1985 Buick Electra - Phase 1: Repairs

Discussion in 'Station Wagon Projects' started by Darcane, Jan 11, 2019.

  1. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

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    It ought to be a Stage II 455....
     
  2. Darcane

    Darcane Well-Known Member

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    As mentioned in the link in my first post... a 4.8L or 5.3L

    Why? That meets none of my goals.

    I need an inexpensive, reliable, efficient engine that can be used every day in my commute and provides enough power to tow with. I'm not building a race car here, I'm building a tow rig to tow my race car...
     
  3. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

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    I know, you said as much, but you'll find I'm a bit flippant just for a good laugh.
     
  4. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

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    That's right, I forgot.
     
  5. Darcane

    Darcane Well-Known Member

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    I haven't repaired much lately...

    But I did buy a new engine for my Buick. I came in this fancy, rolling engine stand:
    2019_05_12_Donor.jpg
     
  6. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

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    Wow. That'll get the job done.
    What's wrong with the Burb? Looks pretty clean from here.
     
  7. Darcane

    Darcane Well-Known Member

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    Right Rear quarter is torn by the taillight and buckled a little in front of there. Taillight is broken. This was enough to give it a salvage title. Which he lost. Gauges are FUBAR'd like many GM trucks of this era.

    Then 3rd gear went out on the tranny so they parked it. For two years. It's got a few minor issues from sitting.

    Drove it home for $950. Including the carrier on the roof and a set of winter wheels/tires. :1st:

    Anyone need some 'burb parts? :D
     
  8. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

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    Nice.
    I bet you can make most of your money back selling parts.
    What trans are you going to use?
     
  9. Darcane

    Darcane Well-Known Member

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    The one from the 'Burb. I'll get it rebuilt and swap the 4wd tailhousing/shaft for a 2wd.
     
  10. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

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    I suspected that would be the case. Sounds like an excellent way to go.
     
  11. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

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    Nah, go ahead and drop in a 4WD drivetrain, make it a "Hoonick!"
     
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  12. modernmilwaukee

    modernmilwaukee Member

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    That will be a nice boost in power. How much will you need to modify for it to fit?
     
  13. Darcane

    Darcane Well-Known Member

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    Good question.... Obviously the engine and tranny mounts, wiring, oil pan, exhaust (manifolds to tail pipe), drive shaft, and fuel system.
    Dash and gauges? Trying not to.

    I've been using Vetteman61's writeup on his Caprice as a little bit of a guide: http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/threads/fixing-up-a-71-grand-safari.19936/page-57

    My swap should be very similar...
     
  14. modernmilwaukee

    modernmilwaukee Member

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    That is going to be a project! Should be great once it's all squared away though.
     
  15. Fred Kiehl

    Fred Kiehl Well-Known Member

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    There are adapters for the engine mounts now, so all you have to worry about is the trans crossmember. I believe they are also available. If you get the wiring harness, and the computer, you can just use it as is with the corresponding transmission. You should also get the gas pedal if it is fly by wire. The only fabricating should be the drive shaft, exhaust, radiator, fans, and fuel lines. Even the OEM exhaust manifolds should fit. The trans tunnel may need to be enlarged, but might fit as is, depending on the trans you use. If you use a trans from a corresponding LS vehicle, just bolt it up to the engine, and install the wiring. I may have missed some small things, but the installation has been done numerous times so the parts are pretty well mapped out.
    I put a 454 in a 91 Olds Custom Cruiser with fairly little effort. I used a beefed up 4L60, and ended up using the original crossmember with a hump for the left side exhaust pipe. The rear mount for the muffler was even the same as the right side, and the holes were already there for installation.
     

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