Hi: I am new to the world of Buicks. I have purchased a 51 Buick Special with the original straight 8. It has 79,000 miles on it and runs well, but the power is less than impressive. I would like to do some minor modifications to it to get more power. I would like to switch to a four barrel manifold and i plan to shave the heads for a bit more compression. Can someone tell me if the manifold is available, old or new and any other tricks I should try. Thanks for your help.

Hi, I too, have a 51 Special. I bought it and put about 800 miles on it, off to Vegas and it didn't make the Baker Grade. I had it rebuilt by a Buick Specialist who does straight eights and nailheads only. He milled the heads, raising the compression, reground the cam, and put a larger 2 barrel carb on. He says it will take it from 120 to 150 or 160 hp. He advised against a 4 barrel and the twin carb set up. This could be because I wanted a reliable engine in a very, very nice original car, and wanted to drive anywhere without trouble. I also got a real, (spin on) oil filter mounted below the starter, and a new clutch (a Corvette style) Gerry,The Specialist/Mechanic, has a 39 with a straight eight, turbo charged, twin 4 barrels, headers, that he races. He knows how to make them sound good and go. There is an article I've read on waking up a straight eight, I can find you a site address if your interested. Where are you located?

way back when i was young i had a 51 special.it was one of the best trouble free cars ive had.at age 20 i really pushed it.i was in the country near albany oregon and traffic was sparse,and no payed much attention to speeding.on a good day it could get 103 to 105 by speedometer.road tests by mccahill and motor trend would clock them at 94 to 96 mph.good enough to pass a ford or a chev.it used almost no oil.in those days i used union 76 royal triton purple oil,one of the high detergent leaders.good luck with yours.ps i to would like to see the waking up straight eight article.

Hey T-Bone

That article from your discription sounds Real Good!

I bet it contains some Valued Information.

If You can find it please pass it along.

Thanks,

Regards,

Tom Gallagher