1973 Buick Century w/ L-92 swap

[subtlez28]

I purchased this 73 Buick Century 2dr as my 1st car in 1996. It was grandma-fresh. 38,000 on it and rust free (a big deal for anything over 10-yrs old in WI). I took it home and slapped on some blacked-out 14" Camaro rallies. Then some KYB shocks and 1 1/4" & 1" sway bars. I autocrossed it then. My saying was its not the fastest car out, but probly the loudest and most fun!

1997 pics (the date stamp is wrong):
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/73Buick5-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/73Buick6-1.jpg

I eventually put on some better coils (cut/lowered) and some GW rear control arms. And swapped in a quick ratio (f-body) steering box.

I ran 15x8s all around next-never dug the big/little wheel combo.

Rebuilt the rear w 3.42s and Eaton POSI.

Eventually 17x9s and 275-40-17s went all around coutesy of 02 Camaro SS take offs (couldn't insure a whole Camaro at the time-under 25).

Swapped on a 4-barrel intake, Holley 600 and Bow-tie Overdrives 200-4R (now for sale). This was back around 2000.

Next, I fixed some thing things I'd always disliked about the styling of the car. I took off the huge, heavy, UNDERBITE-looking front bumper and Greg Rea at Excel Auto Body here in town made me a custom lower front end. They also shaved the emblems and side trim. I wasn't ready to paint the car yet, so they shot the whole car in color w no clear (looks suede).

That was back in 02. In early 03 my 1st son (Patrick) was born. We had another in 05 (Kristopher). And you know the story...the car was parked and neglected for a few years.

But, I'm hoping to change that now.

I wish I had pics that weren't dirty, disassembled and on jack shtands....but:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/DSCN3367-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/DSCN3368-1.jpg

My parts pile includes:
08 Escalade 6.2L all-auminum L92 (403 stock hp) - never ran
C5 front/rear brakes (engineered velocity kit)
2" drop spindles
Global West front upper control arms, del-a-lum bushings
315/35/17 Hoosiers (all around) - undecided on wheels, just know they'll be 17x11s
-still hunting for a manual trans. Want an overdrive. Thinking T56, TKO-600, or Richmond.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/DSCN3370-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[subtlez28]

73-77 A-bodies are a neglected group. Parts aren't the easiest to come by. So I'm up for any input on what parts will fit (off more popular years) and any manufacturers who offer parts for these.

I'm in the researching stage for the late model engine/manual trans swap.

The car will stay a street car but also raced on the local road courses. Think vintage nascar/trans am, w a modern twist.

[shizzy]

LOVE IT! ive always been a fan of the 73-77's any GM. sad they are kind of ignored. I was always impressed by them.

is that front pan made of fiberglass? how did he come up with the form? did he just hack up an OEM bumper and then use that as the form?

[subtlez28]

The front end is reinforced sheetmetal. The grille is 2 grilles combined (w some cut off). It is pretty much free-formed. I was originally going to cut down and re-fit the bumer (tight to the body), but Greg talked me into this. I'm happy!

I may add an air dam below when time permits.

Thanks for the compliment!

[Bill Howell]

I love the frontend. Real talent there, almost looks stock. That makes me wish I still had the 73 Cutlass I drove in high school.

[subtlez28]

Thanks.

It's funny how many people comment on having a similar car in high school. I guess I'm the only one who hung onto my mid 70s high school cruiser.

[Roger M]

Nice project there. Stepping out of the box is always cool. I have always liked the midsize cars of this era, especially the chevelle laguna s3 of 73-73. This is my daily driver.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[subtlez28]

Thanks Roger!

And, Well done on your car!
I love it. Its like a life size hot-wheel!

[shizzy]

Thanks.

It's funny how many people comment on having a similar car in high school. I guess I'm the only one who hung onto my mid 70s high school cruiser.

mine was a 75 monte. poly sway bar bushings, short tires on some 15 x 8 steelies. man I was pimpin.

[twosaturns]

11" seems wide for the front- I know these 3rd gens have big wheelwells, but... I was under the impression that tires that wide in the front leads to wandering on the hwy, maybe hydroplaning issues, but I've never done it, so you know better than me:dunno:
anyway, I always liked the '73 GMs, all of them. I'm one of the weirdos that LIKES the big bumper. your setup is cool, looks likes a '73 laguna. cool stuff!

[subtlez28]

Yes 11s are big for the front. However, I think they will clear. If they don't the inner fenders will get modded or axed all together.

In the 90s people said 8s wouldn't clear up front, but I always wanted big rrims front and back. They cleard. Then eventually I put 9s all around w 275/40/17s, they fit-no problem. Next come the 11s.

Are 11s extreme for the front, yup! Will they tramline on semi ruts, yup.

The point is to get all the grip possible on the front for the road course. Guys are running 11s all around on C4s and 4th gen f-bodies. I don't want to go so extreme w my Z28....thats where the Buick comes in.

Again, think vinatge nascar, w modern road race parts. I want this to be a street legal car, but have a very stock-ar (as in race-car) feel. I may even axe the carpet. Heck interior parts are hard to come by for these forgotten a-bodies anyway. And it will eventually get the cage I cannot bring myself to put in the Z28.

Also, UPDATE:
I'm getting a Liberty-faceplated T56 from a member here. Its hopefully going to help w that race car feel (clutchless shifting-like a jerico).

[TonyHuntimer]

That's a cool car. I't nice to see people building more than Camaros. :)

Can't wait to see what the car looks like out of the garage.

I've always been partial to the 73 Monte Carlos. I'd love to build one Pro-Touring style.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[DarkBuddha]

Awesome project! I love the vibe. I love the fact that it isn't a Laguna or a Malibu. One of my early cars was a mint and flawless baby blue
'76 Pontiac Grand Lemans 2 door (with a vinyl top to boot). We got in '87 with 31K miles on the 301 for a lousy $700. That car was fantastic to
drive... so effortless. I always wished I could've done a CAN/AM thing with it or the like, but alas, it was just time to let it go. We sold it to a tow
company for $300 in '94 with a mere 52k miles on it. So sad.

[subtlez28]

Thanks for the kind words and pics guys!

I haven't fully committed to a wheel yet.
1-Black center 17x11 ZR1 style wheels are cheap (like $550 a set), but require spacers-which I already have from running 4th gen 17x9 10-spokes (no custom backspacing avail-that I know of)
2-Vintagewheelworks 17x11 Vintage 40s (custom backspacing-$349 each)
3-wheelvintiques 17x11 Billet Buick ralleys ($675 each)

4-What I would really like, and would fit the vibe of the car better would be custom offset aluminum slots in 17x11. American racing calls them "Ansen® Sprint"s. However they do not make them in 17x11s or w custom offset... Anyone know who can/does?

Anyone have any other suggestions for a strong 17x11 wheel that won't kill the project's budget? I like the ZR1's price but don't want to run spacers. I need to clear the C5 brakes. I don't want to go bigger than 17, and cannot go smaller (the brakes). I would like something that fits the vintage road racer vibe, but these will be raced on, so they need to be strong, light, and not kill me on price.

[twosaturns]

I love these https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/10/crr397_w-1.jpg

but, alas, they only go up to 9". cheap though, it's a steel wheel, only $63!

[subtlez28]

I like the look of some stock-car type wheels. I had some 15x8 bart wheels on a long time ago. I didn't keep them because of fit/finish issues-went to 15x8 black rallies w police caps for a while.

Anyway, I thaught about getting custom 17x11 steelies made up, but imagine the weight diff from steel to aluminum in a 17x11 would be significant.

Unsprung weight = bad!

[73supreme455]

Awesome build. We need more pro-tour 73-77 A bodies. Please finish it :)

[The Stickman]

Great looking car. I love those cars and how they look, but they are often completely forgotten.

[CRead01]

very cool car...

I have always thought about pro touring a car like that. I love that body style.

[Tony_SS]

Growing up some old lady had one of those up the street... I always thought it looked pretty cool. Nice to see one being done up though.. That front end is amazing too. I love the whole build.. good luck with it.

[1971CHEVELLE]

Nice project.....cool car...

[subtlez28]

Wow, thanks for the kind words guys!

Not a lot of movement on the project though as my LS1/T56 C4 track-rat vette has been my focus lately.

I did however get it back on the road this fall. It needed a front caliper for the longest time. I never wanted to fix it because I wanted better brakes. But one day I just said you know, with a $14 Autozone caliper and a couple hours work I could have her back on the road (despite having cool drop spindles an a C5 brake kit waiting).

I also sold the 17x9.5s on it this year as I was gung-ho (sp?) about 17x11s. So, I bolted on some 3rd gen 5 spokes (painted graphite) and the very first set of tires I ever purchased (225/60/15 Firestone SH30s circa 1998).

It was a kick to drive it again. I felt kinda lost in there after driving my 02 Z28 for the last few years.

Here are some pics (now off the jack stands!):
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSCN3481-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSCN3480-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSCN3477-1.jpg

[73supreme455]

Whats the current motor/trans setup?

[subtlez28]

Whats the current motor/trans setup?

Stock 73 Buick 350 (w/ aftermarket intake and Holley 600) and Bow-Tie overdrive's 200-4R.

Did you start a thread on your car yet? I'd like to see it!

[ed1le]

Nice ride, love the custom front!

[srh3trinity]

Nice project. The front end looks clean and is very well done.

[icebird84]

Nice project keep up the good work

[73supreme455]

Yep heres the link

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50541

[MILESRACING]

i would like to buy the mold or the whole fiberglass front roll pan i love the way it looks thanks any help would be great

[subtlez28]

Thanks for the back-from-the-dead milesracing.

The front end is a one off sheet metal creation built by a friend of mine (who owns Excel Auto-body here in Janesville).

This project has been on the back burner a while behind my LS1 C4 project (and now my Jeep fixation). I hope to get back to it soon. If you where interested in making a mold, perhaps we could work something out.

[subtlez28]

Wow, my last real update was in 08... Time flies!

Yet another project jumped in line ahead of my trusty old Buick. I do hope to finish that project this fall and get back to the Buick in 2014 (hold me to that).

On the plus side, I did get the old girl back out and on the highway this summer! The crazy thing is I had only drive the car around the neighborhood a couple of times in the last 10 years!!! Did I mention time flies?

I put on my old Z-28 wheels (C6 Z06 replicas in 17x9.5)s. As much as I am a black wheel guy, but, I do not love all black on this car. I feel it needs a brushed lip or something to break it up. So now I am thinking about wheels.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/AC157F47673E4830B06D0E452F76F6DC41690000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/74CA28FC0DF64522AA6DA3A86A417E5341690000-1.jpg

[ak72]

awesome car. like the buick's in PT build's. this is my buick, off course no way near finished.
82116

[subtlez28]

awesome car. like the buick's in PT build's. this is my buick, off course no way near finished.
82116
Nice Riv!!

[Tony_SS]

It needs 10" wide wheels are more, with a low offset and deep dish rim to beef up the base of that stance. I think Johnny Hunkins Laguna does with with a 15x10 on all 4's..looked pretty good IMO.

[subtlez28]

Still no movement on the LS swap, since the Stalker stole the L92... But I did show the old girl some love today.

A friend rebuilt the Holley 600. I added a Detroit Speed tubular front sway bar, and some new shoes!

The all black C6 Z06s just didn't work for me on this car (loved them on my Z28).

The C6 Z06 replicas in 17x9 w 275/40/17 Falkens weighed 49 lbs each.

The OEM C5 Z06 17x9.5s and tires are 44. The rear 18x10.5s w tire are 46. So saved some weight and gained some grip!

Really though, I did it for style. Although I am normally a black wheel guy, all black didn't work on this car.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/54B9664C2F0A489791A1CDF09F6B9153_zps5qtd-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/C2D2176867474244835BF93C2995D9B3_zpsinze-1.jpg
Sorry for all the angle, this is a big car, and I couldn't get far away enough to get her all in... in my garage... on my Iphone camera...

I've never run anything but a square set up in the past (I like big front tires), but the stagger does look good. That said, 18x10.5s would probably be awesome up front.
I may need a bit more spacing. The 18x10.5s have more backspace, so the frame clearance is tight!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/7FB9FAF71D55403EB3D4CCFDDA4F2FF6_zpsyhny-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/ADBE69C9B05B413790C705C08B68E1C9_zps5cjc-1.jpg

The sway bar was an easy swap (I've done quite a few on multiple vehicles and I think this is the 4th one on this car!). Only difference is Detroit's brackets that bolt to the frame, and have studs for the bar. The instructions indicate the studs should be further toward the front of the car. What I learned the hard way is they should also be inboard of the stock holes (on the 73-77 A-bosy anyway).
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/87B387DADD5A4939B65173BF109886E2_zpsngs0-1.jpg

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

shes gonna be a REAL LOOKER when shes lowered.. you might even feel some type of way.

[subtlez28]

Thanks.

It is already lowered a little. But the front wheel openings are HUGE. Maybe more in the future.

[BMR Sales]

Welcome!

[andrewb70]

Shaun,

We need to pull the springs out and just start cutting a half coil at a time. The front needs to come down. I actually have an extra QA1 coil over kit...

Andrew

[subtlez28]

Man, you guys are really beating me up about this lowering.

It has Global West springs (from back in the day). I actually did cut 1.5 or 2 coils off those to get the nose down. I had a set of drop spindles for it, but opted against them as I think it would reduce tire clearance.

The front wheel well is just huge. Makes it look much higher than it is.

Andrew, lets talk about the QA1 idea. It would be a good time to bolt up the GW upper control arms (and C5 brakes) I have owned for many years.

Though, I am tempted to lift the body off the frame and attack it like Later-A-body did....

Hmm.. Decisions, decisions....

Oh, and maybe then get a thread going in project updates. I have been around a while. Probably not a Welcome to the board scenario anymore (I started this thread in 08).

[andrewb70]

Shaun,

I just moved the thread for you.

Let me dig that coil over kit out. It is somewhere in a box in my pile of stuff I brought back from KY.

Andrew

[subtlez28]

Shaun,

I just moved the thread for you.

Let me dig that coil over kit out. It is somewhere in a box in my pile of stuff I brought back from KY.

Andrew
Thanks for moving it Andrew!

I assume the coil overs are for up to 72 A-bodies if you have them. Are you under the impression the later A body runs the same shock length up front?

What mods are needed. Do they just bolt to factory locations, only on top of the lower control arm?

[andrewb70]

Thanks for moving it Andrew!

I assume the coil overs are for up to 72 A-bodies if you have them. Are you under the impression the later A body runs the same shock length up front?

What mods are needed. Do they just bolt to factory locations, only on top of the lower control arm?

Shaun,

QA1 lists the same kit for GM A-bodies as it does for 2nd Gen f-bodies (double check me on this), so given that 73-77 A-bodies used second gen F-body front ends, I'd say you are good to go. I also have a set of dropped spindles with massive brakes on them that will bolt right on. We should horse trade!

Andrew

[subtlez28]

Well, some progress has been made over the summer. Sadly the L-92 found its way into my 1,700 pound race car, but I have a 5.3 on an engine stand that needs to get in this Buick! I can always upgrade later.

So, I made a deal with a friend to sell the 200-4R that was in the Buick. Time came to pull it and I decided to finally commit to this LS swap!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/CE615770801742CF9DA29C86C59DBBAD_zpsqqqg-1.jpg

Became this:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/E80E4FF0F4024D94A15712BC0D2B6280_zps99f2-1.jpg

Time to order parts. I'm looking at the Holley 302-2 pan (though the 302-1 would likely also work). I emailed Holley and they have limited experience with the 73-77 a-body so they were a little short on feedback but recommended "12611hkr engine mount brackets" and the 302-1 pan. From what I read the 302-2 offers more clearance, so I am not sure why the 302-1 got the nod...

I would love some feedback on this advise before I pull the trigger on parts. Anyone with 73-77 A-body knowledge? I am also wondering if the BOP engine stands in the car will need changing to chevy stuff.

[Later-A-body]

Shaun,
Good to see you are ready to go on the LS swap. Not sure if you have thought it out far enough but you will probably need to remove your factory fan shroud in order to clear the intake tube from the TB as I had to do on the GA. The alternative is to run an electric fan. I installed a Lincoln Mk. VIII fan which I'm sure will fit on your car as well. I responded to you on my build site for the information you needed regarding the oil pan and motor mounts.

[Later-A-body]

Thought you might like this. https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/122770-Schwartz-Performance-73-Olds-Cutlass-on-Forgeline-GT3C-Wheels

[andrewb70]

Thought you might like this. https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/122770-Schwartz-Performance-73-Olds-Cutlass-on-Forgeline-GT3C-Wheels

Saw that car at LSFest. Super cool, but it would have looked amazing with gold wheel centers.

Andrew

[Later-A-body]

Agreed, but maybe bronze centers instead. I always liked the idea of using that color. Speaking of LS Fest. Maybe you two Wisconsin guys should plan to make it out to the LS Fest West.

[subtlez28]

Thought you might like this. https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/122770-Schwartz-Performance-73-Olds-Cutlass-on-Forgeline-GT3C-Wheels

You are correct. I like that thing very much!

[mikidymac]

So nice to see work on another Late A Body.

I haven't actually started on mine but am slowly buying parts.

I have the BRP mounts and headers but my friend that has a machine shop said that on the LS the pan is actually a structural member of the block and needs the rigidity of a cast aluminum pan. I have no idea if this is actually true or not but on the advise of another guy that has done 2 LS swaps in 1973 chevelle's he confirmed the 302-2 pan works fine. That is the one I bought but have not installed it yet.

[Later-A-body]

"My friend that has a machine shop said that on the LS the pan is actually a structural member of the block and needs the rigidity of a cast aluminum pan. I have no idea if this is actually true or not".

What he said is correct. The cast pan was designed that way. That is one of the reasons I chose the MAST oil pan for my build since it is also cast aluminum.

[subtlez28]

Sorry, I have not been on in a while.

In the fall I finally put some parts I had laying around (for years) to use. I cleaned up a cheap 5.3 I scored, put the Improved Racing pan baffle in a stock 4th gen F-body pan. Picked up some mounts from Holley intended for a 2nd gen F-body (lots of overlap with 73-77 A-bodies) at andrewb70's suggestion. Everything fit with no need to cut the cross member!!

The Edelbrock Swap Headers I bought many moons ago are also for the 2nd gen F-body.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/44418E39330249C0BA02EAEBD5D2D056_zpsirbb-1.jpg

It looks like I may be able to clear the truck style power steering pump. Hopefully the truck alt mount is not too high.

I mounted up the T-56 and it was clear I will need major floor surgery. I cut a big hole for the shifter and solenoids but will have to raise everything almost to the firewall.

Then bad weather hit here in WI, so it got covered in plastic and pushed in the corner.

The good news is I started feeling guilty about putting the aluminum 6.2L-L92 in my Stalker and giving the Buick an iron 5.3.... So after some CL searching and price negotiations I picked up another L92! Now my title is accurate again!!

After driving andrewb70's GTO, I knew a healthy 6.2 was the way to go!

I now own (2) 6.2s, (2) 5.3s, (1) 4.8 and (3) T-56s. Do you think I have a problem? Hi, my name is Shaun... and I'm an LS-holic.