Got the old six out, got frame pads, got a big block, got a tranni. Don't know where to drill the holes for the frame pads, or the best way to measure for them. or if there is a template out there somewhere.... any help? i'm gettin realy excited about this car, but it seems to have stoped at getting the old motor out, i just wanna get the holes drilled so i can get it in, and burn the old tires off of it, and break the old rearend. heh, any help would be much appreciated. -Brendan
well, im sure one of the guys will put the link to the instructions. but the way i did it was, bolt the frame pads to the mounts, drop the engine and tranny in where you want it. spray paint the mounts so that when you pull the motor and tranny back out there is an outline of where the frame pads are, take the frame pads back off the engine, mark the holes, drill and get ready for the agrivation of bolting on the pads. because theres no easy way to get to the underside to hold the nuts.
frame pads I have never done a conversion in a late model Regal, but, many A body cars. The aggrevation is not an issue when you remove the lower control arms, which, is not that much of a chore since the springs should be upgraded at this time any way as the added weight of the 455 requires improved springs. It is worth removing the control arms at this time, otherwise, you better have a lot of patience, swivell sockets, tape, and booze. Then, when you finally get lucky , 8 or 10 hours later, and are done, and you did not replace the springs, you will wish you had when the front end is like a tank. Then, you will realize you NEED to replace these springs, and here you are....... :spank:
I have done several swaps in A bodies as well. I highly recommend that if you decide to remove the springs,you get a good quality spring compressor. I put a 350 in my 81 Regal and had the bright idea of swapping the springs without a compressor. It was the worst job I ever did on that car. I ended up borrowing one as it is damn near impossible to remove and replace the spring. I was used to the A body cars where you jack up the car and place jackstands under the frame. Then remove the ball joint nuts and kack the lower a arm and then knock the uppers or lowers loose. But...not as easy on this body style. I worked over 4 hours on 1 side till I got the correct tools.Please be very careful if you decide to remove the springs. Its alot easier as said above,since the lower a arms can be swung out of the way. Otherwise...be prepared to do a bit of swearing and making up your own new swear words.
Absolutely Very good reminder of the danger of the load these springs are under. :eek2: NEVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE SPRINGS UNLESS YOU ARE QUALIFIED OR HAVE THE ASSISTANCE OF SOMEONE THAT IS!!! IT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, BE DEADLY, AND DO SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE IF YOU DO SURVIVE. Really, please only perform this under extreme caution. With that being said, it is still well worth the effort.
hey thanks, that's about what i figured, i work at a dealership, still apprenticing, but i'm pretty good with cars, and i have a good mentor, he'll be helping me, he's put a 455 into a monte, but i was just wondering if there was any template or trick to do it without having to swing twice. thanks guys, hopefully it'll be in in a few weeks. -Brendan
Heere's what I've done on several cars. When intalling the frame pads, (A-bodies), notch the end of the bolts that holds the frame pads in so once the bolt is just barely started, you can stick a slot screw driver down the frame pad hole and tighten it up from above....Works for me. Saves a lot of swearing and booze, well...maybe swearing...
The springs on the V-6 certainly need tobe changed out as the 455 weight is a tad more - enough to screw up the handling. Check out the FAQ in the Regals forum for detailed instruction ont he swap: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=66510
