'78 Skylark swap

[daddio]

i've got a 78 2dr Skylark w/3.8 & auto that i want to build as a street cruiser. my dilemna is i can't make up my mind on which powertrain to go with. a GN or T drivetrain, a healthy 3.8 or 4.1 NA or a sbb 350. i don't need a 12 second car as it will never see the track. jsut some saturday night sunday cruising. it's definitely got to be a buick engine.

would you guys know any of the pros/ cons of any of these 3? i need help making up my mind. any input or ideas would be appreciated.

 

[olds443]

My Dad had a Starfire version of this when I was in high school. It had a v6 and a 5 spd. I loved the way it handled and the smooth power from the na v6 and 5 spd made it a real fun little car. Every now and then I look for one but you just can't find them anywhere.
Anyways, for cost and ease I would recommend the 4.1. Should give you plenty of power in a little cruiser (those things are light!)If you decide to turbo it later, you won't have to pull the whole motor as you will already have the foundation.
my .02

 

[daddio]

thanks for the input olds443. but, i believe the olds starfie was the olds equivalent of the buick Skyhawk not the skylark. skylark is a little bigger car. i did think about that v6/4 or 5spd combo but not sure if that Saginaw trans they used would hold up in any kind of perf app.

 

[olds443]

Oops:redface: My mistake. Skylark was more the Nova equivalent right?
And in that case I think a Buick 350 would be easiest, least hassle.