Swap buick 3.8 for SBO 350 HELP!!!!

[huhsnare]

Hey Gbody family. I have an 85 Regal limited and an 85 Cutlass supreme Brougham. Sad to say but i am having a baby and i don't have enough room in the family for both of my cars. Ive had the cutlass for almost 6 years and the regal for 1 1/2. the Regal is in WAAAAAYYYYY better shape than my olds so im thinking about swapping the engines and selling the cutlass with the 3.8. Ive already bought 72 7a heads and various other parts in preparation to rebuild the Rocket. They both have the same transmissions. What all do i need to look for when it comes to swapping these engines.

 

[DoubleV]

This topic has been discussed in detail before but since you already have a complete doner car then you really already have everything you need. Just take everything from one car and put it in the other. No secrets that I'm aware off. No specialized knowledge or tools required. Just 'move sh*t from here to there' is all that's needed.

 

[huhsnare]

LOL ok i was hoping so. im just ready to get my hands dirty now

 

[bill]

If the 350 was installed properly and everything works/looks as it should....I would agree with Double V and say your in luck....just remember that the 3.8 has the starter and fuel pump opposite of the 350. So, the wiring of the battery from the passenger side will be more difficult unless you move it to the drivers side, which is rather simple. The fuel lines need to be routed to the passenger side, which can be done the right way, or the wrong way...your call... :wink:

 

[Dragonist]

Or you could be hardcore, and swap bodies... :lol:

 

[huhsnare]

Or you could be hardcore, and swap bodies... :lol:

lol i wish!!! imma miss my cutty. she treated me right for almost 6 years but i'd rather sell it and let somebody put the money into that can get it right

 

[huhsnare]

If the 350 was installed properly and everything works/looks as it should....I would agree with Double V and say your in luck....just remember that the 3.8 has the starter and fuel pump opposite of the 350. So, the wiring of the battery from the passenger side will be more difficult unless you move it to the drivers side, which is rather simple. The fuel lines need to be routed to the passenger side, which can be done the right way, or the wrong way...your call... :wink:

the crazy thing is the person who swapped the engine into my cutlass initially never switched the battery so both are on the same side of the car but ill switch it once i do the swap. im going to do the fuel lines and snatch out all of the computer crap once i get the engine out of the car. im shooting for the end of this year to have everything done. The heads are already at the machine shop now. once i get those paid off im going to go ahead and snatch out the block and let them re balance the crank and go through the block

 

[huhsnare]

so far as far as parts go i already have a running 79 350 rocket, 2 quadrajets, cloyes double roller, lunati voodoo 213/219 cam and lifter kit, Lunati matching valve spring kit, '72 7a heads (with work done on valve seats, slightly bigger valves, exhaust bump removed, middle divider welded in) and a performer rpm. still have parts to buy but it feels good to have it coming together.

 

[bill]

sounds like a good build plan...just take your time...dont rush it....the urges to get it done can conflict with quality if you dont watch out....lol.
Good luck...keep us posted on the progress!