Straight 8 identification

**thegeneral4** · 10-28-2012, 02:26 PM

Hi everyone, this is my first post on this site. I recently acquired a buick straight eight for 50 bucks from our local scrap metal place I have the identification number off the bblock but I havent been able to find a matching number on any forums Ive seen yet. The only thing I know so far is that it is one of the larger engines produced due to the location of the id number. The number is as follows:48078287.

Any help figuring out what ive got here would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Zach

**raycow** · 10-28-2012, 05:47 PM

The table here
http://www.teambuick.com/forums/view..._engine_til_52
suggests that your number identifies a 1947 series 70 engine (320 cu in).

The valve cover length should be about 33-3/4". 1947 and earlier engines should have a mounting plate at the front of the block. If the plate is missing, the engine should NOT have mounting holes on the sides of the block just forward of the distributor. One of the 1948-up type mounting brackets is visible in the right hand picture on the same page, so you can see where to look for the holes that would indicate a later engine.

Ray

**Straight80** · 10-29-2012, 07:24 AM

The 70 series # is located to the left of the distributor. The small series is to the right of the distributor

**thegeneral4** · 10-29-2012, 02:03 PM

Great, thanks for the info guys. My engine does not have the bracket which is shown in the picture, so that would make it 1947 or earlier. Good to know. Does the engine block number contain info regarding what type of vehicle the engine was originally installed in? or would that require deeper digging like finding a part number on the camshaft?

Zach

**raycow** · 10-30-2012, 05:59 AM

Originally Posted by thegeneral4

Does the engine block number contain info regarding what type of vehicle the engine was originally installed in?

Yes, if you go by the table on this page:
http://www.teambuick.com/forums/view..._engine_til_52

The last digit identifies the car series the engine was installed in. In this case it is a 7, which indicates a 70 series, or Roadmaster.

Since the Roadmaster used the 320 engine, you can confirm this by the location of the stamped number (to the rear of the distributor) and also by measuring the length of the valve cover.

Ray