Sorry I don't post much on here. I have a 1986 Buick Regal (originally an Olds 307 & 200-4R car). I'm trying to swap in a Bill Dugan built 1976 Buick 462 & Freddy Brown 200-4R. I would really like to see some photos of the TA frame pads mounted to the frame so I know where to mount mine ? ? ? I'm having clearance issues with headers on control arms & oil filter is hitting idler arm hardware I'm running the full length TA headers & keeping the full factory heater box & using the 1976 A/C Compressor. Any photos or insight are totally appreciated Thank You
You are only going to find a few existing holes in the frame that line up with the big block frame pads at best. What we did was install the motor mounts on the motor and loosely bolt the pads to the mounts then set the motor in place where you want it. We had the trans in place with the drive shaft installed so we could line it up front to back also. After we leveled the engine, I marked the pad location on the frame with a paint marker, took everything back out and drilled the wholes I needed. It's not quick and easy but it worked the first time with no issues. Good luck. Ken
I installed my 470 the same way Ken did and it works out real good. I removed the front springs and lowered the control arm to bolt the mounts down because trying to do it any other way is a real bitch of a job. I removed a 6 cyl. from my regal so I replaced the front springs with ones for a regal 350 diesel to handle the extra weight in the front end while I had them out. Good luck it’s a great combination. Roger On The Eighth Day God Created Buick
By the way a Napa 21042 gold or the Wix equivalent will fit between the engine and frame and make your life easier when changing oil. Roger On The Eighth Day God Created Buick
I'm still having issues with this swap. 1. The passenger side header is hitting the backside of upper control arm. 2. The driver side header is hitting the back mounting bracket for the lower control arm. 3. The driver side header is also rubbing the plastic shroud on the steering column. 4. I also can't get motor to read the same as frame on a level. When I do the transmission output is not aligned to center of rear axle. I'm wondering if 1-3 are causing the last issue ? I read in 1 post about needing tubular upper control arms to clear the 1-7/8" primaries on the TA Performance long tube headers (with no other clearance issues). I'm thinking I may have modify the headers and / or drivers side lower CA mount to clear primary tube, even with tubular upper CA's. I'm not sure if it makes a difference but I'm running the Edelbrock aluminum heads that look like actual Buick heads but use Chevy valve train parts ? I would really like to not have to modify the headers.
Throw the headers in the woods. We cut the tubes off and bent them where needed them had a local exhaust shop bend new pipes then welded them back on the headers. A lot of work for little HP gain and a lot of heat. Buy TA shorties and move on
Also, a PF46 AcDelco Oil Filter is SHORT. No_Lift taught me that. I've been using them for over a decade. I just lean over and remove the PF46 by hand ... visa_versa and it's a walk in the park.
I did it the same way quickstage1 did it. I had to grind on the A arm ears some. I'm using 1 7/8" headers also. No problems so far