1982 Buick Regal

BUICK REGAL

MEMBER
1982 BUICK REGAL
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
178,000 MILES

I have an '82 Buick Regal. I've had it parked for about 5-6 years. I LOVE my Regal and I really want to get it running again. So here's my question - what would be a ballpark figure of what it would cost to rebuild this car to a running state? I had parked it because of engine troubles. So I know that at the least the engine would need to be rebuilt. I just really love that car it was my baby. Maybe it would be easier and more economical to just buy another regal that is in running condition and start from scratch and just use the one I have for spare parts but I'm curious of what you think it might cost to rebuild the one I have. Thanks for any insight you might be able to give me.

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi:
This is a tough because I don't know what all is wrong. What was wrong with the engine? Are there other things wrong?

You sound like me. I have a 78 chevy truck that I love and can't get rid of. I've had it in storage since 1998. My wife isn't really happy with me, but like you, I can't get rid of it.

Let me know and I'll do my best to help you.

Joe

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Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 AT 11:40 AM

BUICK REGAL

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4 POSTS

Hey Thanks for the response. I really appreciate it. As far as I remember this is how the car acted before I had to park it - ENGINE - seemed like it lost compression or something. I had to literally put the petal to the metal to get it to go maybe 35mph-40mph. I had a mechanic check it out and recomended that I rebuild the engine - does that seem right? Im not exactly a car repair expert but I some stuff about some stuff when it comes to cars. However, I had thought about getting both engine & transmission rebuilt just for piece of mind that after doing that it should be fairly reliable to drive. I did have carb. Trouble also. I'm kind of clueless of where to start after having a car parked for so long and to try to get it going again. I'm sure most seals and gaskets are dried out and need to be replaced. As far as cooling system goes before parking it I had no problems. Electrical system was still in good shape. The main reason I parked it was money. At the time I had no way of rebuilding anything or repairing a whole lot. I hope that info answers your question about my questions. Thanks for your help with this.

Just to comment with a little humor here - most women just don't understand the relationship between a man and his car that he loves. We take care of them like children. We feed it (gas), We clean it, we try to make it better when it's sick (broken down). Take it for regular check ups. We devote ourselves to our cars if we really like (love) the vehicle and like a child - can't just abandon them because they break. Hey thanks guy once again for the help.

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Monday, May 4th, 2009 AT 3:01 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

You may want to have a compression test done, but a rebuild may be a good idea because of the gaskets (like you said). You may want to check some of the nationally recognized parts stores. You can get remanufactured engines with warranties. It may be cheaper to do that. I would guess the cost would be around 2K, but by the time you have yours rebuilt (parts and labor), you may be further ahead.

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Monday, May 4th, 2009 AT 7:14 AM

BUICK REGAL

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks my friend. One more question - Is it possible to put a completely different engine in the car such as maybe a 2009 cadillac eng & trans, if so what all would that take or would it be pretty simple? I do know however that I would have to find a rear wheel drive engine, I'm not even trying to make it front wheel drive - I'd have to convert everything.

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Thursday, May 7th, 2009 AT 1:36 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

We as a group only recommend direct replacements parts. There are so many differences from year to year that you will most likely end up with all types of problems, mounting, fit, computer, sensors.