Yes, I am new here and I am new with the Buick straight 8's. But after looking at the engine in the 1947 Buick 50 I bought for parts recently (yes, I'll be parting out the rest of the car soon) I decided to use it for a hot-rod I've been planning for a while.

The engine looks good and seems to have lot's of potential while not being overly complicated.

My question is very basic, there seem to be some consistent modifications that everyone does to their 248/263 engines, what are they?

So let's make a list:
- Valve train what to replace it with? and why?
- Cam shaft, what specifications, sources?
- Pistons, what replacements are available?
- Piston rings, what replacements are available?
- Distributor, what electronic distributor fits?
- Carburetor or injection? and if so what size and why?
- Transmission replacement (what and how) without spending $$$$ on conversion bellhousing.

Part numbers and original application for each replacement part would be great, makes it easier to find.

Trying to make this post a source of all rebuild/upgrade information that seems to be scattered all over at this time.

I'm planning to rebuild mine, upgrade the valves, build a custom intake with fuel injection (not decided on the type yet) and put a "modern" 5 speed transmission behind it.

Awe come on. All spread around ain't so bad. Makes the instant gratification types have to work a little bit. Keeps 'em outta trouble!:thumbsup:

I would rather spend time at a swap meet looking for parts or in the garage/shop working on the car then on the internet looking for information. :car:

I am in Houston, just picked up a 1950 special, with 263 strait 8, needs a rebuild. You sound like you know more about it than I do. What to do next?
any idea?
maybe we can help each other along, let me know what you think.
PB

Yes I would be able to help you for sure, what do you need to know?

I'm selling most of my buick parts, too much cost and not enough information available to build it.

Check out my website at http://www.hrclassiccars.com and contact me through there, I'm sure I can help you get you car back on the road.

PB,
I don't want to discourage anybody, but we just finished [as finished as you ever get] a Bonneville Salt Flats car. 1984 Jaguar XJ6 with a 320 straight 8 Turbo /intercooled/fuel injected. Tremec 5 speed, Chevy flywheel. We had the car in the back yard, as well as the engine, so they cost "0". We put the car together with a anticipated budget of $10K for each of us. [$20K] As we started, we found that each check we wrote was for about $500, and everything had to be custom made or modified to fit the old girl. Very little is off the shelf and don't get impatient as 20 sets of small block Chevy rods take priority over a one-off set of Buick rods. It is very gratifying , however, when you finally get it started and it really responds to everything that you give it. You're on the right track, and I think you'll be really pleased with your labors. It has taken a little over three years and has been really fun to plan it out. The injection, bt the way is Electro-motive and has the ability to run as a full-sequential system, which we found was advantageous when dealing with the straight 8's siamesed intake ports. Hope this helps. Doug [so far, we're at $46K and counting] Ya" never saw a "U-Haul" behind a hearse,have Ya?

I don't want to hi-jack this thread, but I am not computer savvy enough to know how to start a nsw one, and I just have one question?

Can I put the inserted rods from a 1950s 320 inch straight eight in a 1940 320 incher??

Thanks for any help

Yes, indeed. However, all the babbited type rods are VERY good rods. By about 1951 material changes were made to the rods and altho have insert bearing, are not as good as the earlyer stuff. If the engine is bone stock, its ok, if you are going for more power you might want to do a little prep to them. alleycat

Thank You :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: