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What engine should I install?


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I'm in the process of buying an 86 Regal T Type.

I'm not sure I want to keep the 231 thats already in it.

And I can't find a cheap 455...

What engine should i go with.

I'm also considering puting a 430 out of a 69 Wildcat in it. confused.gif

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IMHO the 430 is a DARN good engine. 10.25:1 compression ratio right out of the box, and a Quadrajet that'll give good mileage if you can keep your foot out of the secondaries. wink.gif 475 ft/lbs of tourque at 3200 rpm ain't nothin to sneeze at either. 360 hp at 5000 rpm. It's a fairly short-stroke mill, so it can turn some serious rpm. You'll need a good drive train to handle it all. That is, IF the Wildcat has a decent example in it. Bare minimum you should do a thorough compression check before even considering it. But you probly knew that already. grin.gif

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Thanks for your insight. The Wildcat has a damn nice 430 in it, but he has an Edlebrock 750 carb. on it. He said if I want the engine he would also throw in the Hooker headers that are brand new, plus a brand new alt. and starter, for $100 extra.

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Guest imported_moopar2ya2

I do know a 455 olds engine will go into a Cutlass of the same vintage, apparently fairly easily. Hope that is some help.

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This body came stock with Olds V8's in them, although I think the largest was a 350. Also Gran Prix initially had a 301 Pontiac, and I would imagine the early Buick version had the Buick 350 available. With GM motors, each block is a family and for the most part all post 1965 V8 engines of the same type are interchangeable with any other size motor as long as it is the same brand. There are a few exceptions, of course. This also means you would be able to swap any other GM V8 into the car, although you may need to move the mounts in the chassis for other makes or to go from a V6 to a V8.

The only issue with this car is an 86 has a computer and the computer carb in it most likely. You will have to mess with the wiring if you choose to eliminate this and keep everything working properly on the dash, although I believe the only issue may be a continual check engine light (been too long since we discussed this in class to college!).

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[color:\\"blue\\"]The 86 Regal T-Type came with the LC2 turbo charged sequential fuel injected 231 cubic inch engine. Unless the engine is blown, why does the engine need replacement. That V-6 will develop as much horsepower and torque as the 430 with very little tweaking. The drive train (TH 200 4R and 8 1/2 inch 10 bolt differential) is strong enough for a built V-6 or 455 capable of taking the 3400 lb car into the 11 second quarter mile range.

There are GSCA members in Kokomo who know Turbo Regals that could probably help you if you need to repair the LC2 engine, or just find a shop capable of tuning it.

Loyd Bonecutter

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Loyd,

The reason I wanted to put a different engine in it, is because I want to have a totally unique car. Because I sure as hell haven't heard about any T Types with a 69 430 under the hood, and guys I've told my plan to haven't either. Now I don't know squat about an 86 Reagal T-Type, except they only made about 1500 of them, they came stock turbo charged, and they had a 340ish posi-trac rear-end. Thats also a big reason I want the car, because they only made so many. It's not a complete matter of how fast can I make, but more like, how unique can I make it.

Because I'm one of those people who like to have a certain amount of personality in their work. You feel me?

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Guest John Chapman

Everything is a personal opinion, so I'll offer mine...

One of 1500 in terms of Detroit production is pretty rare to begin with and turbo charged in the bargain, if it's unique that you want. It has true collector value now and in the future.

If you really want something unique and individual, find a less rare car and install a BBB. To do this to the the '86 T-Type would ruin it's value for resale value now and as a collector car forever.

Cheers,

JMC

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[color:\\"blue\\"]There are quite a few folks putting big Block Buick engines in Regals. You should find any help you need on the V8 Buick board in the section: Regals with extra cylinders

G-bodies are great handling cars and will accept nearly any size engine. You will need to use 455 valve covers from later 70s versions to clear the heater box, and the engine mount frame pads from Poston or other Buick vendor. The accessories from a N/A V6 engine will bolt to the front of the big block. So keeping the power steering and A/C will be a snap. An engine wiring harness from a NA V6 will fit the big block (change at the C100 plug in the back of the fuse box). You will need to find an aftermarket transmission crossmember to accomodate the dual exhaust system.

Many folks start with a $2500 (or less) N/A Regal instead of a $5000 (or more) T-Type as the car for this swap. It will be easier with less changes to the fuel system, and wiring harness. If you still make the change be sure to save the unique Turbo Regal engine wiring harness which is worth at least $250 used, and all the sensors and computer that you could sell as a package with the engine/turbo/intercooler for at minimum of $1500 depending upon mileage.

Give the little V6 a chance. My 86 GN is street form will pull an 12.8 at 104 in the quarter, is very smooth running, and is driven all over the midwest. It gets 24 MPG on the highway, without boost.

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Hey 75,

As I read it, you're pretty set on removing the 231 V6 motor. PLEASE DO US ALL A FAVOR...Just because you don't want the motor doesn't mean the motor isn't wanted. Treat it like you DO want it, and maintain it till you remove it. <span style="font-weight: bold">PLEASE!!!</span> The reason I ask this is the fact these motors are being broken to the point of being unrepairable at an alarming rate, and getting rarer and rarer by the day. If you don't think so, look at TA Performance's web site. They went to the trouble to tool up to build an aftermarket replacement block because good stock blocks are so hard to come by. So when you yank that motor, give it a chance to move to a home where it's wanted.

You want to be different...buy one of Mikes new blocks and build it up to 1,000+ HP. Not may cars running around with those kind of stones under the hood. grin.gif Or go for 1,500+. It's really cool to see a little V6 do a burnout on the dyno on the top end when the dyno is maxed out. shocked.gif

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Believe me Dan, I will take damn good care of that engine, and car. I already have a garage place reserved for it, right next to my 75. I'm not the kind of person to take a perfectly good engine, and trash it just because I want something different under the hood. After I do replace it, I'm thinking about having it cleaned, new parts, and having the block painted, before I sell/keep it. grin.gif

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