Yet another engine swapping question

I am going to buy a 1982 Bonneville grocery-mobile. I want the car to run mid to low 14s. Initially, I was going to get a 350 Buick for it, but I came across a 1973 455. the Bonneville has a 231 v6 Buick in it; is it possible to put the 455 in it? If so, does anybody make the engine mounts for this swap? What type of transmission usually comes in this car, and what combos can I use to get the 14s? Thank you:TU: .

 

You may wish to check on local laws before fitting a 1973 engine into a car with a 1982 VIN. You may be forced to pass 1982 emission requirements with the 1973 engine, which would in all likelihood fail that test even with perfectly working emission controls for 1973 in place. I have also heard that some States wanted to pass Laws making it illegal to use an engine in a car that was older than the build date of the vehicle. Personally I doubt that- they'd have to remove a head or the timing cover on my engine to do that, and I think that might be a little involved for the average inspection station! Plus I'd raise holy old Hell if they took a wrench to it...But I just thought I'd mention the psossibility.

 

I live in Louisiana; they won't mind! Besides, I put a 455 Buick in a 1979 trans-am. I'm saving this project for non-streetable 11s or 10s. I want this one (Bonneville) to be respectable. Let me know how to fight stupid laws like the one you mentioned. They should outlaw transversal engines and a lack of hood space to work. Try changing the water pump in a Honda or a Quad 4 !

 

If the pan is like the pic it's a 200.

 

Thanks

That's it! Is that a 3 or a 4 speed auto? Thanks for the photo:beer .

 

That one would be a 3 spd and probably a lock-up convertor unless someone swapped in a non lock-up. That was fairly common in the '80's. No one trusted them.

 

Another issue is your final drive ratio. Most of the ones I've seen are down like 2.41:1 or 2.73:1 and weak. 7.5in. Not to many posi's either.

I don't know that much about these 200's, but I know some guy's use the 200-r4 od trans behind 455's. May be cool to get a biggo ussbonnie through the traps in the 14's and still get high teens for mpg w/a lock-up converter and low ratio gear.

As far a engine mounts go, you may ask TA if a g-body mount set-up will work in a b-body like yours.

 

Combos

Thanks for the info. Is there a combo you can recommend to get me in the 14s while being used as a daily driver?


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In about two weeks if I don't find a usable 350, I'm gonna start swapping a Big Block Buick in this. I'll let you know how it goes. Same chassis as yours.

 

That's a 10-4, good buddy. I'll be waiting:laugh: !

 

I would think a high 9:1 comp engine (get the pistons as close to the head as poss so you can run pump gas). You can still use the small valve's (all low rpm). I would run the 118 cam (that's what I used in my last daily 455 setup, very nice profile. Smooth idle. Mine was the KenneBelle kb118). 800 q-jet. HEI. Stock exh manifolds. Edelbrock intake (stock one if money short, spend the money on the good pistons and stuff you can't change with engine in the car). Should be a real strong low rpm stump puller. 2300 or so stall. Set the gov to shift about 5300. The rest of the 14sec car comes from gear and car weight. I'm sure you would be happy with that engine combo for a smooth idle all torque feeling. Traction should be fun no matter what gear you have.

Maybe some other guy's have idea's. My feeling's won't be hurt if someone else chime's in.

 

police rear end.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2438637595&category=34208

May fit your car.

 

Should I get any head work done or just have them cleaned and checked? Or should i match it to the cam?

 

You would be surprised how much power comes from so little with these engines. Polish the chamber. Blend the bowl. should be just fine. Good valve job. Stock valves ok. Maybe port match if want. Don't need to go crazy. Should be fairly cheap.

 

Hey Chris
I Am approaching the 79 T/A - Buick 455 swap, Do You have any Tips and did you have any problems.:stmad:
Thank
Ron

Ron of Whidbey, and builder of 747's

 

Let me start with the bonehead things I've done. i didn't know that engine mounts were made for swapping a 455 Buick in for a 403 Olds; I had the old mounts welded. I haven't addressed the issue of wiring. If I remember correctly, Buick engines battery and accessories mount on the passenger front of the car. The Olds is on the driver's side. Next, my engine is a 1972; it still has points. That year T/A has HEI; precision wiring will be needed.

Now the good. I plan to correct those mistakes soon. I want the car to run low 12s to high 11s. I will start searching for a cam soon and have the heads built to my cam. I enjoyed the swap and had immediate power gains with it stock. Unfortunately, my tranny give up a month after the swap and it has sat four almost 5 years. Sorry for the book; I am trying to give you everything I've encountered. Write back if you have further questions:beer .

 

Chris,

Its starting to look like I'm going the 350 route. The Big block would be fun, but since its gonna be a daily driver, the 350 would be more practical. Theres a 350 for sale locally that I can hear run with 56K miles. Plus its cheap. Seems like that'll be the thing to do.

 

Ah, shucks Dan. I was really looking forward to your commentary (and help in the futrue) on the 455 swap.
MARK

Yeah, I've thought about it.

 

I am going to assume you're planning to use a 350 Buick. If so, it won't be cheaper. As for as gas mileage concerns, you'll probably better off with a big block. In my experience, using a BB saved gas when pulling heavy vehicles versus the small block. But if you can get a good deal on a 350, don't let it go!

 

Thanks for the tips, buy the buy, What did you do about the shaker hood scoop.
Thanks
Ron