69 Buick GS 415/T56
06-11-2012, 09:48 PM
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69 Buick GS 415/T56 After lots of searching/studying, I finally got enough stuff together to get started on my Buick project! I figured this would be a great way to document my progress and also help keep me motivated. My goal is to have a factory looking GS that handles like a new sports car, pulls like a rocket, gets 20 mpg, and I can flip on the ac while I am stopped in traffic with out overheating.
So far I have just installed a Currie built 12 bolt rear end, tied up with UMI upper and lower control arms. I test fitted the right stuff rear disc brakes just to find out that the factory 15" rally rims still rub. Oh well I was planning on getting new rear rims with some more back spacing to fit a wider tire in the future. Hopefully the fronts wont rub but it will be a bit before I find out.
Today I pulled the 455 out. Not sure how soon I will be able to start the mock up of the ls t56 combo, work, kids, and mommas honey do list always seem to get in the way.
So far I have just installed a Currie built 12 bolt rear end, tied up with UMI upper and lower control arms. I test fitted the right stuff rear disc brakes just to find out that the factory 15" rally rims still rub. Oh well I was planning on getting new rear rims with some more back spacing to fit a wider tire in the future. Hopefully the fronts wont rub but it will be a bit before I find out.
Today I pulled the 455 out. Not sure how soon I will be able to start the mock up of the ls t56 combo, work, kids, and mommas honey do list always seem to get in the way.
Last edited by LS2GS; 06-22-2012 at 09:24 PM.
06-22-2012, 08:37 PM
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I have to say that the UMI suspension products are top notch and the tech support is superb. Sometimes I feel pretty dumb when I constantly call Ramey at UMI but he knows the products and has the answers I am looking for. The only real issue I have had is the new big a%# sway bar contacts the idler arm, but it should be a simple thing to fix. I also installed the 96 jeep grand cherokee steering box for an improved geer ratio.
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06-22-2012, 09:23 PM
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It was originally a 350 car, I wouldnt do the swap to a 400 car they are worth a few dollars more. Hopefully when its all done it will still resemble a "buick 350", I like the sleeper image.
06-22-2012, 11:01 PM
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Subscribed. I bought a '68 Buick GS with 40k original miles on it right after I graduated high school in 1988. I sold it a couple years later so I could get married. I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for the GS.
06-25-2012, 11:49 PM
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Today I slapped the mock up engine in to see how things were going to line up. I dont have my holley pan or even the tierods and center link in to check pan clearance, hopefully it will clear!?? I am using the dougs headers adapter plates and energy suspension tall and narrow mounts. Anybody use this combo with the holley pan?
The next issue is the GTO accessories. There is no way the ac compressor will ever work in the factory location, even if you notch the frame the 350 chevy engine stands are in the way. I was thinking about giving the Kwik ac relocation bracket a try when the time comes, does anyone have any experience with the kwik brackets and the gto accessories? On the other side, the alternator contacts the steering box as well as the alternator pulley. I have read that some people have used an f body alt due to its smaller size, will it work? If not what will without breaking the bank? And lastly the bracket that bolts to the back of the alt and to the block will not work with this engine mount combo. If I can get the alternator working in this position, how important is it to have this stabilizer bracket?
If anyone that has been down this road and has some words of advice it would be welcomed!!! I included some pics to show some of the issues
The next issue is the GTO accessories. There is no way the ac compressor will ever work in the factory location, even if you notch the frame the 350 chevy engine stands are in the way. I was thinking about giving the Kwik ac relocation bracket a try when the time comes, does anyone have any experience with the kwik brackets and the gto accessories? On the other side, the alternator contacts the steering box as well as the alternator pulley. I have read that some people have used an f body alt due to its smaller size, will it work? If not what will without breaking the bank? And lastly the bracket that bolts to the back of the alt and to the block will not work with this engine mount combo. If I can get the alternator working in this position, how important is it to have this stabilizer bracket?
If anyone that has been down this road and has some words of advice it would be welcomed!!! I included some pics to show some of the issues
06-27-2012, 10:06 PM
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I did put a 70 455 in it last year, ran good and it was a torque monster!, but its time for a little more! To build a buick 455 to make 600hp will be comparable to my 415 wegner build in cost but the other benefits of the LS far surpass the old Buick. No offense to the purists.
06-28-2012, 05:55 AM
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I did put a 70 455 in it last year, ran good and it was a torque monster!, but its time for a little more! To build a buick 455 to make 600hp will be comparable to my 415 wegner build in cost but the other benefits of the LS far surpass the old Buick. No offense to the purists.