I bought myself a 1983 C/S yesterday and was not easy bidding on it.Luckily I had help,junkyard owner I went with to a car auction with.It was a father buying his son his first car bidding against me.The junkyard owner I went with helped me out bid him on it and I paid him back with a good thank you gift,a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey.I paid $1,100.00 for the car and not that much work to do to it.It has the 3.8 V6 and that is going goodbye replacing it with a 350 Olds I already have.I started it up for 5 seconds and rods started pounding.Only rust spots are on the right side quarter panel size of a quarter and the left side fender is completely rusted out in the wheel well.Luckily I am getting a left side fender for free,I gave this junkyard owner 2 junk cars lately and I get free parts out of the deal.

 

Sounds like it has a Buick engine in it. Olds had a 260 V8 which was really useless. If it has the 231, you're likely going to have to change out the trans too because it will be hooked up to a TH200. Not strong enough for a 350. Change it to a 200 R4 and you'll be golden.

Got any pics of the car to post yet?

1100 sounds like a decent price for the car. Auctions are great for that. Too bad there was another bidder or you could likely have got it for around 700.00

 

That is what I have been told,transmission has to be changed for the V8 swap.I plan on using using the 200R4 for the V8.Does have the 231 which I know which was a POS.I know the 350 Olds I plan on dropping in is good,I turned it with a socket and breaker bar and turns good.It is dark blue.There is a swap meet coming up,hopefully find the accesories for the front and will be looking for a 200R4.I raised it up this morning on my hoist,transmission is junk.A huge crack on top of the case and will not go into gear,transmission fluid stinks badly.

 

Congrats on your purchase. Post some pictures of your new project when you get a chance.

 

Actually the Buick 231 wasn't a POS - it was a very good reliable engine and delivered good performance and economy for the weight of the car. You may be mistaking that comment for the 260, which WAS a POS. I know, I had one. Also had a buddy who had the 231 in his Skyhawk. You may remember the car - it was the sister to the Chevy Monza.

 

Needs a paint job too,someone did a horrible paint job.Runs in the paint,fish eyes and orange peel.My other option for the transmission is a 700R4,I do have the adaptor plate brand new never used.

 

If you're putting in an Olds 350? I believe the 700R4 is still a direct bolt up.

 

Congrats! It always starts as one thing...swap the motor...then replace the transmission...oh, better do the differential...well, let's change the intake and carb...this thing could really use dual exhaust...OK, maybe just a paint job...with the new paint, it just doesn't look right without a new headliner and seat covers...