Chevy 350 in a 1978 Buick Skylark?

[78'Skylark]

Hi guys,

I'm looking for some guidance on my project. I have 1978 Buick Skylark with a 231 v6. After I bought it, I had the transmission rebuilt and shortly after the engine began to knock. I have had no luck finding a Buick 350 but Chevy 350's are plentiful. So I am trying to save money and find a engine that will fit with the transmission with an adapter plate. I have some mechanics telling me the Buick trans(BOP 350th) will work with the Chevy 350 with an adapter plate while others say it won't work and the rear end and the trans would have to be changed. I'm trying to get a definitive answer before I waste money. Please help!!

 

[L67ss]

You can use your trans with an adapter but would be better of trading for a Chevy version. Rear end is fine. Get motor mounts for a 78 Malibu with a 305

 

[81Regal]

It's the upper 2 bolts on the bellhousing that is the difference, I have seen people leave out those bolts and use the bottom 4 bolts but that is not recommended.
If you didn't know the skylark is an x body not G body so parts for a nova would be a match. If you happen to find an Apollo or Omega that would work too.

 

[L67ss]

Top 4 bolt

 

[pontiacgp]

I like those Skylarks with the leaf rear suspension. If you are putting a Chevy 350 in it why not upgrade the transmission to a 200r4.

 

[pontiacgp]

It's the upper 2 bolts on the bellhousing that is the difference, I have seen people leave out those bolts and use the bottom 4 bolts but that is not recommended.
If you didn't know the skylark is an x body not G body so parts for a nova would be a match. If you happen to find an Apollo or Omega that would work too.

and a Pontiac Phoenix

 

[Bar50]

Have to use an adapter plate.

Use Chevy V8 frame aide mounts.

You will have to move the fuel line to the opposite side.


I have one with a 455 Buick and an M21 four speed transmission. Also, 68-up Nova and 67-69 Camaro rearends will be a direct swap. Your '78 has a 7.5 rearend just like a G-body. Most of the '70 up Nova cars (X-body) have an 8.5 until 75-ish.

 

[Bar50]

NOVA- Marketing: Nova Omega Ventura Appollo

Then all the names came.

Hey, you might consider asking the place that rebuilt your transmission how much it would cost to swap all your parts into a Chevy bolt pattern case?

 

[MrSony]

Check craigslist often or put an ad out on there. There are a few companies that sell reman 350 buicks for 2500. The 350 buick would hands down be the easiest swap.

 

[L67ss]

Check craigslist often or put an ad out on there. There are a few companies that sell reman 350 buicks for 2500. The 350 buick would hands down be the easiest swap.

Direct swap