Currently my '92 Regal has the stock Buick 3.8 V6 engine which many GM enthusiasts consider excellent, however while driving it sometimes feels like something is holding you back. It is not gutless or anything; I actually think the car is too heavy for a 6. It's pretty well a tank. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.|||Does a V8 even fit in a GM W-Body?
All those cars had sixes....
Maybe the transverse 325 LS4 V8 from a Gen IX Impala SS|||Emission tests are likely going to be your biggest problem. If you just have to pass a sniff test you may not have too much trouble but if there is a visual its going to be a lot harder. Many states only allow swaps if you are swapping to a newer engine and if it was offered as a factory option on the same model car. Even at that there are usually a few other catches like having to get the ECU reprogrammed so the VIN numbers match. Only other engine option for the Regals was the supercharged 3800. They were optional in the Regals, Grand Prix, and Bonnevilles so they are out there.
Next issue is your car is FWD. Cadillac is the only one that I know of that has ever made a FWD V8. Around 92 is when the 4.6 Nothstar came out. Thats a fairly wide and tall engine so I dont know how well that would fit in the regal, it may be tight. The one that should be an easier fit would be the 4.9 that was used on some models till 95. Big differences in the FWD motors is how the mount to the car and transmission. How the oil pan clears the transmission. How they fit between the wheels. An example, the 4.9 has the water pump mounted off to the side vs. old V8 way where it stuck out the front which would be the side in a transverse setup like we are talking about.
You are likely going to be better off looking for a 'faster' car. If you like that style and size the supercharged Regal, Grand Prix, or Bonneville would be worth looking at. Thunderbird and Cougar were RWD 2 doors about the same size and I think they had some cool engine options in that era. If you dont mind bigger look for a Roadmaster. All were RWD. 91-93 had regular EFI 350's in em. 94-96 all had the LT1 corvette 350 in them. Those years it did not matter what car you bought you got the same engine. Impalla SS, Cop caprice, Trans Am, Roadmaster, grandpa Caddy Brougham, all the same motor.|||I would leave it stock actually and look for something faster. It's a '92 Regal, how much money do you wanna put in it? All the fast 4-door cars previously mentioned like the Caprice 350 LT1 and Northstar Caddies would cost the same or less than doing a swap to your FWD Regal, which isn't exactly an ideal platform for a V8 swap anyways unless it's a specialty GM V8 like a 5.3 or Northstar.|||Maybe Jay means the 4.6 Cadillac Northstart engine. It should fit and would wake up your Regal for sure.|||the 4.6
Sunday, September 18, 2011
What scanner to use on a 1994 Buick Park Avenue?
We have tried almost everything. Seems Buick has what they call a Tech 1 to scan this particular car, but I don't know where or if we can buy one. Any ideas or knowledge of this?|||Look for an OBD1 scanner, specifically for GM vehicles. Can check Ebay or an autoparts store for them.|||Its either an ODB I or an ODB II interface. Most likely an ODB I for your car because of the year. Any scanner with the right software interface for the car should work. My snap on scanner would work. You dont need the exact one usually that the manufacturer reccomends for dealers to use.
What size speakers are in my 1987 Buick Park Avenue?
I am replacing my speakers in my '87 Buick and need to know what size the front and rear are. I believe the rear are 6x9" but am not sure. Also, are the front speakers only in the door or also in the dash?|||Front speakers
Dash: 4"x6"
Front Door: 6-1/2"
Rear speakers
Rear Deck: 6"x9"
Dash: 4"x6"
Front Door: 6-1/2"
Rear speakers
Rear Deck: 6"x9"
How will I know if I need a fuel pump on my 1995 Buick?
My car is a 1995 Buick Park Avenue. When I sit idle too long with the motor running the check engine light comes on. When I step on the gas to go, it is very slow to take off, like it's not getting any gas. How much is a new fuel pump, and how much should I pay to have it put in? Where is it located on my car? Help!|||Go to auto zone %26amp; get you trouble codes checked for free. It may not be the fuel pump.|||When it stops running! There should be at least two filters on you Buick. One is under the car between the tank and engine, tucked under a side rail. The other is located in the gas tank, connected to the pump. If the car has TPI, there is a third in the carb where the fuel enters the bowel. With the exception of the tank unit, it's something you are (or a friend with minimal skills) able to perform. If it's the tank unit, be perpared for about 150-200 dollars. Hopefully you have not just filled up. Been the, done that on our 1993 GMC Suburban. It has a 43 gallon tank, talk about a high. Good thing it was unleaded fuel...........hahaha!
As 'OKATOM' says, 'it could be the Cat'. Have a sub-pipe installed to check. If vehicle has over 100k, it's probably past due. After the exhaust has cooled down, push on 'CATCONV', if sounds like broken glass, you're due. Those can be installed for about 180 dollars, using an 'after-market type. Should that be the case, remember the according to 'federal law' they must be warranty for 50k.
Let us know what you end up with, OK?|||When a fuel pump fails, you get no gas, no start usually. Read the error codes stored in the computer to see why you are getting the check engine light. From your description, I'd bet it's the catalytic converter.
And back to the fuel pump, it's in your fuel tank, and can be quite expensive to change depending of price of the part.|||not the pump, but the fuel filters|||You could have clogged fuel injectors,fuel filter or even as you said the fuel pump but part of it. It's called the fuel pump sock.
Since it's starting and not as it should, it's just a guesstimate that you have something clogged. More than likely your fuel pump is located inside the gas tank.
You could buy a fuel pressure tester and check that. It fairly simple to do as long as you have the right tester for your vehicle.If the pressure is okay.....it's none of the above. A mechanic will probably test it anyway. The model tester you would want is around 40-50 dollars at Autozone/Advanced Auto.
More information would be needed for on-line tech manuals in order to assist you such as we know its a Park Avenue but an Electra or other models they have, size of motor, etc....
All in all....take it to a mechanic or certified shop for repair. Even changing a 8-15 dollar fuel filter could be dangerous.
.
As 'OKATOM' says, 'it could be the Cat'. Have a sub-pipe installed to check. If vehicle has over 100k, it's probably past due. After the exhaust has cooled down, push on 'CATCONV', if sounds like broken glass, you're due. Those can be installed for about 180 dollars, using an 'after-market type. Should that be the case, remember the according to 'federal law' they must be warranty for 50k.
Let us know what you end up with, OK?|||When a fuel pump fails, you get no gas, no start usually. Read the error codes stored in the computer to see why you are getting the check engine light. From your description, I'd bet it's the catalytic converter.
And back to the fuel pump, it's in your fuel tank, and can be quite expensive to change depending of price of the part.|||not the pump, but the fuel filters|||You could have clogged fuel injectors,fuel filter or even as you said the fuel pump but part of it. It's called the fuel pump sock.
Since it's starting and not as it should, it's just a guesstimate that you have something clogged. More than likely your fuel pump is located inside the gas tank.
You could buy a fuel pressure tester and check that. It fairly simple to do as long as you have the right tester for your vehicle.If the pressure is okay.....it's none of the above. A mechanic will probably test it anyway. The model tester you would want is around 40-50 dollars at Autozone/Advanced Auto.
More information would be needed for on-line tech manuals in order to assist you such as we know its a Park Avenue but an Electra or other models they have, size of motor, etc....
All in all....take it to a mechanic or certified shop for repair. Even changing a 8-15 dollar fuel filter could be dangerous.
.
97 Buick leaking antifreeze, smell coolant out tailpipe, oil lks good? What do I do and how much will it cost?
1997 Buick Century. Stop leak products worked for about 10,000 miles. Car has 100,000 miles. Should I buy the head gasket kit and have my back yard mechanic do the job?|||In my experience, stop leak products rarely work for that long. It is possible that only your intake manifold gasket is leaking and not the head gaskets, since you don't have water in your oil. Given the car's age and mileage, I think it would be best to go ahead with head gasket job. Your mechanic will have to replace the intake gasket anyway. This will definitely solve your problem and it would be a good time to evaluate the condition of your valves. I would at least replace the valve guides and grind the valves and seats if necessary. Check the heads for cracks, warpage etc and have a few thousandths milled to ensure a flat surface for your new gaskets. Inspect the cylinder walls for wear. Put it all back together and run a compression test on it. You may find that your engine is in like new condition after you have finished.|||Sounds like a good idea|||bad head gasket smokes to i bet.up to you.(leaking on exhaust side.|||You have a failed Head Gasket. Do not use any more stop leak or you will be replacing the radiator and heater core.
Get it done asap or you can cause major engine damage in the cylinders/pistons.|||You might want to check the intake manifold, your leak might actually be there. Buick V6's were known for intake manifold leaks, my 1994 Century developed one a few weeks ago...look at the manifold where it bolts to the head, particularly on the driver's side of the car...do you see a greenish stain at the mating surface? If so, that's where the leak is, much easier to fix than the head gasket....look there first.|||this is very typical for a GM automobile, gm has a class action lawsuit because of the dexcool coolant they used, it eats up the head gasket, they do make a head gasket sealer , i saw on two guys garage on the speed channel, it's similar to stop leak, but made for leaking head gaskets , and suppose to last 30000-50000 miles. you can probably check it out at your local auto parts store
Get it done asap or you can cause major engine damage in the cylinders/pistons.|||You might want to check the intake manifold, your leak might actually be there. Buick V6's were known for intake manifold leaks, my 1994 Century developed one a few weeks ago...look at the manifold where it bolts to the head, particularly on the driver's side of the car...do you see a greenish stain at the mating surface? If so, that's where the leak is, much easier to fix than the head gasket....look there first.|||this is very typical for a GM automobile, gm has a class action lawsuit because of the dexcool coolant they used, it eats up the head gasket, they do make a head gasket sealer , i saw on two guys garage on the speed channel, it's similar to stop leak, but made for leaking head gaskets , and suppose to last 30000-50000 miles. you can probably check it out at your local auto parts store
How do I change the engine torque strut mount on a 94 Buick?
I was told by the car repair shop that I need to replace the torque strut mount on my 94 Buick Regal 3.8. I tried to do it myself but can not fit the new one in because the rubber on the old one was pushed forward and the engine is sitting about 1/4 to 1/2 inch too far forward. The guy at the auto parts store told me to put the transaxle in neutral and pry the engine back to fit the new strut mount on. If I follow his advice, do I run the risk of messing up anything else that is now relying on the engine being in its current position? Also any advice on tilting the engine back would help.|||I did this years ago on a Buick Century, 1983 model.
As I recall, I used the weight of the car to position the engine. I was either nose uphill or nose downhill and when in "Park" the enigne rocks forward or backwards.
If you are a member of the Flat Earth Society and don't have a driveway that slopes up or down then you could use a wooden dowel (like1%26amp;1/2" diameter) or a 1/2 inch breaker bar wedged under an engine bracket (make sures it's a steel bracket and not aluminum) and then pull or push the engine until the holes are lined up.
It's a bit delicate but not quite neurosurgery.
Good Luck!|||I agree...just try rocking the car back or forth in gear to align the holes or use a pry bar on a steel part of the brackets or engine to get the holes to line up. Loosening the engine bracket bolts may also help too.
As I recall, I used the weight of the car to position the engine. I was either nose uphill or nose downhill and when in "Park" the enigne rocks forward or backwards.
If you are a member of the Flat Earth Society and don't have a driveway that slopes up or down then you could use a wooden dowel (like1%26amp;1/2" diameter) or a 1/2 inch breaker bar wedged under an engine bracket (make sures it's a steel bracket and not aluminum) and then pull or push the engine until the holes are lined up.
It's a bit delicate but not quite neurosurgery.
Good Luck!|||I agree...just try rocking the car back or forth in gear to align the holes or use a pry bar on a steel part of the brackets or engine to get the holes to line up. Loosening the engine bracket bolts may also help too.
Anyone here have 2001 Buick Century car or bought a used one?Would you recommend others?
Anyone here have 2001 Buick Century car or bought a used one?Would you recommend others?I am looking to buy a used Buick Century 2001 that has around 90,000 miles on it.What do you say?|||Anytime you buy a used car your buying someones problems.
Since your looking for a 2001 that tells me you can't afford a
new car so the best thing is to have a manic check it before
you buy it and get a history on the car.|||Buick is a good made car
But
anytime your buyinmg used cars you check for faults
type into search box
how to check a used car
get a checklist to help you look for signs of problem you dont want or need
never look at mileage as a sign of shape
you can find a low mileage thats been drove at drag strip and be junk with 2000 miles on it
learn how to look for signs
such as low fluids uneven wore tires wet spots under car or on motor
to name a few signs of problems type how to check a used car
do a little reading and you wil save your self many times over knowing how to check shape of a car|||I had a 98 Century and my grandma had a 99 Century, they were identical except for she had a nicer interior.
Both cars ran without problem for years, aside from some normal maintenance items: window motor, CV boot leak, tail light bulb replacement.
I would highly recommend this model car but thoroughly check out the car you are buying to make sure nobody has jumped it or done something stupid.|||Buick is probably the best thing GM sells. Highly recommended.
As with any used car purchase you must have a certified mechanic perform a complete mechanical inspection before making a final decision.|||Ive had a 94 for the last 3-4 years. Its been a good car.
I don't see any reason why it wont last another 5+ years anyway.
One of my rear power windows doesnt roll up like it should. (So I dont use it) and the windshield washer motor doesnt work.
Since your looking for a 2001 that tells me you can't afford a
new car so the best thing is to have a manic check it before
you buy it and get a history on the car.|||Buick is a good made car
But
anytime your buyinmg used cars you check for faults
type into search box
how to check a used car
get a checklist to help you look for signs of problem you dont want or need
never look at mileage as a sign of shape
you can find a low mileage thats been drove at drag strip and be junk with 2000 miles on it
learn how to look for signs
such as low fluids uneven wore tires wet spots under car or on motor
to name a few signs of problems type how to check a used car
do a little reading and you wil save your self many times over knowing how to check shape of a car|||I had a 98 Century and my grandma had a 99 Century, they were identical except for she had a nicer interior.
Both cars ran without problem for years, aside from some normal maintenance items: window motor, CV boot leak, tail light bulb replacement.
I would highly recommend this model car but thoroughly check out the car you are buying to make sure nobody has jumped it or done something stupid.|||Buick is probably the best thing GM sells. Highly recommended.
As with any used car purchase you must have a certified mechanic perform a complete mechanical inspection before making a final decision.|||Ive had a 94 for the last 3-4 years. Its been a good car.
I don't see any reason why it wont last another 5+ years anyway.
One of my rear power windows doesnt roll up like it should. (So I dont use it) and the windshield washer motor doesnt work.
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