Buick 350 or carb'd turbo 231

[G-Body_Vet]

I came across a nice '79 Regal turbo that has a half assembled engine in it. Body is nice and the car has the bucket/console interior. All parts come with the car to finish it but I've never heard much about the early blow through engines.

Long story short, is the engine worth putting back together not knowing what state it was in? I know where I can get a few Buick 350's dirt cheap so I'm kicking around the idea of a quick and painless swap too. I've looked into these early Regals before and have read a lot on the http://www.beforeblack.net site. I know they aren't too popular....kinda like my GP :lol: but I like them for being uncommon.

 

[MeanBuicks]

Consider doing both. By that I mean, put the Buick 350 in there and enjoy the car. Meanwhile, get an engine stand and reassemble the turbo engine at your leisure since you have all the parts. Then you have the option of going back to original down the road or adding some value to your car in the future by including it with the car if you decide to sell.

 

[oldmansmonte]

I came across a nice '79 Regal turbo that has a half assembled engine in it. Body is nice and the car has the bucket/console interior. All parts come with the car to finish it but I've never heard much about the early blow through engines.

Long story short, is the engine worth putting back together not knowing what state it was in? I know where I can get a few Buick 350's dirt cheap so I'm kicking around the idea of a quick and painless swap too. I've looked into these early Regals before and have read a lot on the http://www.beforeblack.net site. I know they aren't too popular....kinda like my GP :lol: but I like them for being uncommon.

I would say you have to be ambitious and do the Turbo 231. If you do a 350 it'll be just another G-body with a 350. You have to honor not only the history of cars going Turbo, but GM's and the G-body legacy as a turbo. You want to be able to keep those turbo badges on and go to car shows being impress people with a unique piece of history. And then kick their *ss on the track.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I really don't see a Buick 350 in the same light as an SBC. As for the original engine goes, I don't think there would ever be much collector value in any of the 78-80 a-bodies with the exception of the Hurst Olds. A turbo 5.3 LS would be an idea later down the road.

We'll see I suppose. I really shouldn't get another project but I hate to pass this one up.

 

[oldmansmonte]

I really don't see a Buick 350 in the same light as an SBC. As for the original engine goes, I don't think there would ever be much collector value in any of the 78-80 a-bodies with the exception of the Hurst Olds. A turbo 5.3 LS would be an idea later down the road.

We'll see I suppose. I really shouldn't get another project but I hate to pass this one up.

I'm a Monte Carlo guy and I would KILL for a 1980 Monte Carlo Turbo. Even if you do any Turbo motor, you are not only doing something bad *ss, but for the sake of honoring the original concept.

 

[DRIVEN]

Consider doing both. By that I mean, put the Buick 350 in there and enjoy the car. Meanwhile, get an engine stand and reassemble the turbo engine at your leisure since you have all the parts. Then you have the option of going back to original down the road or adding some value to your car in the future by including it with the car if you decide to sell.

^^^Sounds like a solid plan.^^^

 

[jetsetw31]

Consider doing both. By that I mean, put the Buick 350 in there and enjoy the car. Meanwhile, get an engine stand and reassemble the turbo engine at your leisure since you have all the parts. Then you have the option of going back to original down the road or adding some value to your car in the future by including it with the car if you decide to sell.

^^^Sounds like a solid plan.^^^

X2

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I'm a Monte Carlo guy and I would KILL for a 1980 Monte Carlo Turbo. Even if you do any Turbo motor, you are not only doing something bad *ss, but for the sake of honoring the original concept.

There's one of sale in my area as a matter of fact.
http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/cto/4740776464.html

 

[Bonnewagon]

I agree with the 350 for now and maybe do the turbo later. A Buick 350 just runs great without even trying hard, but you know that.

 

[Blake442]

Buick 350 with turbos or it's not worth doing!