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The Universal Soldier: The Buick Century is one of the most versatile cars in GM history because it was never a standalone platform. It has always shared its DNA with millions of other GM vehicles. Whether you are restoring a '73 Colonnade or building a supercharged '05 Sleeper, you have a massive advantage: you can raid the GM parts bin.
Here is your guide to upgrading your Century using parts from its cooler (and faster) siblings.
If you own a 1997-2005 Century, you essentially own a "Base Model" Buick Regal. This means almost every performance part from the Regal GS or Grand Prix GTP will bolt right on.
1. The "Big Brake" Solution One of the biggest complaints from Century owners is the undersized front brakes, which are prone to warping under heavy use.
The Swap: You can bolt on the front calipers and rotors from a 2000-2005 Chevy Impala (police package or civilian).
The Benefit: This upgrades you to larger 12-inch rotors (vs the stock 10.9-inch) and dual-piston calipers for massive stopping power. (Note: You need 16-inch wheels or larger to clear them).
2. Suspension & Handling (The "Float" Fix) The Century was tuned for comfort, meaning the factory sway bars are thin (or non-existent in the rear).
Sway Bars: Grab the rear sway bar from a junked Buick Regal GS or Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. It bolts directly in using factory mounting points and drastically reduces body roll.
Strut Tower Braces: The front and rear strut tower braces from a 2000-2005 Chevy Impala or Grand Prix fit directly, stiffening the chassis.
3. Interior Swaps
Leather Seats: If you want to ditch the cloth bench, the leather bucket seats from a 1997-2004 Buick Regal bolt directly to your floor pan.
Center Console: If you swap to buckets, you can install the Regal center console.
Note: The Century uses a column shifter, while the Regal uses a floor shifter. You will have an empty hole in the console unless you modify it or convert the shifter linkage (an advanced mod).
Gauge Cluster: You can swap in a Regal cluster to get a factory Tachometer (RPM gauge), which the Century lacks. It usually requires moving just one pin on the wiring harness connector to work perfectly.
4. The Engine (L67 Swap)
Yes, the Supercharged 3800 V6 (L67) from the Regal GS drops right in. It uses the same engine mounts, same transmission bellhousing pattern (4T65E), and fits under the hood. You will need the wiring harness and PCM from the donor car to make it run.
1. Suspension & Chassis
Everything under the car is mechanically identical to the 1973-1977 Chevelle.
If you need control arms, disc brake conversion kits, or heavy-duty sway bars, simply order them for a '74 Chevelle or '74 Cutlass. They fit your Century perfectly.
2. Body Panels (The Warning)
Fenders/Doors: These are NOT interchangeable with the Chevelle or Cutlass. The Buick body lines and wheel arches are unique.
Glass: The windshield and rear glass usually interchange between all GM A-Bodies of the same body style (Coupe to Coupe, Sedan to Sedan).
Reply below with your successes (and failures) so we can update the list!
Here is your guide to upgrading your Century using parts from its cooler (and faster) siblings.
Part 1: The Modern Era (1997-2005)
Platform: GM W-Body Siblings: Buick Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix, Chevy Impala (2000+), Oldsmobile Intrigue.If you own a 1997-2005 Century, you essentially own a "Base Model" Buick Regal. This means almost every performance part from the Regal GS or Grand Prix GTP will bolt right on.
1. The "Big Brake" Solution One of the biggest complaints from Century owners is the undersized front brakes, which are prone to warping under heavy use.
The Swap: You can bolt on the front calipers and rotors from a 2000-2005 Chevy Impala (police package or civilian).
The Benefit: This upgrades you to larger 12-inch rotors (vs the stock 10.9-inch) and dual-piston calipers for massive stopping power. (Note: You need 16-inch wheels or larger to clear them).
2. Suspension & Handling (The "Float" Fix) The Century was tuned for comfort, meaning the factory sway bars are thin (or non-existent in the rear).
Sway Bars: Grab the rear sway bar from a junked Buick Regal GS or Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. It bolts directly in using factory mounting points and drastically reduces body roll.
Strut Tower Braces: The front and rear strut tower braces from a 2000-2005 Chevy Impala or Grand Prix fit directly, stiffening the chassis.
3. Interior Swaps
Leather Seats: If you want to ditch the cloth bench, the leather bucket seats from a 1997-2004 Buick Regal bolt directly to your floor pan.
Center Console: If you swap to buckets, you can install the Regal center console.
Note: The Century uses a column shifter, while the Regal uses a floor shifter. You will have an empty hole in the console unless you modify it or convert the shifter linkage (an advanced mod).
Gauge Cluster: You can swap in a Regal cluster to get a factory Tachometer (RPM gauge), which the Century lacks. It usually requires moving just one pin on the wiring harness connector to work perfectly.
4. The Engine (L67 Swap)
Yes, the Supercharged 3800 V6 (L67) from the Regal GS drops right in. It uses the same engine mounts, same transmission bellhousing pattern (4T65E), and fits under the hood. You will need the wiring harness and PCM from the donor car to make it run.
Part 2: The Classic Era (1973-1977)
Platform: GM A-Body ("Colonnade") Siblings: Chevy Chevelle/Malibu, Pontiac LeMans/Grand Am, Oldsmobile Cutlass.1. Suspension & Chassis
Everything under the car is mechanically identical to the 1973-1977 Chevelle.
If you need control arms, disc brake conversion kits, or heavy-duty sway bars, simply order them for a '74 Chevelle or '74 Cutlass. They fit your Century perfectly.
2. Body Panels (The Warning)
Fenders/Doors: These are NOT interchangeable with the Chevelle or Cutlass. The Buick body lines and wheel arches are unique.
Glass: The windshield and rear glass usually interchange between all GM A-Bodies of the same body style (Coupe to Coupe, Sedan to Sedan).
Community Database
What have you swapped onto your Century? Did you fit 2014 Impala wheels? Did you swap in a Grand Prix HUD?Reply below with your successes (and failures) so we can update the list!
