1983 Buick Regal 454 Engine swap

[Sug]

Has anyone completed a 454 install into a 83 or so buick regal.
My project is just about complete but I have some questions about the A/C and rear-end changes.

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

Has anyone completed a 454 install into a 83 or so buick regal.
My project is just about complete but I have some questions about the A/C and rear-end changes.

Yes, people have done it. As for your other questions, it would be helpful if you had posted them as most of us here have not really spent much time honing our powers of telepathy.

 

[Sug]

Has anyone completed a 454 install into a 83 or so buick regal.
My project is just about complete but I have some questions about the A/C and rear-end changes.

Oh yeah!! Telepathy. Sorry about that. I was basically wondering if anyone had done it and looking for some details on what rear end they used and gears.

Also I was wondering if they were able to keep the A/C running. I ran into an issue where the valve covers (Tall) are up against the AC/Heater unit under the hood and kind of puts a crunch on replacing the vavle cover gaskets in the future with out lifting the motor to do so.

What is the stock rear end in the 83 buick and can that be concerted to a solid Posi rear end? If so what should be changed?

I am kind of new to this rear end stuff. I have in the past been lucky enough to get cars that have had that part done.

Thanks in advance.

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

Well, the rear end the car came with can be very easily converted to shrapnel by a mild big block, so you will want to change that. The best stock one is the 8.5 out of a GN or 442 from 84-87, or you could get a 9in or 12 bolt from the aftermarket that is made to fit. As for the A/C, tall valve covers are known not to work with the stock box unless you cut it and fiberglass it to fit. A universal kit from Classic Air or Vintage air is another option as it would fit under the dash, and allow you to eliminate the suitcase.

 

[Sug]

Well, the rear end the car came with can be very easily converted to shrapnel by a mild big block, so you will want to change that. The best stock one is the 8.5 out of a GN or 442 from 84-87, or you could get a 9in or 12 bolt from the aftermarket that is made to fit. As for the A/C, tall valve covers are known not to work with the stock box unless you cut it and fiberglass it to fit. A universal kit from Classic Air or Vintage air is another option as it would fit under the dash, and allow you to eliminate the suitcase.

Thanks for the info. I knew that a heavy foot and a 454 would easily break that stock rear end and I have been looking into a good aftermarket 12 bolt rear end because the motor is quite a beast. I also tried to find a shorter height valve cover but of course that was a failure because of the current cam lift and rocker arms.

As far as the A/C goes, most of the 454 conversions I have seen have just removed the A/C all together. Of course, those guys built strip only vehicles and do not use the cars for anything else. It would be nice to know of someone that kept it, but hey, you have to work with the cards you are dealt. I may also look into the other A/C options you listed.

Thanks for the reply. Greatly appreciated.

 

[78mali350]

just like he mentioned. That new classic air or whatever seems to be a pretty hot item lately. Used alot of TV shows and such. Seems like a nice /way to keep the A/C blowin