V6 to V8 1984 regal

[ck80]

You likely have a buick/olds/pontiac non-overdrive transmission (TH200). Chevy uses a different block pattern - you'll also need to go transmission shopping...

Being a 1984, if you have a 4.1l v6 and not a 3.8v6 there's money in your existing engine. Also, most 4.1s had a 200-4r putting you ahead of the game, and, often a 3.08 axle. Those were populat ordering setups I've seen on cars I parted.

I'd recommend the search function on the board, the topic in general has been covered in depth a number of times.

You've got 3 options outside of bigblocks or exotic engine choices: do a buick/olds/Pontiac v8 swap. Engines will be used, more expensive to find, and parts are pricey. Of the three the buick 350 drops right in, uses the same accessories, and it's a question of radiator swap for better cooling and a decent engine. Go beyond stock and you need a stronger transmission. Go for beyond stock and rear axle becomes a weakness.

Second option is a SBC. Cheap to source, can buy new, but need to switch over almost everything in your engine bay from carb down and all new exhaust, etc. Transmission patterns different, so needs a swap at same time. Parts are cheap, but needs lots of them.

Third option is LS engine. Some like them, but many detest them. Lots of arguments over how expensive a swap needs to be, guys who fab their own parts from raw steel and built home made harnesses say they can do it cheap. Usually it's several thousand dollars and nothing in the car is reusable.

 

[Moreno84]

I found this place called Carolina machine engine they sell buick small block iron heads engine but im gonna do some research on them

 

[Moreno84]

You can get a drop in ready to run SBC engine of your choice of power levels and they come with a warranty, you will have to change the frame mounts but they are not hard to do.
I swapped out the oil burning 307 in my 86' Regal and built a 355 SBC for it,
View attachment 194509Where did you get the engine from I seen some sbc 350 from summit but they seem like they didn't want to recommend the engine because I think they know all the motor mounts don't bolt on on the bottom.

 

[565bbchevy]

I bought a rebuilt short block and installed aluminum heads, roller cam etc. the more work you can do on your own the less expensive it will be.
Summit has everything from short blocks to ready to run engines with all the accessories, it all depends on your budget and power level goals and your mechanical ability.

 

[MrSony]

Having done the buick 350 swap, literally the hardest part is finding one. Buick engines have the distributor in the front, big aluminum timing cover, and oil filter on the passenger side of that cover. The only easier swap would be putting another v6 in. Look around for any buick from 1970-1980 with a v8. skylarks, regals, century's, lesabres, electras, etc. look for the ugly 4 door cars, and ask to buy the engine.
with the buick 350, literally everything bolted to the front of the v6 will swap over. use an aluminum radiator and 4th gen f body electric fans fir cooling. the sbb is shorter front to back and youd need a spacer to get the fan in the shroud if using a mechanical fan. eventually you will crack the nose off the water pump.

if you go sbc, youll need a new transmission (which i suggest you get anyway, teh th200c you probably have if it's a 3 speed wont hold up to a v8) with the chevrolet bolt pattern, youll need sbc frame and motor mounts, and everything that bolts to the engine accessory wise.

 

[350Regal]

I did the Buick 350 swap in mine, I like it but I hate it. I like the fact it's a Buick in Buick BUT parts can get expensive and limited. I think if your on a budget the Chevy is the way to go. Yes you will need to alter stuff and get different trans. But part availability and pricing I think will balance it back out. TA Performance is a Buick performance place. In my opinion figure an amount your willing to spend and do some homework. Josh

 

[350Regal]

Older pics of my Buick swap but you got the idea

 

[MrSony]

Yeah the one downside to a buick is the lack of aftermarket support. TA is your only option for intakes and heads, but any standard aftermarket parts supplier can give you stuff like cams, water pumps, bearings, etc.

 

[Tim & sleek]

Was wondering If anyone had any advice on putting a sbc 350 into a 1984 regal. What modifications do I have to do. Can I just get a fully dressed ready to go engine to drop in there. Seen some at Summit racing .com

I took the V6 out of my 81 and then put a sbc in it A couple of things I did change was the towers on the frame for the motor mounts the wire harness for the v6 will work but you have to cut it up. Any G body that has a V8 has a wire harness one bolt takes it out and I change my front Springs for the weight difference to keep my front end from dragging it's bumper