I'm building a 35 Chevy truck and decided to run a Buick straight 8 with a manual trans. I have a line on some 8's but I need to know what I should look for when picking out a motor. The truck will be rat styled with z'd frame front and rear, chopped and channeled, split wishbones front and rear, etc. No hood. Cycle fenders. Thanks for any advice in advance! And this is a repost: I put it in the wrong place. Oops Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
I don't know what your plan is but keep in mind there are three Buick inline OHV 8 cylinder engine. The 243, the 263 and the 320. The first 2 have Babbitt rods and mains. The later has a strong lower end but none are high RPM engines. But, built right that any of them can be a torque monster. The "Century" engines came equipped with dual carbueretion and some actually had a Factory built Split Exhaust manifold. Good luck with the project. You may wish to move the radiator forward too rather than making any fire wall cuts. Normbc9
The motors are 248,263 and 320ci. The 263 was available from 50 to 53 and had in inserts not babbits. Late 248s not sure of the years, had inserts also. Speed equipment is almost non existent. Edmunds made 2 carb intakes and Buick made them for one year only, I believe 1941. 248 and 263 intakes are interchangeable. Buick also made a 4brl intake for the 320, I believe it was made for a year or two. All of these parts are super expensive if you can find them. Split exhaust manifold was made for one year also. Hope this helps.
Norm, the size of the engine did not determine babbitt or inserts, the year did. All had inserts starting in 1949. The 248 [243 ??], and 263 are "almost " the same engine. They came in the Special [248] and Super, [248 through 1949]. 1950 was the first 263, in the Super only. 1951 through 1953, the Special used the 263. The 320 wasa in the Roadmaster and the Century. Last Century was 1941. Last 320 was 1952, in the Roadmaster. Duel Carbs were only available in 1941/1942. Standerd, I believe, on the 320 and optional on the 248. Cast iron headers included with duel carbs. The 320 is about 6 inches longer than the 248/263, which are the same length. It is also ABOUT 50 more HP. Ben
Hey guys, don't forget the other Buick Str8's. If you back up to 1931, there were five or six different displacement Buick Straight Eights. While the 248, 263, and 320 get all the press, their roots are in the earlier years. The O/P did not mention a year, so he may well be thinking of using a 1931 version, maybe the tiny 221 inch eight, or the giant 345 cubic incher.
Thanks Ben, I see one over in the valley at Roadster Shows and it is a real charmer. I have a 263 and a 320. Both came in factroy cars with dual intake and exhaust manifolds. Both were former CHP cars here in California. Both were fast back Buicks. Normbc9
He had to mention the "R" word.But it sounds like the build may be far better than the average Rat.....
Keep in mind the 39 trans (special) was unique to 39- not a deal breaker but easiest if you get the trans and engine as a package.
The 320 is probably 4" longer than the 248/263 also transmissions are not interchangeable between 320 and 248/263 engines. Also pilot bushings different sizes between std trans and Dynaflow.
Bolt pattern of the cranks are different between the manual and Dynaflow's as well. At least they are on the 263, not sure of the 320's
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