So, when I go to replace engine parts not otherwise listed specifically for a buick 350 - are they the same as their chevy counterparts? Now remember you're talking to a Mopar guy so you have to keep it in simple terms (lol)... Basic plan is to replace the water, fuel and oil pumps, and timing chain. Motor is a stock 350-2bbl with 112k miles, runs like a top and makes me wonder if I should touch anything until I have to... Nice change from my '68 charger which seems to spit parts just to annoy me.... What about intakes? Thought about replacing the 2bbl with a streetable 4bbl set up but are the head ports any different between factory 2 and 4 bbl motors? Are they also a chevy item? To do the intake swap, will I need a different throttle cable? many thanks for the great advice so far!
Completely different animals. None of the mechanical bits are the same. Some of the minor parts like PCV valves, etc. MIGHT interchange, but even those are most likely different as well. Heads are the same on the 2bl and 4bl I believe, so intake swapping should not be a problem. Just be careful about swapping parts from 68-69, 70-73, and 74-up 350's. There are some pretty major mechanical differences, like oiling, rods, etc. Others can say more I'm sure.........
As stated earlier no mechanical parts interchange between Buick and Chevy 350's. The ports in the head between 2 bbl's and 4 bbl's are exactly the same but you'll need a Buick 350 specific intake manifold which limits you to factory cast iron, or aftermarket aluminum ones which are made by TA Performance or Poston's.
Are you looking to do a basic rebuild or are you going for a power upgrade? Basic complete master rebuild kits are still available from some parts suppliers for about $350. All other parts are around too. Shop around or ask on the board to find specific deals on parts. Good Luck! :3gears:
Well, the motor runs extremely well - no indications a rebuild is in order so I basically wanted to replace the 2bbl with a 4bbl, replace the timing chain and pumps - just your basic external freshening.. I'm in the Tampa area and have a few speed shops in the area I can visit but I'll also keep my eyes open around the site. thanks for the good info!
Not much chance your local speed shop will have any Buick 350 specific parts. Your best bet for new stuff is www.taperformance.com or www.postonbuick.com
Hey 70sgeek- [feel funny calling you that, first name would be nice] If you have spent much time wrenching on a BB mopar, your going to feel right at home with a 350 buick. Your going to be surprised just how simmilar the two designs are. To be perfectly honest with you, I dont think there's any need to tear into it unless your planning a cross country run, or if the engine feels old for some reason. I personally ran a sbb 250k miles with nothing more than regular maintenance. Just go with the flow and enjoy your ride.
guess I missed the name line on the registration page - name's Scott. 70sgeek's the perfect profile for me - grew up on 70's music and cars.... I'll update the profile so my name shows - and I'll check out the webs. thanks again for the great info - I have pics but need to figure out how to resize them to fit.
