CaliWagon83's Consolidated Question/Tech/Update thread

[Clone TIE Pilot]

The block is pretty much the same other than the turbo oil holes. It is not uncommon for the turbo Buick guys to replace blown turbo blocks with cheaper n/a blocks and drill and tap oil holes.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

I think Cali frowns on non OEM swaps because its more difficult to determine if its legal, ie putting a Ford motor into a GM car.

 

[CaliWagon83]

UNGN...Ugh. Tell me about it. California’s rules are ridiculously strict. I went to college out-of-state and have family that live outside the state, but much of my family and all of my wife’s family is out here. I would be open to moving, but don’t know when that might happen.

 

[CaliWagon83]

These are the literal rules from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). https://www.bar.ca.gov/Industry/Engine_Change_Guidelines.html

I don’t see anywhere in these rules where it prohibits or discourages swaps between brands or makes. Theoretically it seems like it would be easier to stay within the GM family, but when you’re potentially talking 30+ years difference between the engine and vehicle, I don’t know how much of an advantage it really is.

 

[CaliWagon83]

Yeah, I realize it won't go all the way down, which I'm fine with. Even if it opened halfway, I'd be willing to do it. By the looks of things, it looks like the rear glass in the Aero models is completely fixed. Mine has the power vent windows, which are better than nothing, I suppose.

 

[CaliWagon83]

Hi all. I'm wondering if any of you have any idea if there are any companies that manufacture replacement foam dash pads for G-bodies, in my case, the '78-'87 Century/Regal specifically. The closest thing I've found is a hard plastic overlay from Classic Industries.

Unless you know otherwise, it seems like when the original/NOS foam pieces are gone, they're gone. Thankfully, the one I have is in pretty good shape, but I feel bad for those that aren't.

 

[fleming442]

My thought was to try to adapt some regulators off a small 4 door pickup (Colorado). Maybe a project for the spring...

 

[Longroof79]

Other than finding a good original dash, your only other options are, like you said, a dashcap, or sending your dash out to Just Dashes to be re-skinned. Re-skinning your dash is going to be pricey. I just want to give you a heads-up. http://www.justdashes.com/

 

[Ribbedroof]

Gonna be a lot of work for 3" of travel. Glass extends forward of inner door shell structure.

 

[HAFROD]

I sent for a quote to justdashes on a monte carlo dash. When they reply, I'll post it back here