84-87 Part Compatability With 81

[81 Regal Man]

Hi again.

Yes the noob has yet another question. I am looking to repair the front end of my 81 Buick Regal. I am wondering if a front header panel from a 84-87 Buick Grand National will fit my 81 Regal. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, very much.

 

[81Regal]

The 84 to 87 header panel will fit but you will need 84 to 87 bumper fillers though. They are different by the grill and carry different part # from GM.

 

[81 Regal Man]

The 84 to 87 header panel will fit but you will need 84 to 87 bumper fillers though. They are different by the grill and carry different part # from GM.

Ok, cool. Thanks for the help. Also, another thing I was wondering is how much trouble would I have to go through to mock this carbureted 3.8 into a 3.8 turbo, but while keeping it carbureted. My rwhp goal is around 300-350.

 

[81Regal]

It will require a total rebuild, forged pistons and a different crank. IMO you would be better off finding a 86 or 87 intercooled 3.8 or a 4.1 and add a turbo to it.
If you are serious about going turbo check out Turbobuick.com

 

[81 Regal Man]

It will require a total rebuild, forged pistons and a different crank. IMO you would be better off finding a 86 or 87 intercooled 3.8 or a 4.1 and add a turbo to it.
If you are serious about going turbo check out Turbobuick.com

Ok cool. Thanks, man. I will look into that. I will do my best to find one of those engines but I am not sure how much luck I will have. there are only 4 (Including mine) registered 81-87 Buick Regals in my entire county. Mine is the only one still packing the original 231 V6. One has a fully built 455, another has a mildly tuned 350, and the other (Supposedly) has a 596 crate engine. So yea, other 231s are kind of hard to come by around here.