248 to 263 engine swap

[Berndog]

Any help? I have a 1947 Special with a 248 & three speed standard. ( Bad shape) I have a good and complete 1948 Roadmaster drivetrain ( engine, trans, differential. The Roadmaster engine is bigger and the drive train is longer. I'm gonna get the roadmaster engine in my Special somehow. any advice?

[1939_buick]

If its longer you may have a 320 ci.
Is the exhaust manifolds 1 piece or 3 piece ?
263 ci was a replacement for the 248

A lot of cutting and welding to get the 3" longer engine in where a 248/263 was.
Have not read where anyone has done this so good luck !

http://www.teambuick.com/forums/show...-a-263-for-320

[krinkov58]

A '48 Roadmaster engine would be a 320, which I believe is about 4" longer than a 248 so you'd be looking at some firewall modification, maybe the trans hump as well. Not impossible, it's been done to a 1950 by a member of this board although I think it was technically a 263/320 swap. The 263 didn't appear until 1950 or so and was used in the Super until 1952, Special until 1953. But might be an easier swap as it has roughly the same dimensions as the 248, although the mounts are on the side instead of the front of the engine. Good luck!

[raycow]

any advice?

Measure the length of the two engines from bellhousing face to fan. Now measure from the firewall to the radiator on the Special and try to figure out just where you are going to put the extra 5 inches or so. You will be looking at some pretty serious cutting on parts you may wish you had left alone when it comes time to drive the car.

My advice:

1. Sell the Roadmaster engine or trade it for a good 248 or 263 + cash. The 320 is worth quite a bit more than the smaller engines because it was made in much smaller numbers.

2. Sell the Special and look for a Roadmaster or Century that needs an engine. This could be more difficult than (1) because of relative body condition issues on the different cars. However, if you just happen to know of a good car that only needs an engine, this might be the better way to go.

I know these aren't the answers you were hoping to hear, but please take my word for it that you won't be the first person who attempted to dive head first into a project like this and hit the bottom of the pool.

Ray

[raycow]

Ya know, after thinking about this challenge for a bit longer, there is actually a way to do it, and it wouldn't look bad at all. If you are willing to sink enough work and money into the car, you could "build" a Century. Lengthening the frame shouldn't be too difficult, but finding or fabbing the sheet metal would be a whole other story. However, if you could manage to pull it off, you would definitely end up with a one-of-a-kind car.

Ray

[Berndog]

Hey Raycow- I measured it. You are right. Its a 320 and no way I can see to make it fit. It's just too long and no where I can see to take it up. Thanks to all for the info. I have a re-buildable 248, but I gave up looking for a replacment intake / exhaust manifold for it. Every set I've found is either cracked worse than the one I have, or the seller thinks these are gold plated and prices accordingly. Y'all have a good day now, ya hear? Berndog

[1939_buick]

New repro exhaust manifolds are made, but at a price. Try Bobs http://www.bobsautomobilia.com/