1970 Skylark Custom

[M.Zondo]

Joined the forum not to long ago. Thanks for the add. I picked up a 1970 Buick Skylark Custom 350-4 not to long ago for $1,500.00. She does not run was told that the motor has a thrown rod. She needs a lot of love interior,exterior, but she has matching numbers. My question to anyone is what to do with her. I don't know the first thing about motors. Should I have this one rebuilt if possible or look for a different motor?

[bob k. mando]

you're going to have to tear the engine down before you can know.

sometimes a rod will punch a hole in the side of the block, break the cam / cam valley, etc. if any major structural damage like this has occurred the cast iron block *cannot* be ( or, it can be, but it's very expensive and highly specialized, ie - the entire block has to be raised to +500 degrees while worked and brought down to room temp over a period of ~two days after repair ) repaired due to welding heat changing the composition and tempering of the cast iron.

given the lack of resale value in Buicks and Buick small block cars in general, a 455 swap would probably be the preferred option in that case.

IF damage is limited to the rod/piston in question then a full rebuild should be possible without getting too silly on expense.

[mikes rides]

congrats on your new car and the price pretty good too. if your engine still runs as long as there is no holes in the b lock I would have it rebuilt. those are really good engines