Here is the situation, i just got a 64 buick special and it has the 225 V6 in it. it needs a good cleaning...maybe even going through it. I hae a friend who might trade me a 64 300 v8 from his skylark, it ran great when he took it out. the last choice is to find a newer drive train out of a camaro/firebird...the 3.8 liter with the tranny(5speed) from a local junk yard for about 900 bucks. the 225 would be cool just because its original, the 300 would be nice because its a V8 but parts are not widely available, the newer series II 3.8 would be great for mpg and easy to get new parts for them. what do you guys think? there will be lots of time and later there will be lots of money, and it will be my daily driver but i want something i could make faster if i want to as well... thanks daniel duncan
I don't know how hard it would be due to computer wiring, but that newer 3800 would be sweet! It would make more power than the 300 or 225, and get better MPG.
this is what i was thinking too, but i figured it would bolt in just fine, the trouble would be to hooking up all the electronics...luckly i have a few friends that are electrical engineer's....so who knows...the more i think the more i like it... thanks daniel
I'm sure it depends on the year, but aren't those newer 3800 V6's rated at 190 or 200 hp. When you consider the gross to net conversion and add an extra 30 years of wear, I think the V-6 wouldn't be too bad against a 300. I'm not necessarily saying the v-6 would be faster, but I don't think it would be embarassed. And there are other perks to injection besides fuel economy. Plus, if 200 hp isn't enough, you could look around for a blower and all the related accessories (assuming they'll fit your year engine) and you'll have 240 hp and 280 ft-lbs of torque.
If I just completely rewired the fuse box and computer control module in a Nissan, you can wire up the 3800! I still think the whole turbo 3.8/200R4/8.5 10 bolt is one of my favorite combinations to be seen in a 64-65 Skylark/GS, but a 3800 would work :grin:
The problem here is that the 3800 series II engine is a front wheel driver, which means the only tranny that will bolt to it will be a front wheel drive unit. Jim Burek
300 or 225 or 231 Daniel; If you're want an easy to work on street engine, the 300 is an easy swap. My '64 was originally equipped with the 225. It now has a 300. Parts are really easy to come by once you start looking in the right places. Lots o' guys on this board have built them and can direct you to the right places. Only one catch, the 1964 300 is unique to that model year. So there are some unique parts like the pushrods. Heavy duty replacements are available from Smith Brothers or Kenne-Bell. I'm certain there are other sources. Pistons, cams, roller timing sets, ignitions, carbs, bearings, rings, pumps, torque converters, etc. are plentiful. Plus, we hear that Poston Enterprises is going to reintroduce their header package this summer. The ST300 transmission is adequate for a street variety 300, however, if you have the option, a TH350 is a much better route to go. Another easy swap is the Buick 350, which has even more plentiful parts sources. The chassis mounts are virtually the same as the 255 and 300. Plus, companies like T/A and Poston have aluminum 4-barrel intake manifolds for it. We hear that aluminum heads are being designed as well. I wouldn't consider keeping the ST300 behind the 350, unless the engine was either a 2-barrel version or a completely stock 4-barrel version with a high-gear rear end. The TH350 or even a four-speed automatic would be safer and give you much better performance. But that's just my opinion.
3.8 camaro or firebird v6 i believe the series II v6 is a front drive block and the dimensions have changed so i dont think it would be a direct bolt in to the v6 mounts in it.but if you go with the 300 i seen a fuel injection setup on ebay from a rover which could work on there and give more power and economy and add a 200 4r trans would be nice.not sure of the trans bolt pattern on the 300 thou. should be the same. maybe a nice 84 4.1 liter v6(same as 3.8 just bigger) with a 2004r which most of those motors had on them anyways . lot of options to try good luck let us know what you pick. andy
well the late model camaro's and firebirds do come with a 3800 series II in them, but not the supercharged version which is only available in the front-wheel drive cars. but if the block and mounts have changed since the last 3.8 then it would make it mosre trouble than its worth i think. land rover injection really work on the 300? has anyone here on the board tried it yet? i would like to see how easy that would be. Thanks daniel
I would grab an el cheapo buick 350 for it and toss it in. Theyre not hard to find and they sure are cheap, i got one for free once. ________ Web shows
STICK WITH THE OLD ENGINES I SAY STICK WITH THE OLD MOTOR THEY R SO SIMPLE TO WORK ON AND IF BUILT UP RIGHT THEY KICK ANY OTHER CARS A#%
well it seems i might be keeping with the 350...but in the 71 gs...i was thinking about selling it, but i think i will just try to find someone who wants a really cheap 64 4door....any takers? :grin: daniel
