Suggestions Welcomed

[Jordan89]

Well guys, I found out why my engine didn't turn on today, and what the clunking noise was in the engine. I managed to get the oil Lan slightly off, and noticed a rattling noise. It turned out to be a broken rod. I'm pretty sure I need a new engine, but people are asking way too much for these 3.8a. I was looking into the 4.1L engine: 25514291 as they are found for much less money.
What do you guys suggest?

 

[Jordan89]

*3.8s

 

[dr_frankenstein]

are you talking complete motor or just block?

there will be a definite difference in price if your looking at a turbo 3.8 motor vs a Non turbo 4.1.

you need the turbo internals, which consist of the turbo pistons. NA pistons will hold for a little while, but i dont think you have the tuning experiance for the feat.

if your going to be building an engine, the 4.1 is the better place to start. but if you have no intentions of building, but pulling and dropping another - then the turbo 3.8 is what you need. Also if the motor is used, I would confirm that your indeed getting turbo internals if going the pull and drop route.

 

[Jordan89]

I know that some 4.1L engines came with the turbo crank, but am not sure of the pistons rods. I'm talking about the complete engine. I don't plan on adding any more power then stock, and am just looking to get this car running. It's hard trying to find a 3.8 Turbo engine out here, I've been looking.

 

[Jordan89]

I'm new to the Buick world, so all help is helpful. I mostly work on Chevys, and am starting to regret messing with this Buick.

 

[charlief1]

The stock crank and rods of a 4.1 are the same as the torbo engines, but the flywheel and balancer are a little different. The pistons are cast but you can get hypereutectic off the shelf or custom forged. Hypers have been a little brittle and can break under detonation though. The 3.8 is the least expensive of the 2 since you can get off the shelf forged pistons. The key is finding a good machine shop that knows Buick engines to put it all together for you.

 

[Jordan89]

I'm not looking into building an engine, I just want to get this car up and running. I found a 3.8L (torn apart) engine locally, but the guy thinks it's worth gold, and is just crazy. Do you know if the 4.1 is internally balanced?

 

[charlief1]

Non of the Buick V6's are internal from the factory.

 

[Jordan89]

Ok, I just found a 1980 Carburetor, turbo engine on Craigslist. Is there any difference between these and the Fuel injected Turbo engine on my '85? This is the description: "1980 Buick Reviera v-6 turbo charged engine. This engine has 22,000 original miles but has been stored for 25 years. It still turns over and has compression. It is complete with original carb , turbo, exhaust system, air pump, alternator and distributor," It's been sitting for a while, but if it turn over, it might have a chance. By the way, I really appreciate all of the help.

 

[dr_frankenstein]

that would probably do the job or you provided its healthy enough to run.

you will need to swap all of the outside stuff from your old engine to this one. but this shortblock will have the minimum needed pistons for the boost.

also save all the outside stuff that you dont need, try to keep it organized and together and a couple of us from the carb section will buy it from you. Off the top of my head, if you do get that motor i can tell you already i would buy the Alt/AC bracket

 

[Jordan89]

I'm going to go take a look at it, if it's still available. You've been a lot of help, and I will keep you posted. thank you.

 

[dr_frankenstein]

no worrys, im glad to try and help if i can.

 

[Jordan89]

One more question for assurance, even though it is off of a Buick Riviera, it will still fit right? Thank you.

 

[dr_frankenstein]

yes it will fit, the riv was front wheel drive, but used a transmission that still kept the v6 in its regular position.

the main thing to remember about this engine if you score it, is that it will be just a stocker so this will get her running but truly is marginal for performance at best.

 

[Jordan89]

Well, I picked up the engine last night. I'm not sure if I will have to switch cylinder heads to make my '85s intake work with the '80 Riviera engine? I was looking at the intake manifold gasket for both of these engines and they are different part numbers. Also, do I have to replace head bolts when swapping heads because I can't find them?

 

[charlief1]

Unless your heads are ported you shouldn't need to swap them out. From 79 up all the heads pretty much interchange with minor differences.

 

[Jordan89]

So, I'll be able to swap everything to this Riviera engine without any problems right? The heads on the old engine were letting oil into the plugs and fouling them, so I'd prefer not to have to change them.

 

[charlief1]

Heads and shortblock are the same. You may need to change oil pan and use your headers but it's all the same.

 

[Jordan89]

Thank you very much for your help. I'll keep you guys posted with the progress.

 

[charlief1]

I forgot. You need to change balancers and add the crank sensor.