buick 350 questions

[v2vera]

Hey guys,

I know this is going to sound like a stupid question but everything you guys have done on your cars has motivated me to try to build up my own engine .. I am looking for a 350 to swap into my 83 Regal I was wondering what the easiest swap would be? I beleive the buick 350 would do the job..I dont want a strip car but something with more power compared to the weak 4.1 v6.

Question # 1..will this engine be a good candidate for a rebuild and swap?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/350-Buic ... ccessories

Question # 2..besides this engine if it DOES work what other parts would i need?

Again guys ive never built and engine or did a swap but I have nothing but time on my hands and I would like to see if im capable of doing so..I beleive I can and willing to find out even if it cost a little $$ but Im going to need some help (a lot of help lol) I think it would be fun.

 

[Bonnewagon]

I have a soft spot for Buick's and have had a few. Lots of grunt with low weight but parts are hard to come by. It would be best to get a 4 barrel version right off as the manifold won't be easy to find. Also be sure to get the original carb, distributor, exhaust manifolds, air cleaner,as all will be hard to find. Anything before 71' will be high compression and a pain to deal with. Models around 74' had AIR ports that can be plugged up. As far as a rebuild, besides the usual rings and stuff, the best thing is to add fully grooved main bearings, and a high volume oil pump kit, as oiling is the Buick's weakness. A 350 will make loads of torque, stock, and I always like seeing the same brand motor as the car but that's just me.

 

[v2vera]

According to this seller the engine has been pulled complete with original carb, distributor, exhaust manifolds, air cleaner, I will call tomorow to see if they have a 4 barrel. If they do what else would I need to do the swap. I want to keep the A/C as I live in phoenix and it gets mighty hot for this CA boy lol. This will be a daily driver so I wont be punishing the engine.. Thats another thing.. Will I need to swap the transmission/rear end? I am a virgin to builds so I know that I will run into snags so I have made sure I have another car to drive while I work on this, so I want to make sure that I have everything I need parts and everything.. Time is not an issue so I can have this car parked while I get parts and work done. Besides the engine what other parts will I need? Will my mounts work for this swap?

 

[dogsht]

Had a buddy with a 350 Buick strong torquey engine and light. It always ran good and had a ton of miles on it. http://www.v8buick.com has a section specific to putting Buick V8s into gbodys. Naturally mostly the 455. Good help and info there on the Buick engines and very helpful group in general. Parts engines etc for sale on that board and links / ads for Buick dedicated vendors. For basic rebuild kits at reasonable prices check out http://www.northernautoparts.com.
Also some hot rod Buick vendors
http://www.taperformance.com
http://www.trishieldperformance.com
http://www.automachperf.com

You might do a basic rebuild yourself from Northerautoparts parts but add a cam/lifter/spring kit from one of the vendors. The vendors would also give great dos & donts advice. Oh yea check out the crate 350s on automotive & machine's site it has parts listing and machine work & pictures. The Buick 350 is not the high winder that the chev & Olds 350s can be but its light & durable and makes its torque in the rpm range that you drive it. Its really a great lil street engine thats under appreciated. None the less I have seen 350HP pump gas Buick 350s. But I would imagine it took some head porting to do it.

 

[Bonnewagon]

If your trans has the BOP bolt pattern, or dual pattern, then it will pop right in. I think the buick 3.8 V-6 motor mounts are the same as the Buick V-8. Your rear will be fine as long as you respect it. As stated, the Buick 350 makes it's power at low rpm's that are ideal on a street car. I had a 3800lb 68' LeSabre with a 74' 350 in it and it was a ball to drive. For a pure stock street car, don't sweat a 4 barrel, the 2GC is a capable unit and I may have my original 74' somewhere you can have.

 

[heavy d]

dogshit is right, the V8buick site is your answer. You can probably find a good running 350 from someone on that board really cheap (all things considered) Theres several guys from the valley on the site, and thats where TA Performance is located. Go to the V8 Regal section of the board there, you"ll find all your answers. Good luck and its cool your keeping it all Buick 8)