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supercrackerbox
11-17-2006, 08:10 PM
Given the following choices for an engine for a '79 Buick Regal, what would you choose? The car doesn't have to be a drag monster, but I'd like it to be fairly quick. But it must also be streetable and handle well. The choices given are what I have ready access too.

GLHS592
11-17-2006, 09:54 PM
Go with the Poncho. There are tons more parts available for the Pontiacs. Of course, the Buick 455 will make battleship pulling torque. I wouldn't even consider the Buick 350 with the other two options.

Anonymous_User
11-17-2006, 10:18 PM
Yeah, the Poncho has a better aftermarket, but you will always regrret not going with more displacement!

BadAssPerformance
11-18-2006, 12:21 AM
Since this is a 'turbo' forum.... GN motor dude! :thumb:

turboaddict
11-18-2006, 12:40 AM
how about caddy 500c.i........... its lighter than a small block. produces 500ft lbs and 290 horse and has a decent aftermarket. plus theyre cheap, as in a complete running car for $400 here.

supercrackerbox
11-18-2006, 09:45 AM
Since this is a 'turbo' forum.... GN motor dude! :thumb:


how about caddy 500c.i........... its lighter than a small block. produces 500ft lbs and 290 horse and has a decent aftermarket. plus theyre cheap, as in a complete running car for $400 here.


Like I said, these are the options that are readily available. IF I can find a good deal on a GN engine, I'll consider it. But I'm really looking into getting back into a rear drive V8. The main reason I was considering the 350 is for weight. My old '78 with the SBC, Sport Coupe handling package, and just halfway decent tires could be thrown around the curves just as well as my '86 CS, if not better (although if fell a little short of my CSXT). I want that back as much as I want acceleration.

Don't worry I'm not getting out of Turbo Mopars, just thinning the herd a bit so I can expand my horizons. I love ALL G-bodies, not just Daytonas.

gti_7
11-18-2006, 10:56 AM
buick 455.. 520ft-lbs.. how much more "streetable" do you want? :D

bernard

supercrackerbox
11-18-2006, 11:15 AM
buick 455.. 520ft-lbs.. how much more "streetable" do you want? :D

bernard

That's for the Stage II. Also 360hp, but the 455 in question is not quite that hot.

TopDollar69
11-18-2006, 04:00 PM
I would go with the 455 Buick. It has a decent power to weight ratio. Aftermarket support isn't great, but Kenne Bell, and TA Performance do have a decent amount of parts available.

GLHS592
11-18-2006, 04:49 PM
I think I may have changed my mind. I saw Edelbrock aluminum heads, in the latest issue of Hot Rod Magazine this morning, for a Buford.

Birddog
11-18-2006, 06:20 PM
455 for sure! Then turbo it!

W.P._Turbocars
11-19-2006, 01:26 AM
Here's what I wanted to do with my dad's extra Firebird he's got:
(Engine-wise for you)

Pontiac 400 with:
455 heads off of a '76 car (low compression, should put you in the 7.5-8.0:1range)
301 turbo intake, or aftermarket??
BIG turbo and lotta boost

Then you still have plenty of N/A power yet you can still have boost :)

Orangetona
11-23-2006, 07:41 PM
The pontiac 400 engine. Im not really impressed with the 455. ;) Yes I am being biased. :D

87 charger
11-26-2006, 12:25 AM
Yeah, the Poncho has a better aftermarket, but you will always regrret not going with more displacement!


Hmmm.Maybe
My 66 425 olds will kick the crap out of my 68 olds 455. :nod: Rod stroke ratio makes a big difference. I have seen 400 pontiacs make me think that I need one.

87 charger
11-26-2006, 12:54 AM
Also just like oldsmobiles,buicks have oiling issues. I would drop a 350 rocket or a 425 olds in one myself. The 1.7 to 1 rod stroke ratio makes me say that. 425's though have a unique flywheel,but I am telling you now if you want crazy power 425 is the way to go !
400 pontiacs when built are extremely impressive.

deuce dodge
11-27-2006, 09:18 PM
my best friend in high school loved ponchos.............went thru 5 engines one summer.....he beat them to death and always over revved everything...... his choice ..hands down 400 pontiac.........

it was an angry motor...GRRRRRR

deuce

turbovanpilot
11-27-2006, 10:48 PM
455 without a doubt, look how fast the gsx was,which is a factory engine. i seen some hemi's beat up pretty bad by that 455 buick, and vice versa, so i'd say its equil to a 426 hemi, but not as well know or as popular . my only other choice would be a version of the 3.8 buick thats intercooled and turboed, either a 3.8 or 4.1 stock 86-87 turbo regal setup, or a stage 1 or stage 2 single or twin turbo, but thats a lot of coin. so a nice 400-500 horse single carbed buick 455 would be my choice.