all black and will also most likely swap in some racing bucket seats or regular bucket seats to replace the current leather ones, or maybe just a console swap to floor shift if not a ratchet shifter. The car will be temporarily done in this product called plasti dip, easier than the $50 roll on paint job and completely reversible. It will give it a menacing look. I was also looking into some black american racing wheels or cragars :TU:
Alright!!! Another "Dipper" ! Love that paint style! Torn between the flat black on mine or the firebelly oranfe. Heard the orange can fade tho.
The roll on paint works but takes longer, I'm going to shoot it in the plasti dip tomorrow I will post before and after pics. It appears simple enough!
I made my 307 in my Regal a non computer engine and for the TCC I got a connector and connected the ground side to the trans pressure switch side since the book stated it comes on in 3rd gear and ran the posi side to a toggle switch and to the tcc " brake light switch that has the tcc wire going through it " so I can turn it off in town.
