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View Full Version : Buick Skylark (70/72) build, another A-body



Sebambam
11-16-2019, 02:32 PM
Hey guys i would like to start this story about my build.
Its a "typical" untypical GM A-Body build.
I purchased this 72 Buick Skylark that has a 70 model Front conversion a hidious interior, a almost stock sbb 350, and a build 9 inch rear end with 4.11 gears.
The car was with its last owner for 15 years and is for what i want to do with it in decent shape.
I said decent not perfect at all.

So i have decided to sell my LS/ LC9 that was build for a turbo drag project (Sold the Car) and go
Non Aspirated LS with functioning AC, planing on 500hp +-.
I have not decided yet and would like to get more input.
Obviously the 1st option is a GEN3 LS:
i am not sure a 5.3 could be build failry easy for 500+-? but they are so cheap that why i always consider them somehow.
A 6.0 Truck based Lq4 or Lq9 is always a great option i think but cost 2x right away.
a ls2 comes with a price tag as well,
With that said the GEN$ truck motors become a fair option as well, question is if the VVT conversion etc is a headache?

i would like to keep it fairly easy with a CAM SWAP, possibly stock head swap , Tune and Exhaust system
while maintaining Power steering and AC.
Topic AC my car is a non AC car, should i consider a Vintage air kit or can i maintain a OEM Compressor with what system?

would be great to get some input on the motor choice
Budget is always in mind.
@ this point i am not planing to paint the car, i even consider a "fauxtina/Patina" look
the car will be definitly get a suspension upgrade with tubular arms in the front and a decent drop on 18 inch wheels with a decent rubber selection.
I will drive the car and want to have it reliable but Musclecar Nasty-ish :)

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c4racer2
11-16-2019, 09:17 PM
How about a EFI 455 Buick ??

FLYNAVY53
11-17-2019, 05:39 AM
My personal opinion is that the sweet spot on the LS power per $ scale is the iron block 6.0L GEN3 motors. With a good set of heads and the right cam, you can get to your naturally aspirated 500 hp. If you decide you want more, you can always lower the compression and throw a blower on top.

Sebambam
11-17-2019, 05:39 AM
How about a EFI 455 Buick ??

Sorry not a option
1st of all i have a 68' GS as well with a SBB twin turbo that i convert to EFI (Holley Sniper) so there is my "Buick motor" project.
2nd i am not a big fan of the 455 due to its oiling issues.
further its gonna be 2x the $, to build a strong 455 with EFI, and has less power than a 6.0 etc.
Building Buick engines is not cheap!

Sebambam
11-17-2019, 08:30 AM
My personal opinion is that the sweet spot on the LS power per $ scale is the iron block 6.0L GEN3 motors. With a good set of heads and the right cam, you can get to your naturally aspirated 500 hp. If you decide you want more, you can always lower the compression and throw a blower on top.

yea thats probably the way i go, unless i get a nice deal on a Gen4 with 823/821 heads.

Sebambam
11-18-2019, 05:46 PM
Doing the Suspension 1st. The rear is already sorted out by the previous owner with tubular control arms, a Ford 9inch with 4.11 Gears.
I ordered tubular upper/lowers for the Front as well as Coilovers.
Next thing is a Disc brake conversion ( rear stays Drums for now)

But i have some rear wheels i want to try out
18x10.5 ET20 i have to run 1" adapter plates because of the bolt pattern
That should put me to a 5.5BS
i dont mind working the fender lips if needed.

Planing on running a 305 tire, i need to decide if a / 40 or a /35 , i have to admit i like the rubber on the back so i consider 40s.

For the front i am not sure about the size?
conservative 18x8.5 (+35 or +20 )
or the fat 18x9.5 (+20 or + 38) PREFFERENCE
Both would need a 1" adapter which would put a +20 offset to arrounf 5.5BS
Tire choice would be a 275/35 (9.5) or 255/35/18 (8.5)

BTW i will not run wheel wells

Since there is not much Buick Pro Touring lecture i always look into Chevelle or GTO examples .

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Sebambam
11-23-2019, 03:44 PM
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Got the motor today. GEN 3 LS 6.0

raustinss
11-24-2019, 09:02 AM
Nice project

Sebambam
11-24-2019, 01:03 PM
Nice project

Thank you

Sebambam
12-22-2019, 06:45 AM
i Have had the chance to get a couple motor parts to wake up the LQ4 ,6.0 i am using for this build.

i had some 862 Heads that i sent out to get them fully ported and milled by LLOYD ELLIOTT in DFW.
i installed cam matching springs from Trick flow with a .625 max lift.

The Cam is a Summit PRO LS Stage 2 cam that should do the the trick and keep drivability.(good cam i think)

I also got a Dorman Truck intake #615-183x this intake comes in 3 pieces (you can take it apart) and is a copy of the Fast intake with a 79$ pricetag.
Stock it flows equal to the TBSS intake, but i will port it as well, add a throttlebody space to 92mm & a 92 mm China TB of course.
(i hope it clears the hood, but i saw it cleared a 70s cutlass hood so i should be fine)

Further i trades a Sheetmetal intake i had laying arround for a
STANDALONE REWORK of my LQ4 harness + 0411PCM incl. Base tune based on my setup with 4l80e, it should at least start up like that and drive...so i can get a dyno tune.

I am building a shop right now, and i hope this fools are finishing it soon i cant wait to work on the car with no restrictions
My 2 car garage is full with Boxes etc from the move..lol
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andrewb70
12-22-2019, 09:50 AM
Cool build and nice progress!

Andrew

Sebambam
01-01-2020, 08:11 AM
I am gathering parts while i wait for my shop building to get build. Should have been done already but bad weather and schedules got in the way.

So Disc brake conversion came in.
Engine Gasket packages came in

Sebambam
01-03-2020, 09:24 PM
Scored some used corbeau seats.
I had to get them even though I'm far away from "seats" lol
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Sebambam
02-16-2020, 08:25 AM
Sorry for the late update.
I am busy arround the house building my shop and the weather is not cooperating most if the time...
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But I'm getting there and I am excited.
Today I did a
Wheel mock up Sunday on my
72 ProLark'
It's a unusual setup with a Ford 9in rearend on GM pattern with 1" adapters. Wheels are 18x10.5 ET20.
I might have to go 295 instead if the planned 305s. I dont mind working the lip but a 305 seems to be to much to be a safe order.
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