What kind of small block buick engine would be best for take-off? Im just curious. Most of the people I have asked have said that the buick 350 is the best for small block performance. Is this true?o No: thanks -Cody
Of the small block Buick V8's, the 350 would have the best torque ratings, and there have been guys running them in the 10's, if you are wondering about potential. Probably pretty expensive build to get there though...
Well, I don't know if i want it to be a racing warrior, but I want a buick that is a perfect street car and yet at the same time have decent track times. A 350 buick engine is what i want, but i just want to know thoughts and opinions. Thanks -Cody
What do you consider to be decent track times? The answer to that question will go a long ways to telling if you can do it with a 350, and still have acceptable street manners.
Well, if I dropped a 350 in the century, I would want it to scoot in the mid to low 15's at least, but i would have to add a few mods to the drive-train and stuff, so i think i will wait 'till I decide to get a skylark or something of that sort, and then beef it up a little. If i get a 350 in the sylark, i want to be looking at the 13 range somewhere. As for right now, i do not intend on doing anything with the buick or "a" different buick. Just want some opinions and info. Thanks -Cody
My understanding is that the 1970 4bbl H.O. is the best of the Buick 350 offerings. With a few mods you could be in the 14's fairly easy from what I've seen here.
Cody, I did a best of 15.27 @ 91 MPH with a stock (except for headers and pipes) 1969 350 4V in my 85 Regal. The engine was in a parts car I bought for $400. I think you could get fifteen second quarter mile times on the cheap. I did.
350 HO Cody, I just happen to have one of the 1970 HO 350s mentioned above its complete carb to pan ,it needs a totoal rebuild but would be a good start for your project. 100.00 you pick it up
Try to find a V8 motor you can hear running, start with that. Buick 350's are good for daily driving and with heads ect you can make good power and still get ok gas mileage. My 2 cents
Thanks for the replies everyone:TU: And Larry, thanks for the offer. Unfortunately, at the moment, I have no plans for buying a motor for the car or anything, but thanks anyway. Im glad that I have some helpful replies. I've ridden in some pretty snappy small block cars, they may not have the stock out-put of a big-block, but can definetly make a great street/strip motor. In the future, dropping in a V8 is a thought, and maybe a plan. Thanks -Cody
What about adding some parts from a newer buick 3.8 motor (231) check out this ebsite about regals but you could use the tips and mods: http://home.flash.net/~rjgeorge/ there is some good info on this site.
Thanks sean. That website is a helpful one with some tips and info. I can use in the future. thanks:beer -Cody
Yeah I also found some good links on the bottom of the main page. Did you know that the 76 Buick Century pace car ( 231 turbo), had a quicker acelleration between 80 mph and 100 mph than the previous Century with a 455. I'm not trying to say that the 231 is a better motor is is just a totaly different motor. Also when it comes to handling any weight savings (V6) means less weight transfer in the corners (less body roll).With some suspension mods you could have yourself a better handling car than with a 455. It wouldn't cost much to start collecting turbo regal parts, to give your old motor a new chance at burnt rubber!!!! try this: http://www.gnttype.org/general/v6hist.html also: http://www.gnttype.org/carofthemonth/archive/archive.html
I thought about the turbo v-6 route for my Lark before I decided to go with a turbo'd 350. The cost of the engine and so forth helped me decide. I figured if the costs would be in the same neighborhood, then why not go with a bigger engine? While I will improve my car's handling and brakes, it won't be a corner carver. This also influenced my thinking. What you could do is get a v-6 from the 85-87 range (build it up as needed) and then have it converted to fuel injection. For engine management, an SDS (Simple Digital Systems) ECU would work fine. It might prove easier than finding and then installing a Grand National engine. Either way, good luck.
Yeah it all depends on what you want, it sounds like you don't know how long your going to keep the century so wait till you know for sure. I plan on keeping my century and getting another car for drag racing, so I'm not worried about times I just like doin burnouts with mine!! AZ 69 how did the turbo 350 work out for you do you have any hp, tq or 1/4 mine #'s? Is it a dual turbo?
It's still on the drawing board unfortunately. Right now I'm working on the exhaust manifold design. It will be a single turbo with FMIC as I want to keep my a/c and stock pulley system. I also plan to convert it to fuel injection. I haven't decided on which system (SDS or Megasquirt) as I'm still working on everything else and have yet to research the fuel requirment details. I will GLADLY let everyone know when she's done.
Interesting AZ! Mr buick your motor weighs 375 pounds, buick 350's are 450, buick 455's are 600. Also just for reference mopar's street hemis are 765, and 440's are 670. If anyone knows otherwise please correct me, as I may have bad info.
Hey Larry, I live in Clinton, do you still have that motor? If so does anyone know how much a full rebuild would cost?
