REGAL My 1st project!

Status
Not open for further replies.

Labamm269

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Sep 30, 2019
19
13
3
LSU territory
Good morning lady’s and gentlemen of GBody forum! I have a 1980 Regal 3.8 all original and I plan on making it my 1st project. I’m far from being a mechanic, plus I don’t know any mechanics in the area where I’ve recently relocated to.

I know that i want this to be a nice highway car, but I still need power. I’m not into racing or showing out , but I just want to be able to keep up and maneuver through traffic as I please.

I was told to purchase a crate 350, but what else would y’all recommend and what’s the best website for quality?

298200D3-373E-4AA2-8E83-CA2461C05CC0.jpeg
CBEE5776-0282-4A77-88F8-A96007369269.jpeg
040547B9-04C5-4107-AA55-B29293C0DB3A.jpeg
C3580373-7699-4F44-950F-8787270D5730.jpeg
040547B9-04C5-4107-AA55-B29293C0DB3A.jpeg
CBEE5776-0282-4A77-88F8-A96007369269.jpeg
298200D3-373E-4AA2-8E83-CA2461C05CC0.jpeg
298200D3-373E-4AA2-8E83-CA2461C05CC0.jpeg
Thanks in advance!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 4 users

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
113
Socialist NY
nice!!

Super rare roof option

Welcome to the site
 
  • Like
Reactions: 4 users

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
113
Socialist NY
A chevy 350 would be your cheapest easiest most reliable swap along with a 200-4r pr 700-R4 trans

crate engines right from GM is a little more that 2 grand now

A quick cam swap and you will have plenty of power and overdrive for the highway

Brackets and accessories for the SBC are the cheapest and easiest to find as well

 
  • Like
  • Agree
Reactions: 3 users

64nailhead

Goat Herder
Dec 1, 2014
5,659
1
12,059
113
Upstate NY
X2 with Turna's L31 crate recommendation and cam swap. I'll add to get a set of long tube headers and it will be a good combo with a 200-4R. When swapping in the overdrive you'll need a different set of gears as well.

This can turn kinda expensive, but for someone that s not mechanically inclined, it's the easiest way to go if you think you have the skill set to swap a motor and trans.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users

5spdCab

Royal Smart Person
Dec 29, 2019
1,190
1,989
113
Tukwila, Wa.
Good morning lady’s and gentlemen of GBody forum! I have a 1980 Regal 3.8 all original and I plan on making it my 1st project. I’m far from being a mechanic, plus I don’t know any mechanics in the area where I’ve recently relocated to.

I know that i want this to be a nice highway car, but I still need power. I’m not into racing or showing out , but I just want to be able to keep up and maneuver through traffic as I please.

I was told to purchase a crate 350, but what else would y’all recommend and what’s the best website for quality?

View attachment 132993 View attachment 132992 View attachment 132991 View attachment 132990 View attachment 132991 View attachment 132992 View attachment 132993 View attachment 132993 Thanks in advance!
I will also echo the above replies, but will also add a suggestion that if you do get headers, spend a little bit extra and get the ceramic coating. I tried to save money getting uncoated, and had to fight with hot engine bay problems. Please save yourself from my mistake. BTW, looks like you got a good starting platform to begin your project with.
 

Labamm269

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Sep 30, 2019
19
13
3
LSU territory
A chevy 350 would be your cheapest easiest most reliable swap along with a 200-4r pr 700-R4 trans

crate engines right from GM is a little more that 2 grand now

A quick cam swap and you will have plenty of power and overdrive for the highway

Brackets and accessories for the SBC are the cheapest and easiest to find as well

Thanks for the info! It’s really appreciated. Will I have to do anything with the rear end as well if I go with that setup?
 

Labamm269

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Sep 30, 2019
19
13
3
LSU territory
I will also echo the above replies, but will also add a suggestion that if you do get headers, spend a little bit extra and get the ceramic coating. I tried to save money getting uncoated, and had to fight with hot engine bay problems. Please save yourself from my mistake. BTW, looks like you got a good starting platform to begin your project with.
Thanks for the advice. I’ll definitely keep that in mind.
 

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
113
Socialist NY
Thanks for the info! It’s really appreciated. Will I have to do anything with the rear end as well if I go with that setup?

Street car no slicks no massive burnouts you will be Ok (maybe)...........But I would definetly upgrade if the budget is there
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users

lilbowtie

Comic Book Super Hero
Jan 7, 2006
3,460
3,965
113
Canton Mi
Welcome - nice car. I'm going to say enjoy this car and get caught up taking care of the suspension, braking and those bumper filers. Don't know your financial situation but if you put pen to paper you will find it isn't going to be cheap, and if your not able to do this work yourself you can double that number. Love those Regals

83 regal 013.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 3 users
Status
Not open for further replies.

GBodyForum is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Please support GBodyForum Sponsors

Classic Truck Consoles Dixie Restoration Depot UMI Performance

Contact [email protected] for info on becoming a sponsor