GreggymacZ28

So i bought my first third generation camaro about a month ago for 1400 bucks. I spent about 3 weeks getting it ready to take to the track for a GM performance day. I put headers on it because of an exhaust leak and i figured why not. Took the car, expecting not the greatest time, but a decent one. First time down the track...16.6. That was pretty dissapointing. Now at the end of the day i did get 1st place and win 500$ brcause the car was so consistent, but i want some more kick. I have a buick 455 in my garage that i want to swap in, buick has always been more of my thing, and i'm more familiar with the engines. But i have a few small questions, with this engine, will a 700r4 be able to support it? ive heard of getting a new adapter? and im guessing ill probably need a stall converter? Any other info. on how to do this and keep the car in good condition would be appreciated!

AlkyIROC

A Buick swap is no different than swapping in a Pontiac, Olds or Caddy engine. All are possible but none are a direct swap. Don't expect to see any sort of swap parts available such as headers, engine mounts etc. If you want to do the swap then jump right in a do it. A BBC swap is much easier and cheaper.

Your transmission won't bolt up. BOP and Caddy all share the same bellhousing bolt pattern. SBC and BBC have they're own bolt pattern. I highly doubt a stock 700R4 will survive for very long behind and kind of big cubic inch engine. You'll be better off finding a TH400 with a BOP or dual bolt pattern bellhousing.

Converter stall depends on what camshaft is in the engine. The stall speed needs to match the powerband of the camshaft for best performance.

Gumby

I have seen about a dozen done online but the problem is you never hear from them again. Some have promised but they all go MIA. The build starts, they put it in and then MIA.

My guess is with a real engine in there, they go so fast they break the space/time barrier and wind up somewhere in the future

some pics of one
http://buickthunder.com/3rdgen/

GreggymacZ28

Well so far i have seen one guy on this site with a 455 in his car and that is magill. And his trans is a 700r4, although he only has posted something about his car in a few posts, so it is rather hard to gather information from his build. I was hoping to try and keep the 700r4, his build kind of led me to higher spirits for keeping it also. And yes, i'd love to have that type of engine in a 3200 pound car

Gumby

You just get a trans adapter kit, you can bolt anything to anything, someone makes a kit already most likley. and that should be an easy one to find.

as its not that odd ball of a swap

-----------------

You can find my beloved Buick here,
http://www.stationwagonforums.com/fo...ad.php?t=11252

as well as the Buick 350 does in that monster [fin moves] id have really considered swapping it in, but BOP be original. Buick is getting a turbo [ It needs it] I want to find a Poncho V8 for the Bird now and make it a more real Pontiac.

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

If you research Magilla online, that car was featured in Hot Rod Magazine back in the day. Beautifully done, car!

You should search the Hot Rod Magazine archives, I know its in there. I'll see what I can find.

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

This is the thread that got me going about this guy, way back in the day!

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/engi...84-camaro.html

It says June of 2000 is the issue that the car is in.

Good luck!

GreggymacZ28

Thanks for all your help guys! but after some consideration, ive decided to go with a 355 that ive found, that way i can keep the headers i just bought a week ago! Otherwise theyd just go to waste! Thanks again for the help!

1gary

Well I guess I was late to this party.Anyways here is the size of the engine and adapters.

http://www.carnut.com/specs/fengdim.html

http://www.transmissionadapters.com/index.htm