Okay, Newbie with a 3.8L Buick non-turbo though

[Natedog]

Okay I know this is a turbo buick forum but I've been looking for a good place to learn what I can do with my '87 Regal (non-turbo). I'm not looking for a whole lotta power right now (just don't have the time or money) but I did have a 370RWHP T/A and I didn't mind having the power that had so if anyone could point me in the direction of getting a couple of bolt ons, free mods, etc. I'd appreciate it. I'd like to turbo it sooner or later though.
Thanks
Nate

 

[scottyb]

Save your money. Drive it till it drops, then buy a Turbo Regal. I doubt you will find any go-fast parts for a NA 3.8, and if you did, you'd be pissin in the wind. Same for converting to turbo. You will spend more time and money converting vs buying a TR AND it will carry little value after you are done. Unless you completely booger up a TR, it will not lose value.

Almost all on this site will agree.

 

[Natedog]

That's what I was afraid of. Oh well, if she every drops I'll either A. buy another F-Body or B. just drop a big engine in this one.
Thanks
Nate

 

[WH1 85]

Chevy small blocks are great in n/a regals. Buy a 350 crate motor, get a 350 trans from the boeyard and rebuild it. Then just slam that puppy in there. It will bolt up with very little trouble. This is the easiest way to get some power.

Make sure you get a better radiator.

 

[GNSCOTT]

a running TR drivetrain can be had for under $3k, just gotta do some shopping.

 

[scottyb]

Originally posted by GNSCOTT
a running TR drivetrain can be had for under $3k, just gotta do some shopping.

Then you gotta spend umpteen hours installing, plus:
fuel delivery parts/tank
cooling system
downpipe fit in non-turbo car (AC box)
non-posi rear
etc etc etc, I couldn't possibly list it all

plus 500 - 1000 for the non-turbo car
put a value on your time and sweat



I paid 5K for my T as is........

 

[FJM568]

Get a Buick 350 and it will bolt right in with no mods except for using the 3.8L rubber motor mounts...It is a straight bolt in...

Or swap a Buick 455 in...A little more work involved, but TA Performance makes the frame mounts to do it...Not sure what else needs to be modded for it to work, but there are lots of them out there...Go here for more info about the Buick V8's... http://www.v8buick.com/ There is a forum there for the 455 swaps into the Regal bodies...

Do what GM should've done and keep your Buick ALL BUICK!!!

 

[Natedog]

a 455 <drool> ya that doesn't sound to bad of an option. Well atleast I have some options if I plan on keeping the car. I may just use it as a beater till I'm out of college for good and then use the money I've saved for a 'Vette and a Z71.
Thanks
Nate

 

[Vader 87]

Originally posted by scottyb
Then you gotta spend umpteen hours installing, plus:
fuel delivery parts/tank
cooling system
downpipe fit in non-turbo car (AC box)
non-posi rear
etc etc etc, I couldn't possibly list it all

plus 500 - 1000 for the non-turbo car
put a value on your time and sweat



I paid 5K for my T as is........

Yeah Scott but you also got a heck of a deal...your car is in great shape! A deal like yours is very unheard of, good thing you found it.

 

[ThikStik]

How about a vortec headed chev and a turbo 700. Or an Lt-1, or , or , or. Keep in mind that you got the last of the rear wheel drive g-bodies. The irony is that there are more aawesome parts for any V-8 than ever. Like aluminum heads for Buicks and Olds! but the platforms will be getting scarcer by the day. Damn GM .

 

[scottyb]

Originally posted by Vader 87
Yeah Scott but you also got a heck of a deal...your car is in great shape! A deal like yours is very unheard of, good thing you found it.

Wait till you hear me crying cause I have to rebuild my high mile motor. Besides, my car looks like a sh!tbox compared to yours!

I see T's in the trader all the time for 7k and under.

 

[Vader 87]

Originally posted by scottyb
Wait till you hear me crying cause I have to rebuild my high mile motor. Besides, my car looks like a sh!tbox compared to yours!

I see T's in the trader all the time for 7k and under.

The rebuild is where it gets fun!