My Dad bought the Monte Carlo brand new in 1985; and I actually went to the dealer with him when he picked up the car in July 1985. The car was ordered with a 305 Chevrolet V8, 200R4, and 3.08 posi rearend. In 2000, I got the car from my Dad with 100K miles on it and have keep it original until 2013. The car ran fine but just not a lot of power. I decided to install a new small block Chevrolet engine in the car. Yes - I thought about a Buick turbo V6 but wanted to keep the Chevrolet all Chevrolet. I installed a GM Performance Parts ZZ383 engine with 425 horsepower / 450 torque. I also had Vince Janis build me a CZF 200R4 out of a 1987 Monte Carlo SS. I also installed a PTC, non-lock-up, 10 inch, 2800 rpm stall torque convertor from Dusty Bradford. For the rearend, I bought a 8.5" 10 bolt posi from a local Buick club member. I had a new aluminum drive shaft built for the car since the original was too long with the 8.5" 10 bolt rearend. On 6/19/13, I took the Monte Carlo to the drag strip for the last time with the original engine/trans (I already installed the new rearend) and it ran a best of 17.038 @ 79.37. After getting everything install and broken in, I took the car to the track on 11/1/13 with the new engine/trans and it ran a best of 12.342 @ 109.83. On 11/9/13 I ran a best of 12.265 @ 110.58 with a little carb tuning. The car has picked up 30+ mph in the quarter mile and reduced the ET 4.773 seconds. I'm very happy with how the car turned out. With some more miles on the car and more tuning, I think it will pick up a little more. Yes - my Regal T is still faster than the Monte Carlo.
Craig
Craig