Buick 455 to replace 326.

[Coleman396]

Hi Everyone. I wonder if some of you can help me? I have been reading different posts but have not found the same situation so I will ask this question.
First I should tell you I have a nice 67 Lemans with a 326 and 2speed automatic. Great looking car but really kind of boring to drive.
Now I have been offered a 1970 Buick with a 455 that is rated at 370 hp and 510 ft lbs torque. That is coupled to a turbo 400.
I figure that should make the old Lemans go as fast as it looks! I will be getting the whole car so the different parts I might need will hopefully all be there. Can anyone tell me of any problems I might run into doing this swap? I know I will have to change exhaust,transmission crossmember,shifter assembly,drive shaft,perhaps move some wiring.
Any other things I have missed? Will the motor mounts from the Buick work if I take them from the frame and install them into my car? What are your thoughts as to perforance with this running gear in the Lemans? Lastly,can anyone tell me how much a 67 Lemans 2 door hardtop weighs? Thanks a lot for your opinions!
John.

[Coleman396]

Hi Everyone. I wonder if some of you can help me? I have been reading different posts but have not found the same situation so I will ask this question.
First I should tell you I have a nice 67 Lemans with a 326 and 2speed automatic. Great looking car but really kind of boring to drive.
Now I have been offered a 1970 Buick with a 455 that is rated at 370 hp and 510 ft lbs torque. That is coupled to a turbo 400.
I figure that should make the old Lemans go as fast as it looks! I will be getting the whole car so the different parts I might need will hopefully all be there. Can anyone tell me of any problems I might run into doing this swap? I know I will have to change exhaust,transmission crossmember,shifter assembly,drive shaft,perhaps move some wiring.
Any other things I have missed? Will the motor mounts from the Buick work if I take them from the frame and install them into my car? What are your thoughts as to perforance with this running gear in the Lemans? Lastly,can anyone tell me how much a 67 Lemans 2 door hardtop weighs? Thanks a lot for your opinions!
John.

[Bull]

I think I remember reading years ago about swapping the Buick 455s into other GM cars. Those motors produce ridiculous amounts of torque. I'll flip through my collection of old mags to see if I can find the article, or to determine if I am just mistaken.

You might want to contact a Buick specialist like TA Performance to see if they have engine mount kits and other stuff to help make this happen.

[bmpmdf]

Good find on the 455 buick. The one bad thing is anything over 5200 rpm and the oiling system can't keep it lubed. That leads to all the bad things with bearings. Amazing isn't it, I've been looking for one for my 65 Skylark, But so far just cracked and busted junk iron! Keep the rpm down and just try to get traction !!! I dare ya!

[YVEYANT]

Hey good luck with the build, I have a calender that says the Buick 455 made the most power out of all the motors for it's time. It should be a lot of fun when done. Anthony

[Turbo Indian]

ask that question here http://pub35.ezboard.com/bbuickgsclubofamerica
these folks put a Buick engine in everything. hell a few years ago I say a 67gto with a 455 Buick.

[70GS455]

Another very useful site would be: http://www.v8buick.com

HTH

[gto1967]

I had a '66 GTO with a dual quad 401 Nailhead Buick.As I recall, the motor mounts that are on the frame and engine were different than Pontiac. Too bad I sold the whole motor and dual snorkel air cleaner for $150.00 20yrs. ago!!!!!!!!! http://forums.performanceyears.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif http://forums.performanceyears.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif http://forums.performanceyears.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif