differences in 79 turbo block and 109?

[Tom Tom Turbo]

I have the option to purchase a standard 79 turbo block with a girdle for less than $500. Is there anything I should be concerned about besides the fact that I'll need to drill a hole for a knock sensor? Will my oil pan, heads etc still work on one of these? I have access to a 87 crank, rods, and pistons that I plan to throw in there.

This is my first rebuild and I would appreciate any help I can get!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Nick Micale]

Oil pan and timing cover are different than '86-7 and it will use different head bolts. Also, to maintain the same compression ratio, steel shim head gaskets have to be used.

 

[TurboDave]

ya, and don't forget the "paper thin" decks.

 

[Silver 6]

GM changed the Buick V6 block in some way almost yearly from 78-86. The easiest thing for you to do is look at the photos and information on the Turbo Regal site. This is the link to the pics for the 79 block:

http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/pictureguides/blocks/79block.html

The entire casting is different from the 109 block. If you are truely buying for a performance build, I'd say no to the 79.