Straight 8 Identification! Serial number and engine type ?

Ildrago24

Member
I hope someone can help. I have read the engine identification, but still not 100% sure what engine number identify the engine type e.g 248, 263 etc.

I attach 3 engine numbers and I appreciate if someone can tell me what age and engine (248, 263, etc.) I have 6 more straight 8 engines and this will help me to do the rest of the identification my self.

Thanks in advance,

Glenn Billqvist
 

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Glenn, let me be the first to say WELCOME. We are glad you are here. Especially with Straight eights!

If I have done it right, the first picture is a 1951 248
the second is a 1950 263
the third is a 1941 248

If one goes to Reference, at the top of this page, then Engine Identification, then, then identification til 1952, the chart will be there.
Be aware, 1942 and earlier, the first digit is the series number
1946 and later the last digit is the series number.

More questions? Jump right in!

Ben
 
Ben,

Thanks a lot for the warm welcoming :) I am very pleased that you found out the age and engine typ as well what digit to read to define age. I hopeI be able to identify the other straight 8ths

All the best,
Glenn
 
You are welcome, Glenn. Must be a story in having so many straight eight engines.

There are some visual ways to determine which size the engine is, and a few to get close on the year.

The 320 has the crankcase vent inlet on the driver side at the front of the engine behind and below the generator mount bracket.
This vent is at the back of the driver side on the 248/263.

1948 and later , all engines changed to a side motor mount and have a "pad" on each side, about half way back, with 4 bolt holes.

1950 and later, the water pump outlet is connected to the side of the block with a small gooseneck.

All 263 engines , which came out in 1950, have a rib on the cylinder wall on the driver side.

Another is all 320 engine serial numbers are behind the distributor, 248/263 are in front of the distributor.

Hope this helps.

Come back and come often!

Ben
 
Yes! There is a story and I am afraid it is crazy. My new project is a streamliner and connect 2 Buick straight 8 (same engine type) as a straight 16. Some of the other engine are pure spare parts. I have done couple of other crazy projects (Aero engine and Supercharged Lincoln V12), so I think a straight 16 will work even if there will be a lot of challenges. I might come back asking for advice as the project progress regards to the engines. I Appreciate the advice what to look for on the engines types.

Have a great week end,
Glenn
 

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Love your plan. Please keep us informed and send many pictures! Maybe the straight 8 forum is more appropriate. The amount of knowledge here is unbelievable.
Succes
Duco
the Netherlands
 
Thanks Duco :) I will keep the Straight 8 forum posted with pics and progress. I do look forward to take part of the great knowledge and experience from the Straight 8 forum.

Regards,
Glenn
 
You are welcome, Glenn. Must be a story in having so many straight eight engines.

There are some visual ways to determine which size the engine is, and a few to get close on the year.

The 320 has the crankcase vent inlet on the driver side at the front of the engine behind and below the generator mount bracket.
This vent is at the back of the driver side on the 248/263.

1948 and later , all engines changed to a side motor mount and have a "pad" on each side, about half way back, with 4 bolt holes.

1950 and later, the water pump outlet is connected to the side of the block with a small gooseneck.

All 263 engines , which came out in 1950, have a rib on the cylinder wall on the driver side.

Another is all 320 engine serial numbers are behind the distributor, 248/263 are in front of the distributor.

Hope this helps.

Come back and come often!

Ben

Ben,

I trust you are well! May I double check with you an engine serial number? The number is 4-3519731. I think it is a 1939 248 engine, but I am doubtful since my 1941 248 looks little bit different. Or the same engine type could differ from one year to another.

I wish you a happy New Year,
Glenn
 
Ben,

I trust you are well! May I double check with you an engine serial number? The number is 4-3519731. I think it is a 1939 248 engine, but I am doubtful since my 1941 248 looks little bit different. Or the same engine type could differ from one year to another.

I wish you a happy New Year,
Glenn
 
Glenn, I make it as a 1938 engine. Of course, the 4 is the Series number for Special so removing it we have 3,519,731. The 1938 Special number began with 3,397,xxx. 1939 began with 3,572,xxx . Your number is about half way through the 1938 numbers, looks like to me.

Have not had 1st cup of coffee . May be cross eyed, but I believe that is correct.:giggle:

Ben
 
Glenn, I make it as a 1938 engine. Of course, the 4 is the Series number for Special so removing it we have 3,519,731. The 1938 Special number began with 3,397,xxx. 1939 began with 3,572,xxx . Your number is about half way through the 1938 numbers, looks like to me.

Have not had 1st cup of coffee . May be cross eyed, but I believe that is correct.:giggle:

Ben
 
Ben,

You are the man :)I was told it was a 1938 when I bought the engine. So it was right even if I thought it was a 39 from the 35 number. 4 still makes it a 248? Or?

All the best,
Glenb
 
The 4 means it was installed in a Special. So yes, in reality the 4 means a 248 since only the Special had the 248. Starting in 1940 , when the first "Super" was built, the 248 was installed in it as well. The first numeral would be 5, so 4 and 5 would be 248. Compounding this little show, post war, 1946 and later, the series identifying numeral moved to the LAST spot in the engine number. And of course, 1950 SUPER saw the first 263


At the top of this page in the black [ on my computer anyway] is home, forums, whats net,======Reference. Clicking on reference will take you to said page. A list of topics shows. Select Engine identification, then on that page select Buick identification by the numbers, identification until 1952, then scroll down to the chart. Magic.

Ben
 
Ben,

You have unbelievable knowledge about these Buick engines and I am really grateful for your help p. I hope I could be of help someday!

Tons of thanks,
Glenn
 
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