Burn me at the Buick stake if you must-in the absence of Buick engines on the West coast I'm considerring the following: (sit down if you're weak or have a bad heart). I'm planning to drop a Pontiac 400 into my GS. There-I said it. I see torches and pitchforks at the horizon already. I know there must be someone out there who has seen this before. Do I need to change out frame mounts? Let's see-alternator and power steering brackets. GTO headers. Am I forgetting anything? O.K., let the damnation begin.:af:
GEZZZZZ Are buick motors really that spars out there???????? I would sure think you could find a 455 buick and be money ahead from having to swap a bunch of stuff...... Shesh if your switching hearts on us, you just as well go to cheby. At least the parts will be cheep.
Well I have only one thing to say TRUCK FREIGHT !! BTW The starter is on the other side distributer is in the wrong place can you also say wireing butcher job!!
Not to worry, I'm pretty sure Jim W. can come up with a nice professional quality conversion kit if there is enough demand for this engine. :grin:
I lived down in Concord, Ca. ( near SF. ) and Buick 455s are out there. I know for a fact Buick engines are at the wrecking yards in Northern Calif. In my opinion you need to be more resourceful and look harder. And...........If that's not it be truthful and admit you do not like Buick engines! There are a variety of cars out there to get Buick 455s out of. LOOK HARDER!!!!!! Other than that I would sell the GS. to someone who really needs a genuine GS. and buy a goat. No hard feelings. Just my opinion. John
Although I can't speak for CA, I have found several in WA over the last couple of years. But I've been picky too. I wanted something essentially ready for bolt-on's and drop it in. I did end up finding it for $100. Of course now that I've got it, I don't have a garage and it's sitting in a storage unit waiting for the future. Since then, I had a chance to buy a rebuildable core 70 SF motor (I think Rick Henderson has it since I didn't have a place to put it). I also found one in a wrecking yard that showed good compression. The problem was they wanted something like $500 for it + core charge. To say there are none doesn't seem right, but to say there are none that fit within your parameters and a certain price ceiling is another thing. It just takes patience and lots of legwork.
Here ya go, 2 minutes worth of checking in CA: Ad Type FOR SALE Price $300.00 Price Negotiability Firm Ad Text BUICK 455 engine, nds rebuild, smokes, $300 firm C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N Phone (323) 971-3100 (Click this number to see what city you will be calling) ________________ Ad Type FOR SALE Price $175.00 Ad Text BUICK 364-455 rebuilt hds, $175 pr C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N Phone (310) 837-2475 (Click this number to see what city you will be calling) ***This one is for heads, but maybe he's got some motors???*** _________________ Ad Type FOR SALE Price $500.00 Price Negotiability Or Best Offer Ad Text REBUILD buick engine, $500 or best offer C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N Phone (805) 520-3350 (Click this number to see what city you will be calling) ***Doesn't say what kind of motor though... worth a call***
455 availability Since we are on the topic of the availibility of big buicks. I would just like to say that even though I live up north in Canada. My local wreckers has a decent supply of big buick parts. You just have to look REAL hard. I found a goldmine in an old school bus, it was full of anything buick parts, you name it, it was there. I attend my local car show and all I see is chev, ford or mopar, no buicks. I'm sure you guys in the states must have a pretty good supply of parts. It's a patience game. Keep looking at the wreckers.. and check under those hoods, you will find something. I guarantee it.... :grin: Good Luck Gelcoat p.s If it was my GS, I would try my best to keep it all Buick. Not everyone has the money to build a stout 455. As long as you plan on putting a buick motor in it, if you just want to drive your GS GO FOR IT....just don't open the hood! Marc
Gelcoat I guess I better check on truck freight before you do something everyone will regret!:laugh: Jason
Of all places, I would think CA would be one of the easiest to find old car parts in. Between 350s and 455s you should be able to come up with something. Don't give up and pass over to the darkside yet, the battle isn't over.
I believe the Prozac is working, now. O.K. I lost my sanity for a moment. Just as I found a great deal on a Pontiac and I STARTED THINKING, I got an e-mail. It seems a 400 Buick was located. Hmmm, You know, a big block is way easier than a Pontiac. O.K., I can do this. I'm not yet sure this one is the engine for me, I believe the big Buick is more of what I'm looking for, and maybe easier to locate. So, I may drop in the low-buck 350 I located and continue my search for the 400. 430 or 455/TH400 to make things really happen. Now to sell off my 350 stuff. Thriving on chaos......JT
Ok, now team A can go and get some sleep. Team B will take first watch and monitor the situation in case JT lapses again. Team C start to make some phone calls and locate some 455's. Team D; organise the food, beer and blankets. We're not going to let this one slip again. JT, you'll be ok, just hang in there - we're here for ya buddy! Stay with us we'll pull you through. Bill S.
