1971 Buick Skylark Convertible - Schwartz G-Machine Chassis, LS3, etc

[Schwartz Performance]

Well folks- it's Buick time. This 1971 Buick Skylark had been restored at some point, but the new owner didn't want to keep it stock any longer. So, he came to us in need of a modernization.

Here are the preliminary specs: Schwartz G-Machine Chassis, Moser full-floating 9", Truetrac diff, RideTech single-adjustable coilovers, rack & pinion, Brembo 6 piston calipers on 14/13" rotors, 520hp Schwartz-modified LS3 crate engine, GMPP 4L60E, and Forgeline wheels.

The exterior will remain untouched, in it's current "plum metallic" state.

The interior will boast a Vintage Air Gen IV system, but otherwise stock. You can subscribe to this thread, or keep in touch with our website as it's updated weekly! -Dale

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/8575054541_3d1658b3a8-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/8576148780_4c41536bd5-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/8575053947_22d1ce56d8-1.jpg

[Schwartz Performance]

"Original" engine is removed, along with the trans, driveshaft, and exhaust system. We'll be smoothing the passenger side of the firewall & the Vintage Air kit will mount on the inside of the firewall.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/8640589950_f4156c9498-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/8640588210_be35b7f7d3-1.jpg

[Mr Nick]

Beautiful car, nice project!

BTW, that's a Buick engine, not Olds.

[68Formula]

Beautiful car, nice project!

BTW, that's a Buick engine, not Olds.

I guess all the BOP engines look the same to a LS protouring builder. :spank2:

At least he's giving equal build time to some of the less common makes/models and not just Chevelles, Camaros, and Mustangs.

Another cool build by Schwartz.

[Schwartz Performance]

Would it be "better" if the engine actually came out of a Buick Rainier? Same goes for the guys who frown upon LS engines in old Pontiacs- when the TA, G8, and GTO's all had LS's too. In my opinion, it's better than an old SBC. :)

I wish we could have stayed with a Buick engine, but there is a reason everyone goes LS!

-Dale

[andrewb70]

I guess all the BOP engines look the same to a LS protouring builder. :spank2:

At least he's giving equal build time to some of the less common makes/models and not just Chevelles, Camaros, and Mustangs.

Another cool build by Schwartz.

Chances are this is a customer build and what the customer wants, the customer gets.

Andrew

[68Formula]

Ease up, I was just joking about mislabeling a Buick engine as an Olds. Helping put an LS in a Pontiac myself. It's all good (and with Schwartz it'll be the best).

[Schwartz Performance]

Haha wow didn't even notice I mislabeled that.. My bad ;) they're all the same... Ok not really.

[Schwartz Performance]

Brembo brakes are something we've never put on our chassis, but anything is possible.

The customer has decided on these badass 6-piston monoblock calipers-
74550

14" front discs and 13.5" rear discs (4-piston monoblock caliper) will be utilized, oh and it's getting ABS too :)

-Dale

[Schwartz Performance]

Wheels arrived today!

Forgeline DS3 in Graphite grey - 18x9 and 18x11. We're not minitubbing this one. Pirelli tires should be here in the next few days!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/8661526762_002e3acfb3_z-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/8661574836_6dd1a9677d_z-1.jpg

[68Formula]

Enlighten us on backspacing and tire size! Curious what can be jammed under a non-tubbed Skylark.

[Krazed]

Oh.. My.. Sexy.

Those are the exact color I want on my next car. Graphite with brushed aluminum lips. Yum yum. Good choice!

[Schwartz Performance]

The backspacing on this application is specific to our chassis / rear end size- but we're throwing 295 rear tires on this one. However--- You can fit a 305 tire with proper backspacing. :)

-Dale

[ed1le]

This may inspire me to get back on my '70 convertible project. Although this is a MUCH nicer starting point!

[Schwartz Performance]

Sorry guys!! It's been a couple months since the last post... Time flies as we all know. :)

Engine out, and new LS3 is being prepped with pretty internals (just a cam & valvetrain!) , front end removed to ease the chassis removal process.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9024507015_6eb75cff33-1.jpg

The stock chassis is in good shape for being 43 years old... but it's lacking as a G-Machine.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9026731992_1c0c4a5730-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9024505101_664fcb1893-1.jpg

Getting ready to smooth the firewall a bit- get rid of the heater holes and smooth out the wavy areas- mainly spot welds.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9024501209_4f1a7eb02d-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9026723534_e6719e5529-1.jpg
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[66larkgs]

looking forward to seeing another Buick in the pro-touring scene. keep up the great work

[Schwartz Performance]

looking forward to seeing another Buick in the pro-touring scene. keep up the great work

Thanks Paul! Wish we were keeping this one :(

-Dale

[Schwartz Performance]

GMPP LS3 with our 520hp package, and a GMPP 4L65E transmission & torque converter. This customer wants a reliable and fun ride around town and on the freeway.
Wait, FREEway?? Nope, northern Illinois has tolls everywhere lol.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9024601665_0e06ac76a9-1.jpg

[Schwartz Performance]

The firewall has been filled and painted, and body detached from the original chassis.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9103955814_14a6b48b8b-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9104008986_c56c1f7957-1.jpg

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[Mr Nick]

When I win the lotto, or marry a rich woman, I'm bringing my Cutlass to you.

[Schwartz Performance]

When I win the lotto, or marry a rich woman, I'm bringing my Cutlass to you.

Start buying tickets and looking for a nurse! ;)

[ProTourGSX]

Would it be "better" if the engine actually came out of a Buick Rainier? Same goes for the guys who frown upon LS engines in old Pontiacs- when the TA, G8, and GTO's all had LS's too. In my opinion, it's better than an old SBC. :)

I wish we could have stayed with a Buick engine, but there is a reason everyone goes LS!

-Dale

It would be better if the engine was a TA Performance aluminum Buick 455, with (Edelbrock or TA Performance) aluminum heads/intake/headers, with EFI & (Burton Machine) single or twin turbos, to make the LS engine look like a Weedeater motor! :razz:

New engine technology is cool, don't get me wrong, but applying new engine technology to old engine designs, to improve performance & fuel economy (yeah, like those even go together) is even that much better!

The choice has already been made, but you'd be surprised what you probably could've squeezed out of that Buick 350 engine with all the aftermarket performance parts that are available for it, for the same cost or less than what that LS engine will try to do!

AWESOME PROJECT, regardless, guys, your work is always TOP NOTCH & it shows!

[66larkgs]

Their is something about a LS that is Great!! Maybe the ease of horsepower, reliability, and accessibility. I just finished a Turbocharged Buick Nailhead and I know I would have made more power with a LS, Got better mpg, easier to build and get parts instead of making them but the decision is in the eye of the Key holder.. No matter what powers this Buick it is going to be a Mean Ride.. Keep up the updates and cant wait to see it done

[Schwartz Performance]

Everyone has their own opinion, and that's cool. We like LS engines over just about anything, but Buick Olds and Pontiac engines can be built up nicely too. A crate LS3 for $6500 though, hard to beat that!! You'll never get the fuel mileage or reliability for that price. This customer is on a budget but wants reliability. We will do what the customer says!! :)

Hey at least it's not an old school SBC right? ;)

-Dale

[Schwartz Performance]

The underside of the body has been prepped and undercoated

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9071245976_a26d507e4f-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9071245610_86903e04c7-1.jpg

Ready for chassis transplant

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9071244780_1efda2e16c-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9069018941_1d49f30b09-1.jpg

Chassis mounted, along with the LS3 and 4L65E!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9069018139_a47afb9c74-1.jpg

[SRD art]

Way to make a beautiful car that much better! Very cool project.

[instro84]

nice, think a rouge carpenter jacked you wheels thou

[bonecrrusher]

Those Oregon Trail rims look awesome!

[Schwartz Performance]

Those Oregon Trail rims look awesome!

Hey man they work great! They even held up to the weight of the convertible body with interior ;)

[Schwartz Performance]

This car was originally a column-shift automatic with a bench, and eventually switched to a floor-mount shifter with a console. So we cut the stub off of the column, filled & painted the area.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9069026793_727d19ed26-1.jpg

The column on these have a 1" 48-spline shaft

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9069025839_0cb09562d0-1.jpg

When the stock column is used on our chassis, with an LS engine & our stainless headers, 3 joints are needed in the steering shaft. An aftermarket (Flaming River/IDIDIT) column that is a little shorter can typically use a 2-joint shaft. To support the shaft, we used a 3/4" heim joint on a custom bar mount. To keep it from pivoting around the tube, a hole was drilled & tapped into the tubing & bolt inserted.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9096361683_1c1d287510-1.jpg

Black anodized billet serpentine system installed: w/Sanden AC compressor, 140a alternator, power steering, ATI dampener.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9096356977_87e0db55c1-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Nice acc drive system!

[Schwartz Performance]

We mounted the Vintage Air Gen IV system underneath the dash with easy custom brackets, and fabbed hoses to the firewall bulkhead fitting.
Vintage Air's kits often include too many items that we end up not using, so our preference is to do most of it our own way. It often ends up being cheaper, too.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/9098577496_fd15a6df03-1.jpg

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/9196410932_0ed7b85191-1.jpg

New 18x9" Forgeline's and 255/40/18 Pirelli tires
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/9096312473_b46e685ebc-1.jpg

18x11" Forgeline's and 295/35/18 Pirelli's fit nice in the stock tubs
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/9156900428_1ffd76bb84-1.jpg

The customer picked up some used Cadillac seats which integrate the seat belt/retractor into the seat rather than the pillar, or using a roll bar and harnesses. They're a little taller overall than the stock seats, but the seat bottom height isn't much different, so it doesn't feel like you're driving in a truck!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/9156861544_d397c2ea46-1.jpg

[Schwartz Performance]

Installed a Baumann trans controller under the console and cut a hole for the digital readout & adjustment knob in the bottom of the console box.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/9096321777_b4d812943c-1.jpg

Front end fitting!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/9249620981_6d9d974ac8-1.jpg

The new C&R radiator being fitted for installation. This radiator was designed for a Chevelle / A-body, but does not bolt-in to a Skylark.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/9361799498_95b342d6c8-1.jpg

To fit the radiator with the factory mount, we had to modify! Part of it was cut and re-welded, and the mounting bosses on top of the radiator were utilized by drilling holes in the newly fabbed piece.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/9402253696_4c4706951d-1.jpg

There was an air gap in between the rad & core support, we filled the gaps on either side by bending a couple of sheet metal pieces.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/9402253384_b87f8cbf10-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/9402251954_7ce55c212f-1.jpg

Determining placement of the ABS module
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/9402252948_05b760d79a-1.jpg

[liquidh8]

Man that is looking sweet!

[andrewb70]

How about more details on the ABS installation? Are you adopting an OEM system? If so, from what car? Details man...details!!!

Andrew

[70lslark]

Nice to see another convertible lark!! Very nice

[70lslark]

Took a while to fab mine in but I'm happy with the seats, I'm trying to modify the rear seats still! Looks great

[Schwartz Performance]

More progress!


Closeup of the rear brakes
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/9453539616_c46099d648-1.jpg

Air intake tube fabricated
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/9450769153_aece815684-1.jpg

More assembly
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/9564673824_a28270f8e0-1.jpg

Front brake closeup
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/9564673508_ba39b3e22e-1.jpg

Restored gauge panel
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/9567035332_9e65219ab7-1.jpg

Wiring additional circuits into the GM fuse box
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/9631347036_66331e0ee5-1.jpg

ABS brake lines routed
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/9957190076_033bd54af3-1.jpg

Custom Rick's Tank installed with in-tank pump
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/9957315614_2cc232e69b-1.jpg

Exhaust fabrication- Fully stainless & TIG welded. 2 mufflers, 2 resonators
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/9957391505_db98b64b28-1.jpg

Should be running & driving soon!!!

-Dale

[AusMarty]

Wow.

Seriously, I'm speechless.
That's awesome.

[Schwartz Performance]

Thank you sir! Should be an awesome car when she's all done

[ed1le]

Spectacular! The gauge panel looks great! Not sure how bad it was but mine needs a good amount of work. Can you provide some details? Will you be retaining stock gauges or putting aftermarket behind the panel? Love it...may have to start neglecting the kids and pull my 'lark out of storage!

[Schwartz Performance]

Spectacular! The gauge panel looks great! Not sure how bad it was but mine needs a good amount of work. Can you provide some details? Will you be retaining stock gauges or putting aftermarket behind the panel? Love it...may have to start neglecting the kids and pull my 'lark out of storage!

There was a Buick specialist that restored the gauge panel and a few other dash items- nice work. PM me for the guy's email address.

This will have stock gauges, with the addition of a Tach in place of the original clock. We're running a Dakota Digital speedo conversion box as
well as their tach module.

New:

Prototype ABS ring for the floating hub

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/9966993274_9137b45ce9-1.jpg

[Schwartz Performance]

Alright guys,

It's been about 9 weeks since the last update on this car, and we apologize!

Things have been quite busy at our shop, and there will be a few more build threads popping up from us soon.

As for the Buick:


Custom stainless steel exhaust almost complete-

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/10078871576_fce87f54ef-1.jpg

Custom Rick's stainless tank, narrowed to accommodate the chassis rails. This features a 600hp-capable in-tank pump.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/10078831664_693290a454-1.jpg

Monkey-ing around in the quarter panel. Not much room with 13.5" brakes.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/10340051145_c1021647b9-1.jpg

On the ground and ready for engine tuning!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/10340017234_6c52e184d2-1.jpg

The back end, using custom GS N25 style stainless exhaust tips

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/10340003285_82bb1b5e53-1.jpg

Custom front ABS rings & sensor bracket

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/10339816735_04277440cd-1.jpg

Custom Autosound stereo installed, along with the Vintage Air panel in the background

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/11022928784_c40ed26d3e-1.jpg


The car is done- once I have better exterior shots I will try and post them!

-Dale

[ed1le]

The car is done- once I have better exterior shots I will try and post them!

-Dale

Can't wait to see more!

[RaiderLSX]

Did you guys ever get any better pics. This is a awesome build I'd love to see completed pics.

[ed1le]

Old thread, I know, but any pics of final product?

[sebtarta]

All the pictures are gone as well.......*sigh*

[andrewb70]

All the pictures are gone as well.......*sigh*

Pictures show up for me...Try a different browser.

Andrew

[Josh@Ridetech]

Great work guys!

[70staged]

what happened to the original frame and suspension on this car?

[Death by Pontiac]

what did the ABS motor you used come out of?