Hi, guys newbee here,
I wanted to ask, how do you know how you have
a fireball or not is there a id# to check? (other than reading "fireball" on the valve cover)
thx for your help guys!
:confused:

ANYONE???

Sol, I'm a new guy too. "Fireball," to my understanding, is no more than a marketing label. There were three versions of the straight eight available in the very late 1940s/early 1950s, I think--and maybe this will prompt the experts to jump in and correct me: one of 248 cubic inches used in the Special; the same engine with a slightly higher compression ratio used in the Super (Dynaflow transmission); and a larger block altogether used in the Roadmasters. After a specific year, I think much farther back that the advent of the Dynaflow transmission, the Buick engines were called "Fireball" generically. I don't think there's a distinction between Fireball and non-Fireball as there is between Windsor and Cleveland Ford 351 engines, for instance.

Experts---jump in !

Cool! thanks bernard! I completely understand.

My 1941 has the "Fireball" engine. This was the first year Buick used that advertising gimic and decaled the engine "Fireball".

Also 1941 is the only year for some reason that the engines were painted red. All others are blue/grey.

The Special and Super ran a 248 CI engine from 1937-1950. The 1950 Dynaflow and the 51-53 ran a 263CI with hydraulic lifters and replaceable rod and main bearings. The Century ,Roadmaster and Limited ran a 320 CI engine from 1937 -1952

1950 Special had a 248 (40 series), Super a 263 (50 series) and Roadmaster a 320 (70 series)

the word fireball and the red paint were synonomous,that along with the dual carbs created a sensation.remember this was way back in 41,and it was a good advertisement ploy for buick.most of the ads hinted the fact the 41 buicks were very fast.and they were as a century or roadmaster could probably outrun any thing untill the advent of 4barrel carbs for the olds and cad v8 in the middle of 1952.and then it was close jb