231 to 350 swap??

[horneslark76]

Hello all. I was wondering what (if anything) is involved in swapping out my 231 for a sbb 350? I've read up a lot on this subject and I think I would like.to keep a buick powerplant in my car. Its a 76 skylarkwith a dead th350 and a pretty nice v6. Nothing wrong with my motor, just want it to go faster!

My question is: The motor mounts are the same right? I understand that buicks 231 & 350 are basically the same with the obvious cylinder difference (6 vs 8). Having said that the accessories should just plug and play right? A/c, alternator etc.. also will I need a bigger radiator? Seems like mine should be fine but I'm no expert.

I know the 350 was available stock in 76 so fitment shouldn't be an issue. Really this should be pretty straightforward I was just curious to see if anyone out there has actually done it. Seems like everyone puts a chevy in theirs but like I said I wluld like to keep this thing buick to the bone!

 

[LARRY70GS]

Have a look over at www.v8buick.com. We have a Forum dedicated to the X bodies like the 76 Skylark. Lots of info for you there.

http://www.v8buick.com/forumdisplay.php?98-The-X-bodies

If you want to join, you must e-mail the administrator Jim Weise.

email jim@trishieldperformance.com with your desired username, password, and email address. He will manually set you up. Please allow up to 24 hours to complete this.

 

[beleneagle]

I 2nd what he said. Also I know you wanted to go with a overdrive but I do happen to have a friend who has a bop th350. If you want I will find out a little more about it.




David

 

[horneslark76]

Sweet thanks for the link. I will definitely read all there is. And David if you would check on that th350 that would be great. I would be ok with no overdrive, as long as it works. Already swapped in a multi fit that turned out to be no bueno. Don't really have a use for a third busted trans haha. But if its good I am interested.

On that note what should I do with all of these cores? Don't really want to scrap them as they seem to be a dying breed.

Thanks again guys.

 

[beleneagle]

I checked into it and he wants $150 and doesn't know whether it's even good. He's looking for a chevy TH350 which he thought he had, till I pointed out his error. You would be much better off just getting one of yours built. Shouldn't run more than $350.00, if it does than use another core. I can send you to my tranny builder if you would like. Just give me a PM, and I'll give you his name and number. He lives off of the San Mateo and Menual area.

 

[horneslark76]

Well its been a long time but the skylark is on the road again. It took a while and I even tried to sell it, bought a used multi fit th350, swapped it in and guess what, dead. Sat on it for a while, now it sits with a freshly rebuilt transmission! Yes, I got the multti fit rebuilt for future options, but still leaning towards the buick 350ci. For now that 231 is just fine. I'm glad to be back on the road!

 

[beleneagle]

That's Great! I love mine, and once I get a overdrive in it, it will be a great daily driver. I don't care for 15mpg all that much. I should be able to get it up to 18-21mpg. I'm in town every Wednesday if you want to meet somewhere.



David

 

[horneslark76]

Hilarious! My other vehicle is a 73 F250 with a 360 with points so I welcome 15mpg!!! Its all a matter of perspective I guess...