Jay Maechtlen's Buick Powered Coupe - El Monte, Ca
61 2-dr - skin replaced by custom fiberglass skin. Stock wheelbase, front suspension (mostly) and cowl/windshield.
Power by engine/transaxle from 87 Olds - transverse 3.8 Buick, 4-speed automatic.
Power by engine/transaxle from 87 Olds - transverse 3.8 Buick, 4-speed automatic.
Top is still choice of mesh of vinyl, snapped in place. Added brow at top of windshield to direct water from windshield over top of vinyl. Adding a heater. Preparing to redo the rear suspension and upgrade from old 3.8 to a Series II 3800 supercharged motor. Wheels are from a donor '98 Regal GS. They fit the rear (powertrain) natively, had adapters made to adapt from Tempest drums in front to the GM FWD pattern.
May, 2018 Update
I am preparing an upgrade for it:
- A 2002 Bonneville 3800 (3.8 liter) supercharged motor
- ECU (computer), Trans and subframe from 98 Buick Regal GS
- Replacing struts with custom upper control arms.
- Narrowed lower control arms 1" on each side.
Setting it up for test run on the ground, don't want to tear the car down untill the new package is really ready to go in.
- A 2002 Bonneville 3800 (3.8 liter) supercharged motor
- ECU (computer), Trans and subframe from 98 Buick Regal GS
- Replacing struts with custom upper control arms.
- Narrowed lower control arms 1" on each side.
Setting it up for test run on the ground, don't want to tear the car down untill the new package is really ready to go in.
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Figuring out geometry - back to the basics!
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Starting the fab process
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The spindle bolted to a strut - how do I trim it to allow really wide rims and attach upper control arms?
Sing to the tune of the Oscar Meyer weenie song - "Oh, I wish I knew just what the **** I'm doing"
And, today I tried to fill it with coolant. Discovered there's a bolt(?) hole at the bellhousing that goes into coolant. The hole didn't seem to accept a bolt. Hmm. I don't really want to pull this thing apart again, but have to figure something out.
August, 2018 Update
As of last weekend, the car is getting torn down for phase two - finally! I figure a couple of months - want it together for our next show at ADM - SCC's Ageless to Anarchy.
February, 2019 Update
Supercharged engine swapped in with later transmission and new suspension that has unequal-length control arms and inboard coil springs. Has head problems, but am making progress -And a new set of wiring challenges!
November, 2019 Update
Completed upgrade from '87 3.8 to 02 3.8 w/supercharger and manifold from 04 Grand Prix, appx 260 hp. Matching trans working well, 16" wheels, revised rear window setup as hatchback. Discovered that the rear wheels weren't centered well enough in the wheel wells, moved powertrain and suspension back in the car about 1 inch.
February, 2020 Update
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Upgraded from 1987 3.8 to 2002/2004 3800 supercharged. Revised rear suspension with unequal length control arms and inboard coils. New wheels and tires - 16s. New exhaust system - noisy but effective. Also new engine cover and rear window setup. Still lots of rough edges, but runs great!
