Hi everyone!!! I'm excited to find you guys. This site looks like a lot of great info. I just got my 1971 Skylark 3 weeks ago (her name is Black Betty, given by my wife). Its a 350/250 combo. It runs very well considering its all original. Original 2 bbl carb, Original single exhaust, original intake, original spare tire in the trunk, etc. So far, the only modification I found is a newer radio and GS rims. The previous owner had it for 3 years and before that, it was stored for 18 years. Previous owner installed new gas tank, fuel pump, and (perfectly) reconditioned the drum breaks. We love the car. I've replaced the rug, and repaired the steering wheel. My plastic was all broken off the steering wheel so I re wrapped it with foam and a steering wheel wrap. Now its time for us to make a decision. Thats where were looking for your guys input. Should we modify the car with 4 bbl, headers, duel exhaust, up the rear gears, and remove all pollution control items? Or would it be more valuable as the original grandma car she is? We originally wanted a small monster but this car is too original. Should we modify or not modify? That is the question. Thank you for any comments regarding what everyone's opinion is. Enjoy the ride!
It’s sharp man! I would modify it if it were mine. I mean it’s not worth a fortune as a stock skylark, no disrespect, that’s what mine is as well. So make it fun to drive. I did a four barrel and intake, points eliminator in the distributor, and probably the best improvement for no cost would be to search and read the “power timing” thread on here and do that.
Thank you. No disrespect taken. That's what were looking for. Everybody's opinion on what they would do (or not do). We wanted a '72 chevelle, but we saw this and loved it. I will look into the power timing. Thanks again!!!
Personally, I would do all the maintenance things first; change fluids, belts and hoses. Then check front end suspension (ball joints , tie rod ends, etc) and brakes before upgrades. You will learn a lot about the overall condition of your car making sure its road worthy and reliable. As mentioned above, the "power timing thread" will help you fine tune the ignition and carburation adjustments that will help you wring all the power out of that 350. I'm an owner of a 71 skylark with a 350 with a 4 barrel; an upgrade to this intake and a quality rebuilt 4-barrel carb will give your car a lot of new attitude! If the car is still single exhaust I would also visit an exhaust shop to convert to dual. Good luck and let us know how its going!
Welcome aboard from NY. Got a winter home in Royal Palm Beach. Watch for user waterboy, he's in the area as well and does alot of cruises etc. Fred
WELCOME! She's a beauty. I'm in the "Keep her original" camp... but that said, unless you are looking to flip, I'd just make her what gives you the biggest grin... whether that be for a cruise to a car show or down the dragstrip on a test and tune night. -MIG
I'm not looking to flip unless the right offer came by, lol. I still have to check the front end. Feels good at the moment. Belts have arrived and I'll get them on soon. Added a temp gauge and oil pressure gauge to keep an eye on the engine. On my list to do is to change the tranny filter and oil. There is some rot that I plan on taking care of in the next 2 years. 1 step at a time! Thanks for telling me about "waterboy", I'll look for him. And looking for car shows in Palm Beach County (I'm in Wellington). If anyone knows, drop a line! Everyone seems to like TA Performance? I see its hard to find parts for the Buick 350.
Welcome from Washington State! Switching from the 2bbl to 4bbl on my '71 was a huge win! Also the HEI conversion is good as well.
Welcome - Nice car. Original colors? Rust? I'm usually in the keep it original camp but I don't see anything wrong w/modifying it to your liking really. If it were mine, I think I'd put in factory tach & gauges & a factory Rallye steering wheel (tough color to get but @knucklebusted wraps them and that would look great & probably be a nicer feel). As you noted, the orig. 4 wheel drum brakes work great when they're "right." Build a 350 or start w/headers, intake, etc. on your orig. I'd actually look @ ported exhaust manifolds maybe & keep the stock look. The dual plane aluminum intake looks pretty stock when painted red too. Couple guys on here than can build you a Quadrajet carb. & that rebuid/re-curve distributors which I'd recommend. Could even get an air cleaner off a 350 4BBL Skylark or just the "dual snorkel" part of a GS air cleaner w/o the plastic that connects to the hood. So basically, thinking keep it m/l stock "appearing." Maybe 3.42 gears w/the TH350 or a 200-4R overdrive trans and 3.90 or 4.10 gears (some threads on here about the trans conversion). You're orig. rear housing can be used & is a very good part - Put a posi carrier in that (couple guys on here that build rears - @BrianTrick or @Monaz). Stock rear boxed lower control arms w/a stock rear anti-swaybar & all urethane control arm bushings front & rear & a larger 1¼" front "Trans-Am" bar (literally from a TA but looks pretty stock) w/urethane bushings & good shocks and it'll handle much better. Anyway, that's my vision fwiw. It's your car- Make it how you want but was fun to think about anyway, lol.
Welcome, and wow that is a nice ride! Dano pretty much typed what I was thinking, give it stuff the factory would have had back then or clever hidden updates. Only thing I would add is a converter from JW here on the board. Best of luck
Lovey car!! I’m in the exact same process as you. I just added the dual exhaust (Jegs a-body kit) sounds great. I’m doing all my suspension this month along with breaks and belts, also thinking about adding electric cooling fans. Then diving into the interior. Welcome there is so much useful and helpful info here.
Looks sweet ! Had same car couple years out of high school , black with saddle bench interior. Put a 455/turbo 400 trans , but dumb kid never did the rear ? I think they were 256. Thing screwed thou. All advice given so far is great ! Have fun and modify as you drive !!!!
You yourself want a muscle car or a grandpa's Sunday special? It's up to you, I'd make it rumble a bit. Would make a nice sleeper...
Did you have to modify any part of the car for that exhaust? And did you add headers? I like to understand before I dive in. Its been so long since my last muscle car, Ive forgotten a lot.
A touque converter, link below for the particulars. https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/tsp-9-5-street-strip-converters-lifetime-warrantee.147066/
410 gears, 2004r trans 3200+ convertor and a 550 lift 245-255@.050 cam DONE see ya in 15 grand just kidding lots of info here so stay tuned it will be wherever you want to take it to I am the 1 vote that says leave it alone
