Buick aluminum 6

[6PAK72]

Winter project involves a 231 crate motor. Anyone have input on issues?

Also, I need a resource to narrow a 9 bolt rear end.

Yes, the 7 is coming to life.

[WillM]

No idea, but this recent post made me think of you:

http://prodracing.com/prodcar/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=13111

[chaos4NH]

Although I don't remember the name of the company (Rover?), but a British motor car company used that engine in a production vehicle back in the late 60's early 70's. I also believe that one of the GM divisions did a turbo version of the motor

[cuda6666]

You are correct. The Buick 215 cid V8 engine was used by Rover.

[chaos4NH]

I was mistaken, forgot it was the itty bitty V8, When/where did the aluminum V6 become available (Note I am not up to date on GM stuff!)?

[cuda6666]

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/buick_90_v6.htm

[chaos4NH]

You had me worried there for a bit Frank. I thought my old mind had slipped a gear when I couldn't remember a GM Aluminum V6. After getting the history lesson, I found the TA link.
That sounds like a nearly bullet proof swap!

[TroyV]

Are we talking about a Turbo Buick V6 here? There is a COM member (actually ex-member) I know that is an authority on that engine. PM me and I can connect you.

[6PAK72]

No turbo on this one.

The odd-fire 231 crate engine is still available from Buick dealers, we just found a long block for well under $1000. Needs an Edelbrock low-rise and a Holley 550. Found a mid-lift cam for it from a speed shop in Chicago, Headers are coming off e-bay, we'll need a custom exhaust bend.

I had found the Jeep conversion site a while back - what a great resource.

Amazingly, the Buick is a bolt-to-bolt mate on the bellhousing to the Rover 5-speed in the TR7. The engine mounts are available from a shop in Texas, the alternator in the TR7 is a GM 2-wire anyway, there's no power steering to mess with. We have to work out flywheel/clutch/linkage but I;ve been told there is a swap kit out there from a place in MA called The Wedge Shop.

It looks pretty good to be a manageable swap, but I'm SURE something will crop up.

Thanks for the info on the rear end - this is going to be the challenge. The OEM banjo-style rear end is rated pretty low.