Thread: How do i put a chevy 350 into my 72 skylark

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I know I know why put a chevy engine in a buick, im defiling the car, im bastardizing the buick spirit.....

im also a college student who needs an engine in his car and chevys are more affordable, more parts are available, and when i graduate i can always switch it back to a buick engine if i want.

for now lets stick to:

what do i need to do to be able to put in a chevy engine in my buick skylarks engine bay?

is it possible to reuse the existing peripherals with a chevy engine in there? (power steering pump, brake master cylinder, alternator, etc.)

can i use the current transmission with a chevy engine? ( i dont know what model it is all i know is the car came with a 350 code j engine and when i go to change out the filters i always have a hassle because the filter and transmission pan correspond to an old trucks)

would i be able to use my buicks exhaust manifold?

is there particular chevy engine that is easier to put into my 72 skylark?

particular engine manufacturer that makes those chevy engine that is trusted and reliable?

i thank you in advance for all the help i know you can give me. please help me out here.

Chevy Chevelles from 68-72 share many components with same year Skylarks. You will need to find frame mounts from a similar vintage Chevelle. Accessories like alternator and power steering pump should work, but you will need the mounting brackets to put them on the Chevy motor. The Buick transmission has a different bolt pattern so you will need to find a Chevy unit, Chevy Turbo 350s are common and relatively cheap. You will not be able to use the Buick exhaust manifolds, but you may be able to use most of the exhaust pipe and muffler(s). A muffler shop can help you connect it to the chevy exhaust manifolds. THere are many different ones, I would start with manifolds from a Chevelle. If you can find a pick and pull with some Chevelles in them that would be the way to go for all the little things you will need.

Pat

PS Welcome to Club Hot Rod!

all of what pat said. plus you could look at monte carlo and elcamino. they are the same as the chevelle in 70-72 model years. your best bet will be to try and find a 350 in those years. inexpensive to find a running one and the parts are cheap.