109 block?

[turbo buicks]

does a N/A regal have a 109 block or is it another casting? i know the cranks are different between the turbo and N/A cars but im unsure about the block. i was wondering b/c if it was the same block couldnt i just go get some old regal engine and build it up and get a used crank from a TR and them stick my headers, turbo, etc. on it and have a spare engine in case mine decided to blow for whatever reason?

 

[REDS HOT AIR]

109 block is a 109 block...only thing is to drill and tap the oil return fo the turbo if its a n/a block but the boss is there just not drilled

 

[FJM568]

What REDS said!!! a 109 is a 109...same block, just turbo oil return not drilled and tapped...otherwise no difference...

 

[turbo buicks]

awesome. theres gotta be tons of those blocks around. i am no longer scared of blowing my engine seeing as how i could just build another one and re use undamaged parts i was just wondering how difficult it would be to find another block if mine gives or i want to build one up and drop it in. i used to have a SHO. nice car just harder/costlier to find parts for and the big stuff like blocks and heads did not come off of production Tauruses so it was next to impossible to find that crap, as well as expensive.

 

[ThikStik]

What year "109" blocks can be used and are heads different? I thought there was a difference in head bolt depths-can this be worked around?
Thanks

 

[REDS HOT AIR]

all 86 and 87 3.8 rear wheel drives (cutlass,regal,) have 109 blocks...they have the same heads and head bolts

 

[ThikStik]

You'd think the General would done something , anything to the block like high nickel content or bottom beefing. It s amazing these things take it! Thanks for info Red's now ive gotta go get more "junque" (spare block) .

 

[1badTTA]

So who thinks the General didn't do anything? Just the fact that it was cheaper to do it to all the "109" blocks than just the turbo ones. Anyone wanna chance another part# 3.8 block?