[Guest]

I recently picked up a 350 Buick from a '69 Gladiator. I mostly wanted the TH-400 that was behind it. But now I'm thinking it might be a good swap. Torque is good. Right now I have a great running 225 which was rebuild by the PO (over $2K in receipts ouch). I'm mostly happy with the power but at times it's a bit sluggish. What types of trouble will I run into with the 350. My biggest concern is overheating. I was thinking about having louvers cut in the hood and adding an oil cooler to help.

I'd just hat to turn the Jeep into a bunch of headaches when currently it runs great.

Thank

 

[1108]

well same as any V8 to jeepster - but check with arron he's got that Chevy 350 i belive ..... i love the deep skirted design of the buick 350 block way stronger than a Chevy 350 due to a ridge block

 

[dave]

I think for the money, stick with an even Buick V6 if your inclined to do a performance engine swap. The Buick 350 V8 is not well supported by aftermarket performance parts, and the performance parts available for the 350 Buick V8 are expensive! The Buick V8 swap into a Jeepster will require modifications, or a fabricated front crossmember. The Buick V8 swap into a Jeepster will require modifications or a fabricated radiator support.
dave

 

[Guest]

But keep in mind that you may not even want any performance parts on your V8. Granted mine is a chebbie motor, but I took all so called performance parts off except the headers and exhaust. The stock stuff runs better IMO. As it is I have more power than I want. If I remember my buick info, the smallblock buicks have lots of low end torque. Better than a chebbie at least.

 

[Guest]

I agree. The problem with most "performance" parts is that they are aimed at a different kind of performace e.g. Horsepower. Don't get me wrong, horsepower is good, but most Jeeps and other 4x4's need Torque at low RPM's. Most performance mods push the peak torque higher in the RPM range. I don't know about you guys, but I don't want to be running my engine at 3500 RPM's to get the torque I need to get over an obstacle. However if your goal is to get into the 11's in the quarter mile, then the performance mods are probably a good way to go.

 

[1078]

350 Buicks have excellent low RPM torque, and they are lighter than a 350 chevy, or so the "experts" say

 

[1108]

i'll second the lighter part

 

[Caver Dave]

Before keep the V6...the last guy I knew that went the Buick V8 route...um....well, let's just say he isn't allowed to play anymore!

"Paging Mr.Herman, PW Herman, you have a call"

Besides, if you want a V8, buy a BULLNOSE!

 

[672]

Tom
I have dropped in a Buick 350 in my 68 jeepster. Its not a hard install but you will have to modify the front cross member (ie move it foreward) but the main thing is the overheating problem. I have leuvered the hood, installed a larger radiator, high flow pump etc, etc. I run between 190-210. The Buick is known for running hot and there isn't a lot you can do about it. The biggest problem is finding parts for the Buick 350 motor. Most parts houses look at you like your from outer space. I have EFI on mine which helped the performance a bunch as the original Holley card got about 3 miles to the gallon. All in all I dont think I would go this route again but after a lot of work its runs good now. If you decide that the Buick 350 is the way you want to go, take a close look at the cooling problem.It will haunt you if you don't plan for the tight space in the engine compartment.

 

[DesertDog]

Tom
I have put a Chevy v8 (305ci) in my 71 Jeepster with a TH400. I did not have to change the front support at all. I had to change and move the radiator six inches forward and changed to side fill witch put the radiator Trans cooler in a better place then stock. As far as building the motor, I went with a bottom end cam so it would works from idle to 4000 RPM. As far as cooling, your radiator will need to flow about 25 GPM to cool your V8. I run an electric fan in front of the Radiator with a thermostat of 180º. A picture is worth a thousand words, here is some of mine.
Terry

"Caution" Fishing and Hunting Stories in Progress Protective boots may be required.

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[image] http://home.comcast.net/~terrywlee/DSC00526.JPG[/image]

 

[1078]

On average, I believe that the Buicks ran a higher compresssion ratio, and it is definitely a higher compression ratio than a post 1974 motor ( thanks to unleaded low octane fuel.) Increased compression increases power in the same displacement, but it also creates more heat.So the Buick may well run hotter than a Chevy, especially a 305.

 

[Guest]

Here are the chilton specs on the motor. 230hp @ 4400rpm, 350lb ft of torque @2400 rpm, 9.0 to 1 compresson ratio. Granted this is at the motor not at the rear wheels. Not exactly a hotrod motor, but it still has good torque. A chev motor of the same era has more torque, but it comes in at a lot higher rpm. Like 3300 rpm. You decide what is better for your app.

 

[Guest]

Those are nice #'s thanks.

After reading these post I think I'll stick with the 225 and put in the auto. Anyone want to buy a Buik 350??

Thanks to all