BUILD THREAD 87 Regal Build

Should I go Olds 350 or Ls

  • Ls engine

    Votes: 9 52.9%
  • Oldsmobile 350

    Votes: 8 47.1%

  • Total voters
    17
  • Poll closed .
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Thanks, 3.8 v6
The Buick 350 is a direct swap, accessory brackets, mounts etc. If you go Olds 350, find a 76 or older motor, no more money, stronger block with better heads.
 
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The Buick 350 is a direct swap, accessory brackets, mounts etc. If you go Olds 350, find a 76 or older motor, no more money, stronger block with better heads.
But why swap out the 7.5 if you're going to put either of those in it?
 
But why swap out the 7.5 if you're going to put either of those in it?
The 7.5" sucks, the stock spider gears would fail under either to start. It isn't hard to sink in a grand in a 7.5" with new parts. Used gears, Torsen and 28 spline axles with a girdle cover would be the only smart investment in a 7.5". With worked iron or aluminum heads, either 350 can easily push 400+ hp and torque, especially the big bore Olds 350. Guys have gone to a 4.185" bore on good gas Olds 350 blocks. Both blocks are strong and light for their time, the Buick especially. I killed a 7.5" way below those power numbers at the track. He can go LS if he likes but it isn't the only motor than can make good power.
 
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The 7.5" sucks, the stock spider gears would fail under either to start. It isn't hard to sink in a grand in a 7.5" with new parts. Used gears, Torsen and 28 spline axles with a girdle cover would be the only smart investment in a 7.5". With worked iron or aluminum heads, either 350 can easily push 400+ hp and torque, especially the big bore Olds 350. Guys have gone to a 4.185" bore on good gas Olds 350 blocks. Both blocks are strong and light for their time, the Buick especially. I killed a 7.5" way below those power numbers at the track. He can go LS if he likes, his call.
Agreed, I like to over build. Why spend $$$ on a weak link. Instead I built rear for around 700hp. The Ford 9" is superior in many ways.
 
The 7.5" sucks, the stock spider gears would fail under either to start. It isn't hard to sink in a grand in a 7.5" with new parts. Used gears, Torsen and 28 spline axles with a girdle cover would be the only smart investment in a 7.5". With worked iron or aluminum heads, either 350 can easily push 400+ hp and torque, especially the big bore Olds 350. Guys have gone to a 4.185" bore on good gas Olds 350 blocks. Both blocks are strong and light for their time, the Buick especially. I killed a 7.5" way below those power numbers at the track. He can go LS if he likes but it isn't the only motor than can make good power.
Clearly you missed my sarcasm, because ancient olds motors can't make enough power to hurt a 7.5". 😆

Austin Powers Movie GIF
 
So with my chassis just about finished, I needed to decide on a power plant. I've wanted an Oldsmobile 350 rocket since high-school when a friend picked me up in a 80's Cutlass with that engine in it. Tearing up the the streets, good times.
Well I aquired a early olds block with intentions of rebuilding. Watched lots of videos and shows about the Olds 350 and had a parts list with build plan. Then found a rebuilt engine on Craigslist, I couldn't build for the price he wanted, so I took a 6 hour road trip after work to pick up in Iowa. It was a stock rebuild except a little bigger cam. Just as this was happening I had a lead on a 6.2 ls3. I picked up the Ls, opened it up and was a perfect candidate for a rebuild. (Decisions decisions) After comparing the weight diffrence of the engines on the stand and the overall limitations with the Olds I decided to go with the Ls.
So out with the old, in with the new.

New gaskets, seals and bearings. Different oil pan, Brian Tooley l7 lifters, Texas speed stage 2 cam, Howard's billet timing set, Melling high volume oil pump and Arp bolts. Used stock pistons, rods and crank. Valve job and new spring on the 823's. Finished off with a set of Holley ls valve covers. They are really nice. I did not dyno this engine, but dynoed same set up with around 575hp. I decided to paint it an aluminum color with an Eastwood 2 part ceramic engine paint. Sprayed with cheap harbor freight hvlp gun. I found a "used for mock up" set of Brp hotrod poly ls engine mounts on eBay for $100. New they sell for $300 which is crazy to me. I am on a budget and try to be conservative where I can.IMG_5949(1).jpgIMG_5958(1).jpgIMG_5959(1).jpgIMG_5960(1).jpgIMG_5961(1).jpgIMG_5962(2).jpgIMG_5964(3).jpg20210329_161317.jpg20210329_161320.jpg20210329_161327.jpg20210329_161332.jpg20210329_194125.jpg20210329_194142.jpg20210329_194334.jpg20210329_194405.jpg20210329_225337.jpg20210329_230250.jpg20210331_214136.jpg20210331_213807.jpg20210331_213730.jpg20210331_213648.jpgIMG_6013(1).jpg
 
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So with my chassis just about finished, I needed to decide on a power plant. I've wanted an Oldsmobile 350 rocket since high-school when a friend picked me up in a 80's Cutlass with that engine in it. Tearing up the the streets, good times.
Well I aquired a early olds block with intentions of rebuilding. Watched lots of videos and shows about the Olds 350 and had a parts list with build plan. Then found a rebuilt engine on Craigslist, I couldn't build for the price he wanted, so I took a 6 hour road trip after work to pick up in Iowa. It was a stock rebuild except a little bigger cam. Just as this was happening I had a lead on a 6.2 ls3. I picked up the Ls, opened it up and was a perfect candidate for a rebuild. (Decisions decisions) After comparing the weight diffrence of the engines on the stand and the overall limitations with the Olds I decided to go with the Ls.
So out with the old, in with the new.

New gaskets, seals and bearings. Different oil pan, Brian Tooley l7 lifters, Texas speed stage 2 cam, Howard's billet timing set, Melling high volume oil pump and Arp bolts. Used stock pistons, rods and crank. Valve job and new spring on the 823's. Finished off with a set of Holley ls valve covers. They are really nice. I did not dyno this engine, but dynoed same set up with around 575hp. I decided to paint it an aluminum color with an Eastwood 2 part ceramic engine paint. Sprayed with cheap harbor freight hvlp gun. I found a "used for mock up" set of Brp hotrod poly ls engine mounts on eBay for $100. New they sell for $300 which is crazy to me. I am on a budget and try to be conservative where I can.
Your engine build disagrees completely with budget. Especially for a carbed N/A build...

I don't understand what's happening now.
2np44y.jpg
 
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Using the word "budget" is subjective & relevant only to the person trimming the decision tree.
El Correct O!
I see some guys on here that used the word "Budget" and I'm thinking not at my house. Budget is relative to disposible income and priorities. There are some budgets on here I'd love to have.
 
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