colsoncj

OK, so the latest brain fart is when my motor takes a dump, probably will still be a while, I'm going to swap in a different motor. Now I started my wrenching on Buicks, so I'm kinda partial to them still today. My idea is to use a Buick 231 V6. For those that don't know its the 3.8L V6 Buick used in the Grand Nationals (Regals) and was turbocharged and made to compete with the big blocks of the 70's. Power to weight is real good if you know what you're doin, and they aren't real big. You could also squeeze some huge power outta one too... The question at hand is how do I install this thing. Making the motor fit and wiring is a problem I can handle. The problem lies in the tranny/t-case department. I don't think that a toyota setup will last behind it, so I'm thinkin I may need to go with a GM setup. Next problem is, Buick, in all their proudness used a different bolt pattern than Chevy (the famous BOP pattern). So now im limited to a BOP TH350 unless we go to adapters. Now if I remember correctly, I think Jeeps used the 231 too. IF they did, what was thier tranny/t-case setup? I might be able to use one of those... Or I could get an adapter (most likely) to use a newer 4-speed auto (Chev pattern) and bolt it to the BOP pattern. Whats the thoughts?

epic37311

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/350-swap-48571/ This might help

rockota

Having owned a 3.8, I'd recomment skipping it. The 231's are small, light and fit fairly well (no better than the 4.3, however...), they run hot and aren't really the best on gas (at least mine wasn't). Getting one that's fuel injected means that you will have to get a GN engine, I believe.

You CAN run a toyota tranny behind it with great success. Just use AA's bellhousing, flywheel and clutch recommendations and bolt it all up to a 150 or 151. This is what was in my truck when I first bought it.... The 3.8 lasted two trips.

The bellhousing is a dual pattern - botls up to a Chevy as well. When I was considering what to do with teh Buick, I found this little piece of info and decided rather than go back to a 22re, I'd go 4.3 TBI. Only new piece I needed was the flywheel.

Personally, and this is just opinion.... I'd stick with Toyota. Go with a 3rz - great engine for a 1st gen 4Runner. Or, if big power is your goal, do a 3.4 swap and call it done...

jimbo74

the buick 3.8 is crappy, however the 4.3 is an awesome swap into a yota... hell if i was going to go through the trouble of a swap though, i would just make it a 350 v8

and i dont even like chevy

colsoncj

The buick 231 is a great motor, it just has some minor issues. Having worked on Buicks since the beginning, in my hands its no longer a crappy motor... Like stated before the main issue is running hot (most buicks do), and oiling problems. Both are easily fixed with the right info, a good machine shop that will do what you tell them to, and the right parts.

The thought has crossed my mind for a 5m or 7m swap if i wanted to keep it toyota...

colsoncj

Oh and FI on a 231 is easy, just make sure you have the right firing setup (odd-fire vs. even fire) and the right goodies....

4Hummer

My 81 Toyota had that EXACT Motor. It was a wicked running engine, easy to work on and find parts. That truck had a GM 350 Turbo Trans in it. which mated up no problem

Oh heres a PIC of that old PIG.... Man I loved that truck

deznoches

I have a 302 5.0 in my runner. They are easy to find and farly inexpensive. It's a little tight in the engine compartment, so I have two smaller electric fans on a v6 radiatior which seems to be doing the trick and there are tons of mods for the 5.0 HO if you want more power(it already has plenty). It's hooked up to a c4 trans and I've been told it's prety bulletproof.

Nihil

Jeep never used the 231, but they did use the Buick 225 (almost the same thing).
I know the 225 will bolt up to an SM420, so the 231 should too. A Dana 300 easily adapts to fit the SM420. Very beefy and reliable setup.

Napoleon047

use a POB 3800, you can find these in front wheel drive cars. i.e. bonnevilles, etc. they are everywhere, i know where 2 of these, complete cars with less than 100k on them, but the trannies are blown. dirt cheap!

anyway, you need:
ax-5 bellhousing from a 4cyl wrangler to bolt it to your w56
s-10 flywheel and pressure plate
yota clutch disk

you will have to fab some engine mounts and do the wiring, but other than that, its all good to go. if you can find a late model grand am (prix?) with the supercharger that would be hella sweet!!

colsoncj

Ok, pardon the lack of knowledge, but can i get info on a SM420?