1966 Skylark engine swaps

**455Schilf** · 09-12-2009, 11:22 AM

I have a 1966 Skylark with an Oldsmoblie In it half way toren apart. That engine needs to go. I was looking at it and in the oil pan it looks like a .30cal round came out of it, proably why it is half way tore down. This is how I got the poor little thing. I have not at this point checked the numbers to see what engine it had from the factory.I am wondering the easy or amount of work required to put back a Buick V8. I know that in 1966 thier were small blocks and no big blocks. I could get a 455 or a 350 fairly easy. I have some time before I get going on it, so I am looking into info first. Any help and direction is appercated. thanks.

**bob k. mando** · 09-12-2009, 02:29 PM

you are correct, in 1966 a plain Skylark shouldn't have been available with a 401 in it. don't forget that it might have come with a 225v6 though.

which raises another interesting possibility: ~1985 231ci turbo.

regardless, you'll probably have to get new frame pads, engine mounts and fan shroud after you pull the Olds so a 455 would also be as easy as anything else.

**455Schilf** · 09-12-2009, 08:06 PM

I had the idea of a turbo buick pop in my head for a short time. That would be cool from a number ways, but find a 3.8L has proven some what hard. So after that Olds is out it would really be an equal starting point for any Buick power plant, right? Thanks

**bob k. mando** · 09-12-2009, 10:11 PM

which side is the Olds starter on? the Buick starter is on the passenger side. make sure your trans bell has a passenger side kickout for the starter.

**455Schilf** · 09-14-2009, 08:59 AM

Bob you are awesome. I was going to use the 1967 switch pitch tranny I put in my 1972 Skylark, I if went with a 4spd in the 72. I all so have a few turbo 400 B.O.P. tranny in my shop. Its just the engine choice holding me up. But all the choice are still open.

**Aaron65** · 09-14-2009, 06:05 PM

Might as well go Buick 455! It's a pretty popular swap and would be not too much more work than a 350, which is a good engine and all, but no 455. Plus, it's just good "car"ma to have a Buick in a Buick.

**scott kerns** · 09-14-2009, 07:19 PM

In my first 66 Skylark, my first car, it came with a 300 ci engine and 2 speed powerglide trans. Well at the time, mid 80's, I had a 350 olds engine fall into my lap and I built that for my buick aloing with a turbo 350. Big cam new forged pistons, ported polished reworked heads, but what did I know I was young...(car was fun though) Well that wasn't the last engine as a 430 buick fell in my lap and a so did a 4 speed. It was stock but boy what an engine. Years later...ok about a month ago my wife surprises me with a 66 buick skylark. Long story short, it came with a 70 GS 350 engine and a turbo 350. Fairly sure I'll be keeping the combo unless something better falls in my lap. However, if it falls in my lap it will be Buick! The turbo sounds very interesting as an option. Let us know what you decide.