Here are a few considerations to make about engine weight where Buicks are concerned.
The 455 is 100 pounds lighter than the sbc, stock for stock. Buick engine blocks from the second generation engine platform (not the old nailhead stuff) were all built on lighter castings for the block. I saw the numbers for this demonstrated in a HOT ROD mag from way back where the guy built himself an 11 second 87 Trans Am. He junked the TPI 305 and installed a mostly stock 455 Buick. His front end actually came up a little!
The 350 Buick is almost the same weight as the 455, maybe 25 pounds different. I know this from my engine swapping past. No special springs are needed when swapping around Buick Stuff.
The 3.8 from our G-bodies is based on the older 300-340 Buick casting, not the 350. So, in addition to the front two cylinders, the 350 also has a wider intake manifold and taller deck height. The narrower intake and shorter deck height of the Buick V6 means less weight as well.
You should be in the 150 pound range stock for stock easily (probably more like 200) on your chevy swap. Now, after you add in your aluminum? I wouldn't know. Did you notice much of a drop in your front suspension when you installed your V8? Maybe not if the springs were already worn. I know that when I remove a Buick V6 and replace it with a small block Buick, I only have the slightest of a drop and I usually wanted that anyway. When I have done sbc swaps, I usually had to replace the springs due to the extra weight.
My guess is 200 pounds difference.
The 455 is 100 pounds lighter than the sbc, stock for stock. Buick engine blocks from the second generation engine platform (not the old nailhead stuff) were all built on lighter castings for the block. I saw the numbers for this demonstrated in a HOT ROD mag from way back where the guy built himself an 11 second 87 Trans Am. He junked the TPI 305 and installed a mostly stock 455 Buick. His front end actually came up a little!
The 350 Buick is almost the same weight as the 455, maybe 25 pounds different. I know this from my engine swapping past. No special springs are needed when swapping around Buick Stuff.
The 3.8 from our G-bodies is based on the older 300-340 Buick casting, not the 350. So, in addition to the front two cylinders, the 350 also has a wider intake manifold and taller deck height. The narrower intake and shorter deck height of the Buick V6 means less weight as well.
You should be in the 150 pound range stock for stock easily (probably more like 200) on your chevy swap. Now, after you add in your aluminum? I wouldn't know. Did you notice much of a drop in your front suspension when you installed your V8? Maybe not if the springs were already worn. I know that when I remove a Buick V6 and replace it with a small block Buick, I only have the slightest of a drop and I usually wanted that anyway. When I have done sbc swaps, I usually had to replace the springs due to the extra weight.
My guess is 200 pounds difference.
