hi folks, I was a happy camper with a Buick 350 in a 1968 Jeep Wagoneer , until recently when I could no longer stand the rough idle and some rattle that was getting louder by the day. The compression check revealed the best of 130psi, and the worst cylinder barely cranked out 70. Off went the heads - one had a crack in it, another - two. Pulling the lifters revealed that the cam's all but gone, and I haven't even gotten to the knocking noise yet. So... Before I rebuild my motor, I'd love to get a junker - what years Buick engines (or, say, Olds/Pontiac/Caddy) will bolt on? Jeepers stick with BOP(C) pattern legend, but I know that the distributor went from the front to the rear at some point - so the blocks did change. I'd appreciate any help,
Peter, The Buick 350 was made from 1968-78 or 79. The distributor was always in the front, and the blocks are the same. That would be your easiest swap. It shouldn't be hard to find a good one for cheap. The only real difference was the heads. Later years had a few more cc's for less compression, and the pistons had deeper dishes which also lowered compression. The best 350's were the hi compression ones from 68-70. They were rated at 10.25:1 and made anywhere between 280-315 HP. and 375-410 lb ft of torque. All Buick 350's were identified with a two letter code, stamped on the deck surface, between the #1 and #3 sparkplugs and the exhaust manifold. You may have to clean the area to see the stampings. The hi compression motor was PP in 1968, RP in 1969, and SP in 1970. The 1971 350 had 9:1(TB, TD, TC, TO), after that the compression drops off to 8.5:1 and lower, along with added pollution devices. Happy hunting!
Thanks very much, Larry! FWIW, I believe the 350 used in full size Jeeps is detuned - the nominal compression ratio is 8.5:1. Which Buick cars should I be looking for?
Peter, Here is my PO code 1968 350. I am unsure of the rebuild. Stock 2bbl PO motors had 230HP and 350Tq. 9.0 compression John http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...&category=33615&sspagename=STRK:MESSE:IT&rd=1
John, what is your reserve? For $500, I'd take it off your hands in a hurry. Any way to fit it in the back of a LR Discovery? Or I could look into renting a pickup truck. Give me a call - 619 840 0612 cell
hi all, I am happy to report that I now have a great 350 from a 72 Le Sabre, topped with well-tuned Quadrajet, in my '68. Drove it around the block yesterday - pulls like a train! So far, it's been a fastest, cleanest, and easiest engine swap I've ever attempted. The engine, choke full of dealer new parts, complete with all accessories, cost me $232. Unbelievable... Thank you all for your inputs,
I'm still amazed myself. I gambled as much as not even pulling the valve covers and oil pan! The engine looked as if it had all TLC in the world, with no expense spared.
Hey Peter, That is great news. Sure am glad I did not close my ebay auction when you said you would buy my engine. Just think, I would still have my motor instead of selling it on ebay. :moonu: John
John, If I asked you to call the auction off, I would have paid you for the motor, regardless of whatever else happened. I called you as soon as I found the engine locally, wonder if the message was ever passed on. Also, even before I decided to buy this engine locally, I've checked to make sure the auction was still in progress. Peter
Okay, No idea who you talked to. It would have been nice to hear it in person or at least an email. Forget about it. Good luck with your motor. John
