I just was given a 1975 Buick Electra Limited by my grandfather. It originally belonged to my Great Grandfather who bought it new. He drove the car very little, and it has been in a climate controlled barn for years. I want to take this car and restomod it. I have driven this car a few years ago and fondly remember its huge interior and ultra smooth ride. This car I've read puts out only 200hp , but came with a 455 v8, turbo 400 trans, and a 12 bolt rear end. I want this car to be a power cruiser, putting out at least 300hp and still be quite reliable. The car will never be raced, but it will be showed and used in poker runs and cruises. I just want a big comfortable car that rides like a cloud, is reliable enough to drive anywhere, and has enough power to pull itself around. I am new to buicks, big blocks, and cruisers, but I do have good mechanical abilities and have built a 67 mustang, and a 99 Dakota R/T Sport truck, a mud eating Z-71, along with a few hot rod bikes. Can anyone give me their opinions or suggestions where to start? thanks.:idea2:
I would give the engine a mild upgrade, with a set of pre '75 heads, and a mild cam. I love these big cars, and I think it would look so much better if the interior/exterior was left as stock (I hate big wheels, air bag suspensions,pavement scraping low rider cars) welcome to the forum too!!
I got 2 I tell you to put a edelbrock intake along with a set of headers with dual pipes all the way back remove cat and other (dont cut them, but try to save them). earleir heads are good. maybe a trans cooler. check for rust under viynl top and inside trunk lip and bottom fenders leaves twigs dirt get there sit and rot. get an acid free batt such as optima red top to save batt box lastly tint windows to preserve interior from sun not 2 daark that you get a ticket thou. ps be careful around the rear bumper fillers as they break easy
Thanks guys, I just got it Home yesterday. Car was sitting in the barn, hasn't ran in at least the last 4 years. Went put a new Battery in, new gas, some fuel system cleaner, new oil, new trans fluid. Dripped a little gas in the carb, got inside, turned the car over about three times, then Varoom!!! She was idling smooth and running nicely. :beers2: My grandfather looked at me and said, wow that was too easy. I drove it home over 90 miles, no problems. These are really good cars. I am privlaged to own one. I'll try to post some pics soon.
is it a 2 door or 4 door. ps watch out if someone says Ill buy the car from you. most likley its a derby guy. they have asked me a few times and I have told them the same answer "never".
Its a 4 door hard top, that is why I think it is so cool, having all the windows down cruising. Derbies are big where I live, but I wouldn't sell this car anyway it was my Great-Grandfathers. Stay tuned I will get some pics out. Does anyone know of some good places to get Buick parts, I really need some front door panels. Also, what are some good all around Heads for the 455. Thanks again.
The best heads for your car are the TA Performance alumnum stage 1 heads. www.TAperfromance.com. They will add more than 50 -100 hp depending on what else you do.
Thanks I just downloaded TA performances catalog, really high quality stuff it seems. Are the stock cam, intake and carb descent, or should I be looking for replacements.
the door panels crack cause people skin oil and they push on it to open door. what you can do(never tried it yet) is remove carpet on door and underneath is plastic that the door is covered in. maybe with a heat gun and glue you and form it to pit the arm rest ps both of mine are 4 doors they look better than 2 doors
Call TA and ask about what will work best with your combo. The stock cam , including those for a stage 1, were very mild. If you get them get the clean up machine work in order to get the best flow. Power is limited by the head flow no matter what else you do. There is a new set for sale on the Board now.
