If you're serious about switching to a crate motor don't spend a dollar on anything 3.8 or be sad about wasting $ later. This winter you will have to save up and buy a proper trans or shift kit / rebuild for the 1 you have and prep it for the extra power of the 350. If you use a 3 speed rather than a 200r or 700r4 the 3speed 'uses' the engine more often b/c shifting at higher rpm's constantly so thats something to keep in mind. The 3 speed is fast and fun in town but gets old on the highway real fast after about 5 minutes of cruising that missing 4th gear becomes noticeably annoying
Buick 231 bolt-ons
- Thread starter Plain Jane
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I've thought about it for a few days, and I think I'll go with my gut and keep the V6. I have no intentions of building a track car or racing at stop lights. The car was born a cruiser and that's how she should stay. I'm still interested in picking up a few hp/tq just to help with merging and passing though, as on-ramps can get a bit dicey sometimes. Besides striking gold at a junkyard with a 4.1, who else makes compatible carbs/IMs that'll fit? Later down the line I'd like to upgrade my rear diff along with a few other things. Would a 3.73 posi be compatible? How much work would be involved and what kind of a bill would it run up?
A 3.73 posi can be added and are a good idea IF you have an OD trans or don't drive on the highway. A 3.23 posi will give improvement and acceptable highway rpm's with a factory 3 SPD with a lock up converter. You will have to add a kit or toggle switch to keep the converter lock up with no computer. Edelbrock did make an aftermarket intake manifold, not sure if they still do.
I see. I would be interested in a 4 speed. Besides being more durable it should help boost my MPGs. I hope to daily my car and sell the G5, so added economy would be good. I wanted the posi for added traction in poor weather/snow. I looked at the Edlebrock Performer 500 CFM carb that specified function for low displacement engines and was hoping it would fit on my 231.
Honestly, you probably won't be impressed with ANY performance oriented bolt-ons. My suggestion would be to get the engine in a good state of tune and leave it stock. Your money would be better directed at a rearend and transmission upgrade. Bolting in a 200-4R and something in the 3.42/3.73 range will make your stock engine feel quicker without sacrificing reliability or economy. After that is dialed in, I'd suggest focusing on handling/braking upgrades. In my experience (and I know I'm not the only one) money spent on 231 speed parts is money wasted.
I'm pretty much taking that same direction with my Cutlass. I got the V6 into a good state of tune and added a 2004R trans. Part of getting it going again was putting a 307-style 'dual' exhaust system from Rock Auto. Looks and sounds nice and perhaps it freed up about 3 HP. :wink:
Next up is ditching the 2.41 ring and pinion for something more sporty. The 442 wheels and rally gauges add a bit of sportiness and a Grand National from sway bar flattened the curves a bit. Think I'll do a rear bar too.
Next up is ditching the 2.41 ring and pinion for something more sporty. The 442 wheels and rally gauges add a bit of sportiness and a Grand National from sway bar flattened the curves a bit. Think I'll do a rear bar too.
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll catch up on the maintenance and have the carb rebuilt, then take it from there. Sway bars too sound like a good inexpensive upgrade. Also, really digging the exhaust MeanBuicks. Is that a catback or a custom build? I have no qualms with upping the decibels a little.
I ordered everything shown here that goes behind the cat. from RockAuto.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=5903217&cc=1219250
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=5903217&cc=1219250
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