I want to install a 455 engine in my 83 regal. I have a 231 in my regal now. Which mounts should I use what transmission would be best and what rear end for a more streetable application. Im having the engine built with about 440 horse and 560 pound ft . I realy want too know the details in full what it takes to make it possible.It . See i live in an area dominated by chevy and ford and cant stand it. I'd like to show what buick is all about and put these guys in there place. Id would like a couple of different variations and maybe even some chicagoland locations of some places to have some work done. Thanks for the help in advance it is much appreciated.
You came to the right place! ...well ALMOST to the right place.. the forum you want is right here. Basically you want to order a set of frame pads from TA performance, PAE, or Postons. The next step is to level and center the engine/tranmission in the car. Use the carb mounting plate as a source for true level. The failing with a Regal 455 is going to be the rear end. Once you get the Buick in you'll want to go to a 3.42 gear, a tall tire (235/50 minimum IMO) and some airbags to keep all the torque on the ground. What you want is very do-able for under 4k. Take a look around the "Regals" forum and we'll try to answer some of your questions.
The first time I did it I spent a week of evenings and a couple weekends. Expect to spend about 40 hours the first time. The roadblocks are the heaterbox mods (not neded if you have A/C), getting a new exhaust, and then re-working your wiring. If the engine is running and ready to go, you have a good shop crane etc, then your costs are minimal: Pads: $60 Mounts (HIGHLY reccomended): $40 1976 Valve covers: $10-30 Modified heater box: 2-10 hours, $10-50 Electrical supplies: $10-20 depending on the car + all the usual stuff...fluids etc. If the engines's straight from the wrecker then there's a couple other things you can't go wrong with: John Osborne carb rebuild: $250 75-76 HEI rebuild: $50
Marriage 445/Regal Just looked at your thread from June 04. Hows the project going? I thought you might want to see what it looks like once the marriage is complete. When they asked me; how did you get all of that in there? I just say I greased the edges and slide it in. Weekender :TU:
hey guys, now that's a sweet install. i too am doing the same swap and i have the frame mounts but i need to find out location of the pads for g body on frame. :beer
I dont remember You know I recall having the same question, there are a lot of holes to choose from right? I believe I bolted the mounts and frame pads to the engine and did a test drop to see which ones worked. Poston's doesn't give you a template I recall. There are several other challenges this install generates so when you run into them, just ask. Rear cross member - depending on the tranny you select with long tube headers and dump extension caused me a bit of a challenge. I have a 9" F*** rearend from a Lincoln Versailles which added more even challenge to this issue. If you keep with a GN rearend you will have fewer problems. This is recommended unless your patience quotient higher than normal. :laugh: Good luck! Weekender :TU:
I have a gn rear with 3.42's for sale and motor mounts in the parting out regal thread. thanks Dustin
i'm thinking about doing the same swap with my 79 regal my buddys selling his 64 elcectra that has a 455 in it....what else could i use in that car and what else would i need to buy? i already have pretty big tires on my car front tires: Cooper Cobras 215/65 15 radials rear tires: Cooper Cobras 225/70 15 radials have no AC and regular pump brakes(not power assisted)
Hijacking not intended Weekender, what is the source of the cool fan shroud??? Awsome looking engine compartment! Thanks, George
ah my fault its a 74 " 225 duece and a quarter"...if that makes any difference engine wise..if not then it was a swap lol
455 in regal help?? Hi! Just got to your quote today. Your questions depend on whats in the regal now. No matter what the current engine (mine was a v-6), you need a set of front motor mounts check Poston's catalogue. Radiator? 2 core won't work unless aluminum. Rear cross member. Stock exhaust manifolds I think will work, I used headers. It is easier w/o air and p/brakes. Front springs (if V-6 currently). If you don't have a posi rearend, goodby Coopers! My install as you can see is complete with everything you can stuff in the engine compartment and it fit with out destroying the core vehicle. Hope this has been some help. Weekensder :TU:
Fan shroud issue George The fans shoud came from a 83 Regal with a 350 Olds, I think. I cut the shroud half way down the side and installed alignment fittings so halves could be reinstalled with ease after serving the engine with a w/p fan application. It fit in the 78 Regal like glove and increased cooling at an idle dramtically. Weekender :TU:
yea, mine has a 3.8 v6 came with the turbo hood though..so atleast i wont have to cut the stock one or buy a cowl hood... ah thats sweet...gun metal? goodbye coopers? i probly should call the guy up who sold this to me...i know he was selling a 455 with it...and few lil parts..
Just be careful guys. Maybe invest some money into a cage. I have know to many people who put a 455 Olds or Buick into them small bodied regals,gutlass and it didn't take long till they wraped it around a pole as a really light car and big power can get out of control real easy. Pluis there isn't as much steel in them between you and objects like older Buicks.
Cage response Thanks for the warning, but I have it covered. If you look closely at the pic of my Regal, the rear tubes are visable in the rear window. You are correct without proper suspension and adequate planning on safety issues these cars can become a death trap. Once I boxed the frame and added the ford nine inche rearend the weight is 3750lb dry, so it's not so light anymore. Weekender
