77 Buick Electra Engine Swap

Hi all, i was just wondering if it would be difficult to replace my 77 Electras 403 Olds engine with a 350 Chevy one from a Camaro. Would the transmission bolt up correctly? Would I have to change the mounts? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

I know its generallt frowned upon to make a "bastard" car like that but I have the car and engine, just need some opinions before I try to jam It in there blindly. Would a 350 Buick engine bolt up to the 403 Olds trnsmission I have?

 

I see, the idea was to lighten the gas bill, considering this is my first car and all. Would the buick 350's wiring and such be generally similar?

 

Oh No You Didn't

I see you're a new guy. There are many knowledgable and friendly people on this board. But, before you get :rant: Hammered by someone. PLEASE speak Buick- O.K. We'll help you swap any Buick into your Buick but try not to use the C word :blast: (chevy) :moonu: around here. Welcome and good hunting!

 

How about a 231? It would be good on gas. Maybe one of the Regal guys has upgraded and has one pulled ready to go? Just a thought...Tim

 

It was just for the sake of asking. If you didn't notice I've moved on since then, asking about the 350 buick engine. I just wanted to know if it was possible to use what I have. Atleast some knowledgable people here told me that it would be a difficult job. If you're not going to help me, then dont waste my or your own time speaking crap about chevy. Also If you didnt notice, they're made by the same company. Buick and chevy are a team. While many may agree Buick is the big brother of the 2, they're still family.

 

Would this 231 bolt in directly?? I'm just looking for a weekend swap here with minimal modifications. Also would the 231 pull around that car OK? It is pretty boatish...., lol.

 

Sorry for snapping there Tim. I was just making an attemp to utilize what I have. I would like to stay Buick If i can, And while the 350 might not be the way to go, it was just a thought.... Also keep in mind this is my first car. I'm 17 and the funds are limited. I also live in a small town in Canada so the local junkyards have nothing I'm looking for.

 

Reread. There was no bashing going on by me. Honest! It's just that I'm so slow at typing. By the time I post something I'm ten minutes late :laugh: Yeah the 231 is a slug but you mentioned gas mileage (Something we all need with these prices) so I threw that one in. A 350 Buick may be easier to swap than the Chevy with the right donor car since it is a Buick. Maybe an Olds 350 even easier? Just keep asking and help comes along :beer

 

I was originally thinking A buick 350 or an Olds (is there a difference??) Considering the 403 in it is an Olds anyway. Where would I be able to obtain a used motor, and what kind of price range are we talking here??

 

There's a tough part because you're in Canada and you've said there aren't many junkyards right? How about keeping the 403 and getting a 200r4 overdrive trans to swap in? May be cheaper but I don't know for sure. My friends Mom had a car like yours. After he was out of her sight... Man would that 403 with a 400 trans and Posi roast the white walls! :Brow:

 

There are lots of junkyards in Canada. I just live in a very rural area and the few junkyards around here generally just cube up the cars they get. :af:

 

The reason I really wanted to swap motors is beacause I fear the block may be cracked on my 403. Buicks seem to be infamous for this when they overheat. Which mine often does, parked.... Fluid levels are good, fan spins, belts seem ok, not great but ok. I guess I could just try to fix it a perrdy up the motor a bit. How would I be able to check if its cracked?? Would there be exhaust bubbles in the coolant if i looked down the rad?

 

Yeah I hear ya. The yards around here can be the same way. Scrap price goes up and all the good old heavy cars get munched! They don't want to wait around for someone to buy the small parts. But like I said earlier "Welcome and good hunting for what you need" :TU: Tim

 

Heres the skinny........ Your trans is fine right? Then just take out the 403 and put in a running Buick 350. You can find mounts that will work no problem. It will be an easy switch, trans will bolt up perfectly. Wiring should be no problem , just lengthening some wires if that. Otherwise find a site about cheby stuff..................

 

Mileage?

What mileage is your car getting currently? I assume you have calculated it for the past couple tanks. If its miserably low like 8 to 10 mpg then I suggest you find out what is wrong that causing her to drink fuel. www.Oldspower.com and www.realoldspower.com would be two boards where you could find competant people to help you diagnose any problems with your 403. Your car is heavy and the large cube low rpm torque motor is about as ideally suited for getting the best combination of power & mileage for moving that car that you will find.

My thoughts are that you are talking about spending big money and work to save maybe two miles to the gallon. Assuming both motors are healthy and have a healthy transmission & proper gearing. You would likely have to drive it a couple years putting on substantial mileage in order to save enough gas money to get back to a zero net cost. It may very well be that your carberator needs rebuilt and its droping fuel into the motor. Sometimes a simple rebuild/recalibration will net a few mpg and some performance for small amount of work and time when compared to a motor swap. It also might be that you have a brake dragging or something. Why don't you start with giving us the actual mileage.

 

Ya about that..... The thing is that the car is not on the road yet. I need a safety check and insurance and such, not to mention nmy licence. I wouldnt bother me to have to swap a motor out right now because its gonna be a few month before I get to drive it anyway. If I have to wait longer..., so be it. The reason I really ask about the motor swap is beacause I fear the block may be cracked in the one own. Buicks were infamous for cracked blocks when they overheat, which mine does, often, when in park..... I was just looking for a smaller motor that would drop in real easy. I've been hearing a 455 would be easy, muahahaha but thats not gonna help the gas bill too much.

 

Yank out the 403 and put in a Buick 350................ otherwise?

 

Ok so if managed to track myself down a buick 350, would the original mounts from the donor car be the ones i have to use? Also what would be some good source cars for a buick 350??? Thanks!!

 

BTW, are you positive the buick engine would bolt up to the tranny properly?? I ask beacause my engine is an olds. Are the bolt patterns the same throughout buick ans olds engines?