hey, i am looking to take out my 3.8 v-6 and put in something bigger. which engine should i use that wont cost me an arm and a leg. also will not be to hard to find? please help me if u can, i would greatly appreciate it. by the way its going in a 1983 buick regal. thank you very much
Yup, either a late 80's turbo 3.8 or a Buick 350. The older ones are better, but they are all pretty good. The Buick 350 motor was made between 68 and 80 so there are allot out there. Goodluck
Your engine swap to a 350 buick from the 3.8 will be easy start by using the 3.8 motor mounts on the 350 and then bolt it in. The wires will need to be rearrainged/lengthened to get to the starter and then the exhaust will need redone. Cut the fanshroud in half and bolt it in again ab\nd fire it up. Your ready!!! Its almost that easy, unless you need a bigger radiator then you need to modify the shroud slightly. Not sure where you are but I know alot of people have done this several times!!
FlameboyantDT, I have a Buick 350 powered 85 Regal and I live about ten miles South of you. PM me if you need some assistance/advice.
Flamboyant, you've come to the right place!! I'm in your neck of the woods if you need a hand or some good advice don't hesitate to ask. I don't have a 350 on hand, but they are around. Be patient and find a running motor, maybe someone on the board can help. I know of at least one in a yard nearby, but I would not recommend a junk yard motor unless you know that it runs.
no clue if this is an appropraite "buick" engine to mention, but you COULD, if you were so inclined, go with the L67: 3.8L supercharged. I lost my mind a few years ago and for like a year I was going to put the L67 in my 96 grand prix, havent checked in like 2.5 years but the aftermarket scene grew pretty strong for that motor. But i highly doubt the parts for that engine are cheap by now, they were outrageous($850 for headers). Superchargers are appearently friendly to work with.. get a ported/polished intake, heads, and SC, smaller pulley, could probably use Fbody headers(im assuming this thing is RWD) which may save you some major $$, cold air, intercooler, cam, rockers. The GM 3.8 was made famous initially by buick if that counts, considering the last half decade its been in pontiacs, and last year the bastids put it in a chevy. The pontiacs are currently at the series III version, chevy is using the series I, which was used in buicks until 96, pontiacs till 97. There are some late model regals(some 96 rivs too) and grand prix running low 12's high 11's with the M90(the low 11 high 10s use either blowzillas or giant turbos). dont know if its still around: www.clubgp.com, its a grand prix site, but there are alot of L67 buicks there, has alot of links for performance parts for the L67, motor is really small and light and can easily make over 300hp for less than $100(blower pullies are stupid cheap), GM has been using this motor for over 20 years if that accounts for anything.
sorry if this double posts, wouldnt allow me to edit my own post! :af: o No: btw if im assuming correctly that this car is FWD, you're drivetrain will also be ALOT more reliable, transverse axles SUCK with like more than 300hp unless you got lots of $$$$$, 4L60E or 4L80e would bolt right up to it since its the same engine in v6 firebirds and camaros(which some strange people do modify to make them decently quick) nother reason the L67 might be an idea, with the blower, it has a blow-off valve/boost bypass valve, which basically drops all of the boost when not 75%+ throttle, the engine CAN get 25mpg with near 400hp depending how much you play with the blower, they have systems you can install which make sc pulley interchanging easy and fast, which would allow you to change performance pretty easily, have a 2.8" when youre out on the prowl, or a 3.8"(dunno the largest they offer, smaller = more hp) for better mpg like for a trip ok ill stop now!
howdy I ust did the 350 swap in a Cutlass Cruiser(wagon) great swap very easy! Allmost to easy. Makes you thing they planned it that way. The only thing I am goeing to chance is the trans. I have a 2004r sitting ready to go in but I am waiting untill the suspension is rebuilt. New springs bushings balljoints and adding a rear sway bar. The car is no fun to drive! It feels like driving a marshmellow! Once the suspension is fresh the fun factor will increase! Don't forget the front springs as they are probly wasted like mine! mark sheppard 69 gs calif 2-72 skylarks 82 cutlass wagon 82 malibu wagon(to 455 or not that is the question)
