straight-eight engine question

Ray Newport · May 9th, 2002

Hi trying to gain so knowledge on various types straight-8. I know buicks are overhead valve, and i know the various configurations. I'm wondering about the competion, how they rate in comparison. Not trying to start a war here. Just trying to learn. Thanks in advance. Ray Newport BCA#30054 49 Roadmaster 64 Riviera

56Roadmaster · May 9th, 2002

Hi Ray, Well pretty much Buick is the all around champ. OHV is better than flat head because it tends to eliminate uneven combustion due to stagnation areas. I have worked on high end classics Packard, Chrysler Imperial, Stuz, Duesenberg from late twenties to thrirties era plus Buicks. The Packard and Chrysler used flat heads and 7 main bearings and were a sturdy low RPM engine made to pull heavy cars. Something to say for Chrysler is that their was very durable and could provide performance as evidenced by their marine use. the Duesenberg and Stuz had pretty much same design DOHC Lycomming engines, again durable and little more efficient Stuz had a 32 valve unit. Very beatiful engines to look at lots of polished stuff. But Buick is just a smaller and well designed moderately priced engine and probably the best of its day. Here are some short comparisons 35-36 Auburn 280ci 8 115HP, 150HP@4000RPM w/supercharge 35 Buick 232ci 93HP@3200RPM,235ci 88HP@3200RPM, 278ci 100HP@3200RPM, 345ci 116HP@3200RPM 39 Buick 248ci 107HP@3400RPM, 320ci 141HP@3600RPM 35 Chrysler 274ci 105HP@3400RPM, 324ci 115HP/130HP@3400RPM 40 Chrysler 324ci 137HP@3400RPM 35 Graham 245ci 95HP@3400RPM, 265ci 140HP@4000 w/supercharger 35 Hudson 255ci 113HP@3800RPM 40 Hudson 255ci 128HP@4200RPM 35 Hupmobile 303ci 120HP@3500RPM 39Hupmobile 303ci 120HP@3500RPM 35 Nash 261ci 100HP@3400RPM 42Nash 261ci 115HP@3400RPM 35Olds 240ci 100HP@3400RPM 42Olds 257ci 110HP@3600RPM 35Packard 320ci 130HP@3200RPM, 384ci 150HP@3200RPM 41Packard 282ci 120HP,125HP@3600RPM, 356ci 160HP@3600RPM 35Pierce Arrow 385ci 140HP@3400RPM 38Pierce Arrow 385Ci 150HP@3400RPM 35Pontiac 223.4ci 84HP@3800RPM 41Pontiac 249 ci 103HP@3500RPM 35Studebaker 250ci 107Hp@3800RPM,110HP@3600RPM 40Studebaker 250ci 110HP@3600RPM Put that in you pipe and smoke it!!ha, one other thing to note as you look over the numbers Buick was able to produce the HP with a lower compression ratio,in the early engines and then went higher later. note that Packard had a pretty large engine to produce high HP, All the cars listed here are STRAIGHT 8 only. Something else of interest, a local machine shop here did some modest performance work on a STUZ 32Valve and got 300HP @ 1200RPM!!! Enjoy!! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif" border="0[/img] Man some people must be really bored to write something like this [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif" border="0[/img] Just to add since the old guy mentioned, you can get these facts from the very early edition Motors Manuals one is the blue cover range is 1935-46 and the other is maroon cover and goes back to 1931. there are older versions but i haven't be able to purcahse one yet. [img]images/icons/wink.gif" border="0[/img][ 05-10-2002: Message edited by: Scott W. Taylor ]

The Old Guy · May 9th, 2002

Scott, I appreciate the info as much as the man that asked the question. You did some real research and I just copied it for future reference. Thanx [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img] [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img] [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img]

Ray Newport · May 10th, 2002

Thanks Scott for the info. Here is a another loaded question. Outside of the weight of the straight-8 engiine. Was there really a big difference performance wise between the straight-8 and the v-8 that replaced it? Thanks in advance. Ray Newport BCA#30054 49 Roadmaster 64 Riviera.o

Ray Newport · May 10th, 2002

Thanks Scott for the info. Here is a another loaded question. Outside of the weight of the straight-8 engiine. Was there really a big difference performance wise between the straight-8 and the v-8 that replaced it? Thanks in advance. Ray Newport BCA#30054 49 Roadmaster 64 Riviera.o

Ray Newport · May 10th, 2002

Oops! Sorry for the double post.

56Roadmaster · May 10th, 2002

Ray, Yes most definately, One big thing is reduction in crankshaft torsional wind up the long crank of the straight eights is subject alot more torsional deflection hence you will notice in general lower rpms on the inline vs V type. The higher Rpms helped the horsepower ratings as you can see. 1952 last of 320ci 170HP@3800Rpm with 280ft-lbs torque@2400Rpm 1953 V-8 322 188HP@4000RPM and300ft-lbs of torque@2400RPM and by1956 322 had 255HP@4400RPM w/341ft-lbs@3200RPm. in addition the shorter engine allowed for better realization of equal fuel distribution among the cylinders by shorter manifold runners. Also the v-type with 90 degree V allowed for lower hood lines as the engine height was lower. V-type is in general more efficient, and more rigid structure which allows for more power output. the 322 aslo had forged steel rods and crank from factory which gave a stout lower end.