350 Buick engine swap

[Stretch677]

Hello everyone thanks for all the info I've read
I'm in the process of swapping a 231 Buick 3.8l v6 to 350 Buick with a 200r4 trans in an 85 olds cutlass but I'm having issues with the motor mounts and frame mounts.

 

[Stretch677]

Ive heard I can use the v6 motor and frame mounts and it's a direct fit although I'm having some minor issues with everything lining up. Im by far a mechanic but I'm learning fast and trying to save money by doing my own labor. I uploaded a few pics to show what I'm working with it's a 73 Buick 350 btw and the trans came from an 85 Monte Carlo it's a 200r4

 

[81Regal]

The 3.8 frame and engine mounts are the same as what the Buick 350 would use. If you had the TH200 3 speed transmission behind the 3.8 you will need a different crossmember for the 2004r. Otherwise it would be a direct swap.

 

[MrSony]

:O

I am the resident Buick 350 Guru. 😀

So, if you had a BUICK 231 in your cutlass (distributor in front, like the 350 buick), all you need for engine mounting is just new v6 mounts. You can use the rubber ones, but if you can spare them I would get the poly mounts for a grand national. those rubber v6 mounts were never made to handle a 350, and the passenger side likes to collapse and the driver's side likes to separate. Or you can add a torque strap from the driver's side of the engine (head bolt hole usually) to the frame to limit (not prevent) movement. was your car a 3 speed auto or 4 speed auto? If it was a 3 speed, you need a 200r4 crossmember. 3 speed crossmember will not work. If you don't have a 4 speed crossmember, now would be a good time to upgrade to a dual hump crossmember for dual exhaust. The G-Force units are beefy af and it stiffened up my car a noticeable amount too.

Just remembered, if you can't get it to line up, swap the rubber engine mounts from side to side. They look identical but there is a Left and Right mount. Frame mounts will work as is where they are.

 

[MrSony]

Once you get that nailed down, it will fit like a glove.