True newbie question. Is a Buick 350 a Chevy/GM 350?

Discussion in 'Wet behind the ears??' started by $100T2, Jun 29, 2021.

  1. $100T2

    $100T2 Active Member

    So when I'm looking for parts, is the 350 in my 71 LeSabre compatible with Chevy 350 stuff? If I wanted to swap to a newer 350 with more power, will it bolt in and will the accessories fit?
     
  2. DaWildcat

    DaWildcat Platinum Level Contributor

    Welcome aboard! And sorry, nope. If the 350 in your '71 LeSabre is original (or an original replacement), you've got the unique 350 small block Buick engine, which shares very little with the small block Chevy except for simple add-on parts like spark plugs.

    An engine swap from the Buick 350 to the Chevy is not for the faint of heart...from engine mounts to electrical wiring to transmission adaptation.

    If you can share an underhood photo we'll know for sure what you've got.

    Devon
     
    Dano likes this.
  3. alvareracing

    alvareracing Platinum Level Contributor

    nothing interchanges, nothing compatible, they are like apples and oranges. Just for starter Buick has distributor in the front and Chevy in the rear. Anything can be made to bolt in with enough work! can the accessories work yes and no. You will need to find the correct brackets from the Chevy. If you are possessed in making the change, it's best to find a complete drive train to make the change. Not even the transmission bell housings are the same. Hope this helps.

    Fernando
     
    Dano likes this.
  4. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    Buick 350 was/is completely different than a Chevy (or Olds or Pontiac) 350. Back then each division manufactured their own engines.
     
  5. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    If you want more power, there’s a lot you can do with the Buick 350. It’s also easier to replace a Buick 350 with a Buick 455 than a chebby 350.
    Patrick
     
    6769RIV and Dano like this.
  6. $100T2

    $100T2 Active Member

    So what are some things I can do to the 350? I'm looking for more power and torque for regular driving. Not looking to drag race or anything, just want her to have some more power.
     
  7. Quick Buick

    Quick Buick Arlington Wa

    Only part that is interchangeable on chevy/buick is the starter.....
     
  8. DaWildcat

    DaWildcat Platinum Level Contributor

    Well, let's start with basics.

    Does it run well, not overheating or blowing blue smoke out the exhaust? Hopefully you've got the Rochester Quadrajet four barrel carburetor under the air cleaner, but if it's been messed with before, we won't know unless you tell us or share a pic with the air cleaner off.

    Easy mods? If the engine's healthy, a tuneup and power timing the ignition is a nice start. See: https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/power-timing-your-buick-v8.63475/

    Single exhaust or dual?

    Devon
     
  9. bobc455

    bobc455 Well-Known Member

    The answers to that vary widely depending on time & budget. You can do anything from bolt-ons like headers & mufflers to the "wild" stuff like turbos and fuel injection.

    I'd recommend a simple starting point which is to make sure what you have is running optimally with a good tune-up (including checking the timing advance & ). After that it's a matter of getting more air & fuel in and out (and optimizing your engine based on those upgrades).

    Another thing to consider would be a steeper rearend ratio plus an overdrive transmission w/ lockup. This would give you more pep off the line while simultaneously getting a lower RPM for highway cruising and better MPG. This can be kinda pricey but will give you a car that you'll love to drive.

    -Bob C.
     
  10. $100T2

    $100T2 Active Member

    She runs great. Everything is bone stock. Single exhaust. I was thinking headers, dual exhaust and a Holley Sniper EFI. I can't find any bolt on exhaust systems so I'm assuming that will need to be a custom setup. I also can't find headers.
     
  11. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

  12. nickwhite

    nickwhite Platinum Level Contributor

    First thought is you have a convertible cruiser. One of a kind car! Head over to TAPerformance .com
    They have headers and dual exhaust systems 2 1/2 inch dia. for the Buick 350. They are your source
    anything you need. Do you have a 4bbl carb? 0002 Buick Garage.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2021
  13. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    Hooker, TA Performance, & Doug's all make long tube headers. No shorties avail. You'll need custom exhaust. I have a used set of TA's I'd consider selling if you're interested & depending on where you are if shipping/pu/delivery made sense. PM me if interested. I assume you have a 4BBL - I don't think the EFI will give you much, if anything over a well tuned/modded QJ. '71 is low compression but of course to change that you're into the internals. As recommended - A good power tune will help.
     
  14. Nailhead in a 1967

    Nailhead in a 1967 Kell-Mnown Wember

    Well, at least the sticker on his air cleaner lid says this...:D

    71LS ragtop.jpg
     
    $100T2 likes this.
  15. $100T2

    $100T2 Active Member

    Yep, it's a 4 bbl.

    Screenshot_20210629-135612_Chrome.jpg Screenshot_20210629-135549_Chrome.jpg
     
  16. nickwhite

    nickwhite Platinum Level Contributor

    Long tube for 350 engines and dual exhaust 2 1/2 dia.
    and the air cleaner to K/N for more breath. =)
    IMG_4503.JPG
     
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2021
    alvareracing likes this.
  17. techg8

    techg8 The BS GS

    Power time the distributor and add dual exhaust
     
    Dano likes this.
  18. BrunoD

    BrunoD Looking for Fast Eddie

    By the way,the Chevy starter as it is will not fit the Buick,you have to change the part that bolts on to the block.Bruno.
     
  19. TrunkMonkey

    TrunkMonkey Well-Known Member

    My 2 cents.

    The time, energy, money spent on headers does not justify the return in performance.

    A properly installed dual exhaust with good quality mufflers will give you about the same results for a stock engine.

    Until you start increasing head flow a great deal and use a cam with higher HP curve moved to the top end, you really will not see any gains with headers.

    A properly built/adjusted Q-jet will provide great performance, but EFI does provide some benefits, so do your homework and ask folks here for their experience with both to help decide.

    Larry's Power Timing info is likely wo provide the greatest results and will help you understand your engine better by getting familiar with its operation.
    (LARRY70GSa.k.a. "THE WIZARD")

    And the best correct tune, will let you know what needs addressed.

    Dual exhaust, proper tune and functioning carb would be my first options. :)
     
  20. Nailhead in a 1967

    Nailhead in a 1967 Kell-Mnown Wember

    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]

    HYB.jpg
     

Share This Page