[72Skylark]

Hey Guys

I have the original Buick 350 in my skylark, but I can get a Chevy 350 4 bolt main for it.......for reasonably cheap, rebuilt from a shop for around $350....I already have a 400 Turbo tranny to go behind it... Buick 350 thats in it, or Chevy 350 4 bolt main?

Wil

[Blazin72]

Keep the Buick all Buick man. It's going to be considerably more expensive than a Chevy but you can still get performance parts for the Buick V8s. Try www.taperformance.com

[redlightning]

You could ask these guys.



http://v8buick.com/forumdisplay.php?f=8

[poncho62]

If that turbo 400 is bolted to the Buick motor now, it wont fit the Chevy block.

I would stick with the Buick too. They are a decent motor. Performance parts are expensive though.

[72Skylark]

parts for the Buick 350 ARE expensive......Chevy 350, easy to come by.. Buick 350 needs a lot of work.....Chevy 350 good to go....400 tranny on a stand awaiting a Chevy block......or Buick has a meesely 200 tranny in it..

I am still stuck....i wanna be all original, but I drive this car every day and want it to be easy and cheap to work on too....

Wil

[farna]

In that case get the rebuilt 350, just realize you need to buy a rebuilt or used tranny also. B/O/P used one bolt pattern bell housing, Chevy cars and Chevy/GM trucks another. Right now looks like it will cost about the same to swap in the new Chevy engine and trans as rebuilding the Buick, but having a stronger TH350 trans. I'd go ahead and get an OD trans while you're at it. At least future upgrades would be cheaper.

[Kevin Varnes]

Don't forget you'll also need accessory brackets, possibly some rewiring. Is the Chevy engine ready to run or do you need an intake, distributor, exhaust, etc? Personally if it were mine I'd keep the Buick engine in there.

[72Skylark]

i want to keep the Buick 350, but it doesn't run strong anymore.....I am wanting to put headers and side pipes on it.....but want it to run strong too....

[Blazin72]

Putting a Chevy in a Ford is one thing, but putting a Chevy in a Buick? That just aint right. Any hardcore Buick fan would be extremely disappointed if you lifted the hood only to reveal a Chevy. I still think you outta keep the Buick engine in it.

[TooSlow]

I had a '72 Skylark that I put a 350 Chevy into. All of the "Buick Faithful" will growl at you about it. If you care what other people think then you better stick to the Buick engine. If you couldn't care less what others think, then by all means go with the Chevy--it is much cheaper to make the 350 Chevy run hard.

TooSlow

[Zimmo]

If you want power, there's no replacement for displacement. I would be on the look out for a Buick 455. Ebay has some good deals if you're not too far from the seller - you don't want to ship a $150 engine 3000 miles.

A mild rebuild on a 455 (stock everything except for intake, ignition, exhaust, cam & compression) would give you good power. You don't want to go crazy on aftermarket high-end stuff. Look for an beater car locally with a 455 and buy it cheap.

[72Skylark]

My dad and i have decided to rebuild the Buick 350 in it....starting on it next week...

Thanks for the help guys....

[ap72]

For power a buick 350 is about the worst engine to start with, however a buick 455 is a great big block. I would go 455- you'll thankyourself later.

[TooSlow]

Good luck with the rebuild!

[72Skylark]

Thanks a lot...

I already got the gasket and bearings kit....$27!!!! American Gasket rocks!!!