My 98 Regal GS S/C Journey

[Robcarratello]

Good morning, everyone!

I’m brand new around here and brand new to the 3.8L V6 Supercharged scene. I am not brand new to playing with cars and plan to use my Newley acquired 1998 Buick Regal GS S/C as my commuter. I drive ~100 highway miles/ day.

It’s got over 290K miles, but the odometer is not currently functioning. Overdrive doesn’t work and it appears to be the common stripped 4th clutch input shaft spline. Otherwise shifts properly.

Engine runs well, no smoking or bad noises. Supercharger also works as it should and no bad noises. Decent power, doesn’t burn oil or misfire.

I’d build a fun sleeper that’s still comfortable and reliable. I’d like to keep using it as my daily until I’m ready have the car down for the build.

Here is my tentative plan:

1- Acquire performance built 4T65E tranny. Triple Edge Performance has a Stage 1.5 and Stage 2 that seem like they’d work well for me.

2- Acquire a clean, lower mile long block. Milzy Motorsports offers 80-100k mile long blocks for ~$1500. What are your experiences? Would I be better off finding a cheap engine at a wrecking yard and having it rebuilt?

3- ZZPerformance Stage 2 package. I’ll be running pump E85.

I’m essentially looking for feedback on my engine / tranny choices. Should I find a cheap engine at a Pick N Pull and pay a local shop to rebuild it?

 

[DrivenDaily]

Welcome to BF.

I like the plan you've outlined. I want to see what comes of it in the future probably as much as you want to do it.

 

[Robcarratello]

Welcome to BF.

I like the plan you've outlined. I want to see what comes of it in the future probably as much as you want to do it.

Thank you. We’ll see how this winter goes with it as my daily. I’ve got a Nissan SR20DET swap that’s for sale. Once that happens, I’ll have a hard time waiting any longer to mod the Buick.

 

[TornadoThrower]

First off, I can't view your photos because permissions.

Your 4th gear is gone probably because some grandma was driving around the city in "D" (Your suppose to use "3" on the streets). Didn't help that she (or he) probably didn't use "performance shift", which increases line pressure to extend the life. Usually the solenoids are burnt before the 4th spindle goes bye bye.

1- Acquire performance built 4T65E tranny. Triple Edge Performance has a Stage 1.5 and Stage 2 that seem like they’d work well for me.

I mean if your willing to swap this and that, might as well replace the transmission with a 4T80e (It's stronger). I wish GM paired these together, would've been more perfect then peanut butter and jelly. Can't blame GM too much, the 4T80e costed double the price of a 4T65e.

2- Acquire a clean, lower mile long block. Milzy Motorsports offers 80-100k mile long blocks for ~$1500. What are your experiences? Would I be better off finding a cheap engine at a wrecking yard and having it rebuilt?

I would just work with what you got. Its of the best engines ever. If the walls ain't touched and the oil changes have been maintained, its probably just fine to rebuild. Although I heard off and on things about Milzy Motorsports.

3- ZZPerformance Stage 2 package. I’ll be running pump E85.

I saw that in a ZZP video that (I think), you can run the factory fuel pump if doing your a 300whp build. Speaking of fuel pumps, your sending unit is probably not working correctly. You'll know its off when you put in 5 gallons and it shoots past half full. Currently, for the love of god, don't use anything below 91, it'll KR itself to death.

Before you do any wanky fun mods, I would just drive it and see what happens, there pretty quick to show problems. Spend your money on those fixes instead of mods, she's old dude.

 

[G-488084]

I just overhauled a 98 4t65e and it had smoked 4th clutches and the splines were ok. But it also had a couple of other clutchpacks toasted, so it was missing more than just 4th. Good luck with your journey!
Given the age of these, you'll want to check front wheel bearings and various other wearing parts. (I wonder if it has ever had its inlet manifold gaskets changed?)

 

[Robcarratello]

I’ve been driving it as-is save for fluids and tires. Other than no 4th gear, everything seems good. It’s gonna be my work daily through the winter. If it makes it, I’ll put a plan together for spring / summer. If I break it, it’ll go in the garage and planning will start sooner.

 

[Robcarratello]

So far I’m getting roughly 22mpg on the highway without O/D. I’ll take it. That’s better than my STI, or turbo Civic on E85.

 

[TornadoThrower]

So far I’m getting roughly 22mpg on the highway without O/D. I’ll take it. That’s better than my STI, or turbo Civic on E85.

Before my problems I was able to get 30 MPG in 4th gear going 55 mph. Nowadays I get 16 MPG (in 4th gear also) going 65 mph on flat piece of highway. My avg these days is 12.

 

[Robcarratello]

I just overhauled a 98 4t65e and it had smoked 4th clutches and the splines were ok. But it also had a couple of other clutchpacks toasted, so it was missing more than just 4th. Good luck with your journey!
Given the age of these, you'll want to check front wheel bearings and various other wearing parts. (I wonder if it has ever had its inlet manifold gaskets changed?)

About half the time, the “traction” and “brake” indicator lights will come on. Is this potentially wheel bearing related?