I have an 86 Regal Limited, and I am wanting to replace the tired 3.8 for a BUICK 350. I have never done an engine swap, and I have a few questions that I need help with. I have not found anyone around here that can give any real answers. One, what car/cars would be the easiest to find a 350B in at a salvage yard? Two, I have a crappy 200c 3speed/auto that I would like to replace with a th350. How hard is this swap, and is there anything special that I will need to do? I have been told this is a straight forward bolt-in affair. Three, Will I need to make any changes with the electrical system? Four, I also would like to keep the 7.5 rear, if possible. Is it able to be upgraded/strengthened, or will I need to spend the extra and go with an 8.5(I'm on a tight budget)? Finally, what will I need to do about my driveshaft? Is there another GM driveshaft that will work, or will I need to have one cut to length?
#1. Probably 70s LeSabres. #2. TH350 is a bolt in. #3. Nope. #4. 7.5 can last if you drive normally, to many burnouts and you'll be shoveling it off the ground. #5 Your current driveshaft will work. Dan
Thanks for the input!!!!!! A friend has been recommending the 400 and 700r4 trannies. I know these take a great deal more work to hook up, but if I were to do this, what would I need? My current trany is a three speed auto, so I had decided on the 350 tranny so that(correct me if I'm wrong) I wouldn't have to change anything out other than the tranny itself, but if I were to do this swap instead, what would be involved? Would I need to change my steering column toaccomodate the OD? What about the shift linkage?
the 700r4 is a nice strong tranny but has a chevy bolt pattern. Jegs carries a part that will convert the chevy bolt pattern to a buick oldsmobile pontiac pattern The Part is around 50 dollars. If you do this though you will need a new driveshaft. Linkage also I'm pretty sure. Also these trans will need some kind of electrical device to hook up the locking torque converter. The lock up kit is around $130. Nice combo. But would be cheaper to run a 200r4. Has a lower OD gear so gas milage will be better on the highway. And beleave me these buicks need all the help they can get. Your steering colum would not need to be changed. It will be weird though. Such as N may now mean over drive. And D may mean 3rd. Kinda weird. But works. This is for the Adapter http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=86598&prmenbr=361 This is for the lock up kit http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=2722&prmenbr=361
