converting from a 4.1 to a chevy 350 engine in 84 Buick Regal

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bobby frillou

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Sep 4, 2017
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Has anyone converted engines from a 4.1 to a v8(chevy 305 or 350). What all is needed to make this happen. I do have a turbo 350 transmission in it already. Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
 

BuickOldsPontiac

Master Mechanic
Oct 14, 2011
446
497
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Sterling Heights, MI
Has anyone converted engines from a 4.1 to a v8(chevy 305 or 350). What all is needed to make this happen. I do have a turbo 350 transmission in it already. Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

The 4.1L Buick 6 is the same externally as the 3.8L. There are several threads where people have swapped from the 3.8 Buick to a SBC. Then sell the 4.1L as they are a good foundation for a turbo 6 build.
 
Oct 14, 2008
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Dual pattern TH350? If not you need an adapter as well as all the sbc brackets and mounts, the frame mounts included.
 

buick7332

Master Mechanic
Oct 21, 2014
350
589
93
N.E. Philadelphia area
Has anyone converted engines from a 4.1 to a v8(chevy 305 or 350). What all is needed to make this happen. I do have a turbo 350 transmission in it already. Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
I believe that the motor mounts have to move towards the front of the cradle so 1bolt hole is hanging over. Only 2 mounting bolts are used. Im not positive about this so you will have to do some research.
 

565bbchevy

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Aug 8, 2011
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You will need to change the frame mounts to the Chevy style and they will need be moved forward and only 3 instead of 4 mounting bolts are used and you will also need the clamshell engine mounts.
As stated if the 350 trans is a BOP version you will need an adapter plate to mount it to a Chevy block.
If you pull this from a donor car take all of the accessories and brackets to carry over to your Regal.
Only the the Chevy brackets will fit your SBC and if you are going to do a swap shoot for the 350 instead of the 305.
LS_eng_mt.jpg


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tci-230000/overview/
tci-230000_ml.jpg
 
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565bbchevy

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Also when going from a V6 to a V8 you will need to upgrade the cooling system and might need stronger front springs to hold the extra weight depending on the ride height after the swap.
 

MrSony

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Nov 15, 2014
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STEP 1: Get a buick 350. It will literally bolt in place. Same mounts, everything. And look damn good too. :p
14713546_1202762346482939_6564093996160662793_n.jpg
 
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565bbchevy

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STEP 1: Get a buick 350. It will literally bolt in place. Same mounts, everything.
Yeah, but once you change mounts for the SBC then a BBC literally bolts in it's place.

IMG_1477.JPG
 

MrSony

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If he's still got the 4.1 in it, and if he has a Th350, it's either a bop or has an adapter, if it's BOP, all the more reason to have a 350 Buick. Plus its lighter than a sbc. How much, it's debatable, most accepted number is 75-100lbs iron vs iron. If you want big block torque in a small (in weight, Buick 350 is physically larger than a sbc, but uses the thin-wall casting and better metal so it can use less while still retaining it's strength) package, the 350 BUICK is the way to go. But if you just want cheap balls to the wall power then by all means go chevy. *Cough and be like everyone else cough cough* ;)
 
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