Abnrml1

Just wanted to check in here and say Hey. I'm in the beginning stages of building a Datsun 4x4 into somewhat of an expedition type truck and I would like to use a 231 v6 for it. I've been told that they aren't very reliable and I thought that I would come to the source and find out.

I'll be asking a lot of question and I will appreciate any and all help. Thanks.

Abnrml1

I'm trying to find some reliable info on an engine that I have. A few years ago I rescued a 231 V6 from a Delta 88 and I would like to build it for a hybrid project. I have a Datsun 4x4 that I would like to put the engine into and I've been running into trouble finding anything on the engine other than it is not reliable and I should go with a 4.3 Vortec.

I'm building the truck to do some remote camping out west and I need a truck that will get me there and back. I plan to back the engine with either a TH350 or a 700r. The truck has 4.37 gears and I'm running a 30" tire.

I already have .030 pistons and a Performer intake for the engine but I have no idea what steps to take in rebuilding it to make a good reliable truck. Any help with this will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

76olds

Nope nothing abnrmly bout it. Why not stuff a 350 Olds in the Datsun .. then fire away with ?s.
Put-e-r-ther!
Jus' sayin'

Gary M

Can the olds motor bolt up to the 4x4 trans parts? Length, etc.

I think if your going to go through all the trouble, may as well go bigger unless you just happen to have the engine your asking about sitting there. What's the hp gain of doing that swap?

Cutlass Fan

Since the engine is actually a Buick engine, Buick sites have a lot of info. They are actually a very reliable engine as is any sbb. It is also lighter than a 4.3 Chevy which will be a benefit in your Datsun. A 200r4 would be a better choice than a 700 because it robs less hp.

CRUZN 66

What are your expectations of the 231 V6??? How much investigation have you done on this swap??? It does appear to be a common swap for the 521 Datsun pickup...
Here's a Datsun forum that may be able to provide more help for that type swap:

http://www.nissanforums.com/classic-datsun/

Abnrml1

I already have the 231 and plan to bolt it to a TH350 or a 700r4. I'll be using an adapter from Summit because it's next to impossible to find a trans that will bolt up directly where I live. The truck has a divorced transfer case so it's just a matter of motor mounts, a crossmember for the trans and a short driveshaft. I will have to modify the oil pan a little to clear the front diff.

I'm building the truck to pull a small off road teardrop trailer so my wife and I can explore some areas out west. I'm not looking to build a fast truck. I just want to put something together that will get me there and back. I was told that the 231 is junk and I should just go with a 4.3 Vortec. I already have the engine as well as a set of .030 pistons and a Performer intake. I came here to see if there is anything that I should focus on when building the engine.

Thanks.

olds 307 and 403

I like the 2004R better as well but it isn't an option on a 4x4. I would buy a replacement front timing cover. It wears out over time and houses the oil pump, causes low oil pressure. I would add a 4 barrel intake, 390 cfm Holley, mild cam and recurve the distributor.

joe_padavano

Typical response from the Chevy-centric world. The reality is that the Buick V6 was in production about as long as the traditional small block Chevy (the LS family has nothing in common with the traditional SBC).

I don't know why you are asking a Oldsmobile forum about a Buick motor. It may have come out of an Olds, but it was designed and built by Buick. You might want to ask your questions in one of the many Buick V6 forums on the web. T/A Performance is one vendor of performance parts. Note that the Buick V6 was used in Jeeps for a lot of years.

cutlassefi

You may also want to contact Champion Race Heads in Palm Coast Fl. They make lots of go fast Buick V-6 parts.