Buick 350 source

[NOBLNG]

Anyone know where one would find a nice Buick 350 In 1/25th scale? I believe the 300 and 340 are visually the same. I haven’t found  any resin sources...so kits? 
Thanks, Greg.

Edited May 14, 2020 by NOBLNG

[Mark]

None in any kit I know of.  The 350 would have been in intermediate Buicks, the kit manufacturers usually put the biggest available engine in.  And there were no intermediate Buick kits other than the AMT '66 Skylark (nailhead) and Monogram '70 GSX (455).  The only other post-1966 Buick kits were the annual Rivieras (430/455) and '69 Wildcat (same, not sure which).  The '70 Wildcat kit never came with an engine.

The only small Buick engine I know of is probably a 330, two of those were in the rare AMT ZZR (and Firebug) kits.  Each kit had two engines.  Those are no-detail lumps, not worth looking for IMO.

[1930fordpickup]

Nothing on Shape ways. 

[Plowboy]

If I'm not mistaken, all '60s and '70s Buick engines were visually the same size. It was the bore and stroke that made the cubic inches. A 350 will look the same as a 430 or 455. I don't know of a 1/25 Buick engine. But, the Revell/Monogram 1/24 '70 GSX has the nicest engine IMO.

[NOBLNG]

9 hours ago, Mark said:

None in any kit I know of.  The 350 would have been in intermediate Buicks, the kit manufacturers usually put the biggest available engine in.  And there were no intermediate Buick kits other than the AMT '66 Skylark (nailhead) and Monogram '70 GSX (455).  The only other post-1966 Buick kits were the annual Rivieras (430/455) and '69 Wildcat (same, not sure which).  The '70 Wildcat kit never came with an engine.

The only small Buick engine I know of is probably a 330, two of those were in the rare AMT ZZR (and Firebug) kits.  Each kit had two engines.  Those are no-detail lumps, not worth looking for IMO.

Thanks. I have a ‘66 Riviera that has a nice 425 in it, but it is a nailhead. I also have the Monogram GSX, but it is 1/24th.

8 hours ago, Plowboy said:

If I'm not mistaken, all '60s and '70s Buick engines were visually the same size. It was the bore and stroke that made the cubic inches. A 350 will look the same as a 430 or 455. I don't know of a 1/25 Buick engine. But, the Revell/Monogram 1/24 '70 GSX has the nicest engine IMO.

From 1953 to 1966 the Buick V8’s were nailheads (vertical valves and level valve covers) very popular with hot rodders! The 350 (450 lbs) is a smaller version of the 430/455 (600 lbs). It may look similar, but it has a 1/2” lower deck height and is 150 lbs lighter.

I’m considering engine options for my Jeepster. I have a 426 Hemi mounted now (765 lbs) and may keep it. Just searching options. Anything in front of a th400 would make an easy swap in the 1:1 world. The light weight of the Buick would be a real bonus.

Some nailhead pics?

Edited May 14, 2020 by NOBLNG

[espo]

The default engine in the 1:1 world seems to be the small block Chevy. Compact size and a fairly inexpensive Crate Engines every where. Seems like every after market company in the world has goodies for that engine. An LS2 thru LS7 is even lighter and has even more potential than the original small block design. The down side is everyone is doing it for the same reasons. Maybe a nice small block Mopar or Ford ? Even a nice Buick V6 as that was a later option on many Jeeps.     

[NOBLNG]

Yeah, I want to stay away from the SBC. I was hoping the Buick would be common. Maybe I can modify the Chevy to look like a Buick?

Edited May 14, 2020 by NOBLNG

[espo]

11 minutes ago, NOBLNG said:

Yeah, I want to stay away from the SBC. I was hoping the Buick would be common. Maybe I can modify the Chevy to look like a Buick?

Just mount the Distributor in front and see how it looks. 

[Plowboy]

Why not use an AMC engine from one of the many available Jeep kits? Or do a turbo V-6 from a Grand National. The GN is 1/24. But, that could be an advantage in this case.

[thatz4u]

AMT 69 Riviera???

[Snake45]

11 hours ago, Plowboy said:

If I'm not mistaken, all '60s and '70s Buick engines were visually the same size. It was the bore and stroke that made the cubic inches. A 350 will look the same as a 430 or 455. I don't know of a 1/25 Buick engine. But, the Revell/Monogram 1/24 '70 GSX has the nicest engine IMO.

I was also of this impression. 

3 minutes ago, thatz4u said:

AMT 69 Riviera???

Probably the easiest/best option. 

[Can-Con]

I'd go with the '69 Riviera engine. It's a bit undersize anyway.  

I'd use the water pump/ distributor assembly from the Monogram '70 GSX.  Sand the ribs from the Riviera valve covers and add new ones in the unique 350 pattern from very small 1/2 round strips or stretched sprue. 

I grew up tinkering on these engines, even still have a set of factory chrome GS valve covers hanging in the garage. ?

[Casey]

 

[NOBLNG]

27 minutes ago, Can-Con said:

I'd go with the '69 Riviera engine. It's a bit undersize anyway.  

I'd use the water pump/ distributor assembly from the Monogram '70 GSX.  Sand the ribs from the Riviera valve covers and add new ones in the unique 350 pattern from very small 1/2 round strips or stretched sprue. 

I grew up tinkering on these engines, even still have a set of factory chrome GS valve covers hanging in the garage. ?

I just ordered a ‘69 Riviera off e-bay. This would have the 430 I believe. I found a chart online with engine dimensions, and if it is correct, the dimensions only vary by an 1-1/2” at most...undetectable to the eye at 1/25th scale.? I will check my GSX engine to see which components look best.

Thanks everyone!?

Edited May 14, 2020 by NOBLNG

[Can-Con]

40 minutes ago, NOBLNG said:

I just ordered a ‘69 Riviera off e-bay. This would have the 430 I believe. I found a chart online with engine dimensions, and if it is correct, the dimensions only vary by an 1-1/2” at most...undetectable to the eye at 1/25th scale.? I will check my GSX engine to see which components look best.

Thanks everyone!?

I'd use whatever I can from the Monogram kit. You just need the block, heads and valve covers from the Riv because they're so much smaller. I'd also use the Monogram intake manifold if you can file it down to fit the Riv engine.

The front cover/water pump part on the riv engine is carp. Looked nothing like the one on my real Riv, or any of the other big Buick engines I had.

They do interchange between the 430/455 and 350 on the real thing, I've done it. That's the biggest problem with the Riv engine.  The intake manifold isn't that great either but it can be hidden a bit with the air cleaner and some plumping and wires. 

BTW, That "star wars" air cleaner in the riv kit was only available in '67. 

Edited May 14, 2020 by Can-Con

[NOBLNG]

45 minutes ago, Can-Con said:

TheBTW, That "star wars" air cleaner in the riv kit was only available in '67. 

 I have just recently started researching Buick’s. I came across a picture of that and just assumed it was something new or custom. I had no idea that it was from 1967!  COOL!

[espo]

15 hours ago, NOBLNG said:

 I have just recently started researching Buick’s. I came across a picture of that and just assumed it was something new or custom. I had no idea that it was from 1967!  COOL!

That was just an Air Cleaner housing that Buick used for a time. The housing was made out of a plastic of some sort. Advantages ? Well you have two intake openings instead of one. The plastic wouldn't transfer as much of the engine compartment heat as a metal housing, and your right it looks cool. 

[unclescott58]

Okay, I'm not so sure how clear things are on history of Buick V8s after reading the above posts. First the Buick 350 and her sisters 400, 430, 455 are not based the same engine. The Buick 350 was based on an engine that first came in 1964 model year at 300 cu. in. This was enlarged for the '66 models to 340. And finally to 350 for '68. This "small block" engine is mainly related to the aluminum 215 of 1961 and the related 198 V6 of '62. In fact the 300 had the same bore and stroke as the V6, and was manufactured on the same line as used for the aluminum V8. 

The "big block" Buick V8 came out for the 1967 model year, replacing the venerable nail head used from '53 through '66. It looked close to the Buick small block, but was in reality a different engine. For '67 through '69 it came in two sizes. A 400 and 430. In 1970 both of those engines where replaced by a basically bored out 430, upped to 455 cu. in. 

I hope this clears a few things up. And I'm sorry to say, I do not know one way or another if there has or hasn't been a model of small block Buick engine. 

One last thing. The "Star Wars" air cleaner. As far as I know, it was only used on the '67 Buick GS400 and '67 Buick Riviera with the GS package. It was first seen in model form in the AMT '67 Riviera kit. And was continued in the '68 and '69 kits. But, not seen on the real cars after '67. 

[unclescott58]

On 5/14/2020 at 8:38 AM, espo said:

Just mount the Distributor in front and see how it looks. 

The oil filter would need to be moved to the front, right side of the block too.

Edited May 15, 2020 by unclescott58

[espo]

Just now, unclescott58 said:

The oil filter would need to be moved to the front, left side of the block too.

This is true along with the fuel pump and maybe even the alternator.  

[unclescott58]

On 5/13/2020 at 10:49 PM, Mark said:

None in any kit I know of.  The 350 would have been in intermediate Buicks, the kit manufacturers usually put the biggest available engine in.  And there were no intermediate Buick kits other than the AMT '66 Skylark (nailhead) and Monogram '70 GSX (455).  The only other post-1966 Buick kits were the annual Rivieras (430/455) and '69 Wildcat (same, not sure which).  The '70 Wildcat kit never came with an engine.

The only small Buick engine I know of is probably a 330, two of those were in the rare AMT ZZR (and Firebug) kits.  Each kit had two engines.  Those are no-detail lumps, not worth looking for IMO.

Minor point. The 300s, 340s, and 350s could be found in LeSabres. In fact LeSabre wasn't offer with a Buick big block until 1970. Then of course it was the 455. Wildcats, Electras *, and Rivieras * were all big block only cars. Centurion, big block only in '71 and '72. 350 or 455 for '73. 

* '67 through '76

Edited May 15, 2020 by unclescott58

[Mark]

1 hour ago, unclescott58 said:

Minor point. The 300s, 340s, and 350s could be found in LeSabres. In fact LeSabre wasn't offer with a Buick big block until 1970. Then of course it was the 455. Wildcats, Electras *, and Rivieras * were all big block only cars. Centurion, big block only in '71 and '72. 350 or 455 for '73. 

* '67 through '76

I'm referring to available kits, not 1:1 cars...

[unclescott58]

1 hour ago, Mark said:

I'm referring to available kits, not 1:1 cars...

I understand that. I'm just trying to clarify things, so people know what they're looking for. 

[NOBLNG]

On 5/14/2020 at 8:06 AM, NOBLNG said:

The 350 (450 lbs) is a smaller version of the 430/455 (600 lbs). It may look similar, but it has a 1/2” lower deck height and is 150 lbs lighter.

5 hours ago, unclescott58 said:

Okay, I'm not so sure how clear things are on history of Buick V8s after reading the above posts. First the Buick 350 and her sisters 400, 430, 455 are not based the same engine. The Buick 350 was based on an engine that first came in 1964 model year at 300 cu. in. This was enlarged for the '66 models to 340. And finally to 350 for '68

The "big block" Buick V8 came out for the 1967 model year....

You are correct Scott. The 350 design is based on the aluminum 215 and preceded the big block. They may look similar, but they are not.

Edit: But for the purpose of my model, I can easily make the 430 look like a 350.?

Edited May 15, 2020 by NOBLNG

[NOBLNG]

On 5/14/2020 at 8:38 AM, espo said:

Just mount the Distributor in front and see how it looks. 

 

5 hours ago, unclescott58 said:

The oil filter would need to be moved to the front, right side of the block too.

 

5 hours ago, espo said:

This is true along with the fuel pump and maybe even the alternator.  

I was going to take the front cover/oil filter/fuel pump assembly from the V6 and graft it onto a SBC, but the block is quite undersized and the heads don’t look right. The seller I got the ‘69 Riv from was also selling a separate 430 engine...so I bought it too!?

Edited May 15, 2020 by NOBLNG