I'm debating a straight 8 for my 31 ponti coupe. I want something that I can find performance parts for, is depandable, and of course cheap. Can anyone wise me up about these things? I was debating a Cadillac(?) or Buick. I would like to find one that is married to a good automatic tranny.
Well, all straight eight Buicks that used automatics were bolted to Dynaflows, so you'd have to go with an Oldsmobile or Pontiac straight engine to get a four speed hydramatic. None of the inline eights have an overabundance of speed equipment available--whatever pops up for them usually goes for big $$$. In fact, if it weren't for Eddie Edmunds, there would be almost nothing for them.
Agree 100%--I'd say the only straight eights, in rough order of findability for engines and parts, you are at all likely to be able to find and fix are Buick, Pontiac, Olds, and Hudson. Beyond that you are getting into ancient history and great difficulties. All are obsolete enough to make parts hunting difficult, little to no speed stuff exists, and the ONLY worthwhile auto trans was the four speed hydro, which is heavy, expensive, and strong. Good three speeds that fit are much less of a problem, four-five speed adaptation would be much more practical than trying to adapt a modern auto trans. Actually building one of these engines will leave you old, gray, and poor...I think best bet would be to hunt for a streetrodder parting out a good car and grabbing a running engine. Is the '31 Pontiac the one with the six with two separate heads??
Ive played with the built and handfull of straight eight buicks. Parts can be a pain to get your hands on at times. There are not alot of options for speed parts. I am running a 41 intake on a 50 263 with holley 94's. They do make a trans a-daptor kit that will allow you to put a 700r4 behind one. But they are cool engines..
there are no Cadillac str 8's. Heavy, obsolete, and expensive. You gotta really love them to justify so little return for so much trouble. The Buick is the only one that has speed equip available. I love them, have owned many, but bot today!
Yes, I was looking at a '54 (?) pontiac straight 8 and it had two heads. the guy claimed it had 70k original miles and had the original tranny bolted up to it. but, you know how it goes, shoulda, coulda, woulda. another friend of mine is planning on removing his buick 8 and tranny from his 50 buick. i've been bugging him about it, but i think i'm about 4th in line for it, so here i am asking you all questions. i like the idea of overhead valves, so the buick might be the one to go after.
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