1971 wagoneer

[230ohc]

So...

I fell off the wagon. And landed in a rusty puddle.

I feel it's obligatory at this point to buy the darn thing cuz like a fool I've fallen in love with it.

The rust is pretty bad in the floor, rockers and lower rear quarters being the worst having been "fixed” before but it's everything I want.

It's got air conditioning, and that's it really.

But the motor is junk Buick 350 with a fist size hole in the block from where a piston rod decided to exit.

It's an automatic, which I'm not fond of.

But did I mention how my darn fool heart has blinded me to these conditions, she got personality.

[Yeller]

Ima sucker too, buy it if you can, I fell your pain.

Is this a help program? It’s not working well

[230ohc]

Thanks yeller,
I'm going to pick it up today. What do you think would be the simplest solution for replacing the Buick 350? I would like to get this thing going, do some rust repair and simple spackle lift and be done enjoying some a/c this summer and fall.

[tgreese]

I like the looks of those '70-73 Wagoneers.

The simplest is another Buick 350. Were you thinking of another drop-in engine to replace it? The Buick small blocks 225/231/300/340/350 have the same mounts and block pattern. The 225 and rear wheel drive 231 V6s are an option, but maybe not enough power. Anything else will require some adapting. What's your preference, and what are you up for?

[Yeller]

Tim is correct an other Buick is the simplest. If you really want to do something different that should be easy, a nailhead would be awesome. Another reasonably easy option is a small block Chevy, with 1st gen Camaro motor mounts you will have to modify the location of the through bolt on motor mounts bolted to the frame by about 1/2” wider. Also requires either a Chevy T400 or an adapter from the BOP pattern to the Chevy, same if you wanted an LS.

[tgreese]

If I went SBC, I would look for a Gen 1 donor with a TH400, maybe a rusty pickup? What's the story with the output shaft - can a Chevy TH400 be used without swapping the output shaft?

With the nailhead, I presume you'd remove the BOP adapter ring and use a passenger car convertor. Seems unlikely it would drop on the mounts - something would have to move, I'd think. And it's old, and old engines are expensive to rebuild. And how wide is it? Heater box and brake booster might interfere. Cool looking engine though, would give it a hot rod feel.

The Cadillac 472/500 was also popular a couple decades back. Bolts up to the Jeep BOP adapter, though you'd need to modify the mounts. Unlike other GM big blocks, it's narrow and fits the existing engine bay. Search on IFSJA if interested.

[Yeller]

The output on a truck T400 works with the Dana 20 adapter. Some of the car ones, no, but most if those were BOP.

[devildog80]

If you want it as a weekend warrior type use vehicle, and not using the 4x4 feature, you could always build it as a 2 wheel drive only?

[Analog]

S&J Engine has rebuilt Buick 350's for $2,400 ish.... and they are in Washington state
1970 - 1971 Buick GM Jeep 350 C.I. 5.7L OHV 2v V8; Iron Engine Block; Iron Cylinder Heads; Bore 3.850"; Stroke 3.850"; Compression Ratio 9.0:1 -10.25:1 (Build-Dependent); Horsepower 250-315 @ 4800 rpm; Torque 355-410 @ 3200 rpm (typical; Build-Dependent); Professional Installation Recommended

https://www.sandjengines.com/product/19 ... goneer~668

I would think that would be the fastest way to get up and running and it will be a lot cheaper than getting into the difficulties of swapping.

[230ohc]

Yeah I got it bad, she's got lots of personality.

In few ways it's not as bad as my 64 but in many ways not nearly as good either though.

Nailhead would be super cool. But I don't know if that's an option or here in Oklahoma, worth looking into.

Rebuilding is certainly not an option, I can see straight through the block it has port holes on both sides of the block.

I'm gonna keep my options open, the body rot is fairly bad. I do see a spring over in it's future and cut fenders.

I noticed after getting it home the brake pedal assembly is completely missing and someone cut the column harness and the master cylinder push rod when it was removed.

But did I mention it has air conditioning.

I still like it, but I'm feeling a bit of whores remorse only I didn't get paid.

I like the first Gen Chevy and truck th400 idea, should be able to source those items easily. I hope.

But
my buddy has a CJ that he is wanting to ls swap so a 304 is available and I have my old t18 I would just need clutch stuff gonna need a new pedal assembly anyhow....

Lots of great ideas guys thank you I've got a lot to consider.

[Yeller]

We’re on a shed, barn and shop cleaning spree, I’ll holler if I stumble on something interesting. Lots of treasures that we’ve forgotten about or decided we’re never gunna use lol

[sierrablue]

If the drivetrain's totally shot, probably the most bang for your buck IMO is the LS swap, esp if you can find one for a reasonable price.

Personally I think it would be cool to do a Coyote or a Hurricrate, but that's just me...lots of wiring with all 3 of these options, and a manual+tcase might be a hassle on the latter two.

If you can find a rotted out '88-92 Suburban or K5 Blazer, you should be able to reclock the tcase and bolt that drivetrain in pretty easily--TBI would be included as well as an OD automatic. Might be a cheap option.