>>Don't Want To Get Snowballed<<

[pontiacgp]

That sounds like a good plan.

x2, you can't go wrong with a crate

 

[tk76]

I have been an auto tech for over 16 years, from my expirence most shops are around $80 hr for labor. A factory eng. R&R calles for 10-12 hrs if I remember right(its been 8 years since I've done one at a shop) so right there is $800-$1000. Now because you want something swapped on a classic car they may just tell you it takes what it takes. Then you still have the price of the engine. Also if you supply the engine you get no warranty. Also from expirence if you mark wires and take your time an engine swap can be as easy as doing brakes. Just do your reading and check out some videos good luck with what ever route you take.

 

[deanlemans81]

All of the above X2. Just remember to plan it out ahead of time. What the final goal is, how you expect to drive it and so on. Sometimes projects get really expensive when the initial plan derails and parts you purchased no longer match the plan and have to be sold/replaced. You can do this. 😀
deanlemans81

 

[B1tchin'-Buick]

My Ole' Lady is behind me 100% whatever I decide. >> It's so easy to talk Smack now! What's actually gonna' happen when that refund is zapped into our bank account. Will I be overly responsible like I am all the time. Or will I do something for myself for a change?

I will start up a thread early March if I grow a set of balls......

Can we kill this thread now? My brain is gonna' blow up........ Need more beer... Damnit not noon yet....

<Mike>

 

[B1tchin'-Buick]

Thanks to All.......... Will do Dean, thanks

 

[Bar50]

I would consider buying a whole car, like say from a tow in auction,or say, used from the newspaper or craigslist.

Follow me, give say $1000-1500 for old Betsy the 1976 Buick Electra 225 (you can find them for less, but, its for you right!?!). She may have 75,000 or even 175,000 (so would an LSx motor). Remove the engine, transmission, drive shaft, radiator, everything. Sell the rest to the scrap yard, *ss right now scrap car bodies are selling for $265 a ton, so figure at least one ton or more in weight/money.

Now you have a 455 (7.5 liter) v8 that will run on pump gas. It has the strongest transmission known to mankind TH400. Brackets, belts, radiator hoses, starter, fan & clutch, pulleys, exhaust manifolds, throttle cable and linkage, a/c compressor and such, etc.

If you did nothing more than slap it into the Regal, I know its only rated at like 200 or 240 horsepower, but, it was always rated around 450-500 lb-ft of torque. I mean, it was designed to effortlessly hurl cars big enough to build elementary schools in the trunk of. It will be a learning experience, start on the tank first. Then your Regal goes under the knife. Remove the 3.8 and 200/250Metric trans. Clean, degrease, scrub, car wash, clean some more. Then paint. Add some frame stands, either from TA Performance or use the ones form the donor. The 455 will bolt to the 3.8 transmission, I have done that too ensure the motor was in its proper place. Any V8 swap will require front springs before too long, tackle it after you feel good about the big block transplant.

Now, you have gained the mechanical experience and confidence.

Same goes for a SBC (Chevy) swap. All the little things add up, new crate motors are sweet, no intake manifold, harmonic balancer, carb, distributor, exhaust manifolds or headers, starter, brackets, and a whole bunch of stuffs!!! Don't forget van or trucks for donors.

The beauty of the A/G Body is they are GM and almost everything bolts right in! Olds, Poncho, Big Chevy, Small Chevy....
The Buick 350 is a direct plug in, a/c box it tight on passenger valve cover. It sits on the 3.8 mounts, uses all the 3.8 brackets and stuff. My point is the same money you sped to rebuild or enhance the 350 Buick would be spent on a 455 with a greater power return on investment.

 

[All Motor Boys]

I had a mid 70s(smog years) 455 in buick regal in my opinion it wasnt worth the effort but made a great burn out machine

 

[RegalBegal]

I would consider buying a whole car, like say from a tow in auction,or say, used from the newspaper or craigslist.

Follow me, give say $1000-1500 for old Betsy the 1976 Buick Electra 225 (you can find them for less, but, its for you right!?!). She may have 75,000 or even 175,000 (so would an LSx motor). Remove the engine, transmission, drive shaft, radiator, everything. Sell the rest to the scrap yard, *ss right now scrap car bodies are selling for $265 a ton, so figure at least one ton or more in weight/money.

Now you have a 455 (7.5 liter) v8 that will run on pump gas. It has the strongest transmission known to mankind TH400. Brackets, belts, radiator hoses, starter, fan & clutch, pulleys, exhaust manifolds, throttle cable and linkage, a/c compressor and such, etc.

It's been a while since I chimed in but this is right up my alley. Go the 455 donor car route. Also, all the 3.8 accessories will bolt up. Without a doubt, my Regal is the most enjoyable car I've ever built. I will say this, stay away from the 75-76 455. super low compression heads. You would do much better with a 71-74.

 

[Bar50]

I had a mid 70s(smog years) 455 in buick regal in my opinion it wasnt worth the effort but made a great burn out machine

'nuff said, plus the torque monster does not mind if the car has really high rear end gears!

Looking good!

 

[Bonnewagon]

Now THAT is a BAD *ss BUICK!