hello guys, i havent been on here for quite awhile...last time i was on there was lots of encouragement and answers that i really appricaite as i am trying to get me a good buick 350 drivetrain together for my 84 stock v6 regal.... ok so i have sitting in my garage (according to the numbers) a buick 5.7 350 4bbl w/tranny (1972-81), the heads casting numbers came back as (1975-76). engine and tranny are both in junk yard condition, but is complete, everything but the carb....now researching the net on a 1975 buick 350, its telling me i only have about 115 hp!? is this something i want to not use and locate me a 68-69 buick 350? i am not trying to build a race car but a very capable regal, i know i can have the engine bored over and cam and all that, but do you think i would be better off with a factory spec'd 68?....any input would be greatly appriciated!
There are many here with much more knowledge than me but I will try and answer your questions. Yes the older motors were more powerful. What is your budget? Are you looking to rebuild a Buick 350 or are you looking for a crate motor? A rebuilt 350 with some advice from some of the members on this forum can produce some very satisfying results. Try posting your questions in the small block tech. section. More importantly READ as much as you can in that section, especially "Doc's cheap tricks". Good luck!
Welcome, your best bet is to find a set of 68-73 Buick 350 heads and have them ported then add them to your current engine. There is nothing wrong with your engine except the heads are pretty weak compared to the early ones. The later engines like yours are a bit lower comrpession however that is good if you wan to run regular grade fuel. if you want to run premium then have the heads milled to up the compression and use TA adjustable pushrods. Here is my stock low compression 73 Buick 350 with single 3" exhaust: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GljRr5PauLI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbiqdPVLpnE&list=UU50zHEXJUfJ6pJM9zuQA1QQ&index=4&feature=plcp This engine was bone stock, no head porting, stock cam, no headers. Just a tune up and cut off exhaust.
thanks for reply lee! i will poke around where you suggested and as far as budget? havent really thought about it, the car does run well now, just not enough go...and i am just going to approach this slowly becuase i do want to do it right. i have got a price of 1500$ on a rebuild from a reputable performance engine shop here in san antonio.... -Adrian
lmao i dont know about the 115 ho rating...lowest rating i know of for a 2bbl 8.5 comp engine was 155hp and for 4bbl version is was a 175hp engine. I put in a low comp 73 engine in my 72 lark and the thing is still fun i'm sure you'll be happy with that engine. if your worried about performance slapp on a 4bbl intake/carb a ta212 or ta284 cam. gears from 3.08 to 3.42 is a good range along with a 2600rpm stall
sean, thats plenty of what i am looking for man! i will continue to learn whats what and will keep your advice in mind! thanks, i am glad to know that it looks like i will be good with some different heads... -adrian
Mike, yeah i got that 115hp on an internet search for 75 buick 350...i thought it sounded like what my 10 yr old rebuilt v6 might have...anyhow thanks for your input.. i was just worried that i had something sitting in my garage that was not what i thought it was (although it is needing total rebuild and all that comes with it). i will most likely see what it will run me for 68 heads vs the 75 heads i have...thanks for your reply! -adrian
Send a PM to Mark, he has lots of Buick 350 heads and his prices are very reasonable. Tell him you are looking for some 68-73 heads and he will help you out... Tell him Sean sent you and you will get an extra good price! http://www.v8buick.com/member.php?u=13537
Chat up Sean, Mark Burton, Jay Davenport, and the other turbo charged 350 guys....these guys are full of good advice, and more than willing to take time to chat with you ......keep it a turbo car.....twins
