1953 special engine swap

[oldrides]

Does anyone know how hard it would be to install a buick v8 into a 1953 buick special that currantly has a straight 8 in it? oldrides

[Bill Stoneberg]

There is plenty of room in the engine compartment, but then you will have to deal with the closed driveshaft and the torque tube.

A nailhead does look real nice in the era of car and you wouldn't have to worry about the driveline as much.

[First Born]

I would think that a Buick engine from that same era would be the simpeliest. All Buick and no torque tube complications.

Ben

[Wmsteed]

I have found that the easiest way to convert the power plant from an inline engine to a V8 is to find the same year vehicle with the engine you want, buy the complete car and part it out, you will then have all the mounts, brackets, etc., required to complete the change over. If you just try to purchase an engine you will have all kinds of issues to deal with.
I am putting a 425 Buick nail head in my '40 Super, I purchased a '66 Riv to get all the pieces I would need....

[JPIndusi]

WmSteed has a very good idea. You will need the nailhead engine and the Dynaflow from the donor car because the 53 Dynaflow for the straight is different from the V-8. The V-8 uses a different torque converter.
Joe, BCA 33493

[LCI]

What are you going to do with the old straight eight? Dan

[Aaron65]

I'd almost look for a '53 Super/Roadmaster parts car. That way you've gor all the 12 volt items that were different too, plus a better radiator (if I'm not mistaken, they had a thicker core).

[Wmsteed]

I have a friend that is planning on removing the original V8 & AT from his 53 spl HT, he is going to put a *%*454 in the car. The car is in So. Cal.

[Straight eight]

The 53 Special was a straight eight, and the DynaFlow will transfer to an earlier model.

[jmorrisn699a]

Hello Buick
Looking to buy1950s inline 8.
Has any one installed a modern Chevy v 8 or other - stick shift transmisson 5 or 6 speed with overdrive behind a 1950s inline 8?
813-689-5171

[JR9162]

Oldrides, the motor mounts, radiator, and core support you should source from a 53 Super or Roadmaster.

However, for a nailhead I'd swap in a 1956 Roadmaster or Century 322 CID v8 wth its accompanying Dynaflow. You get the best year for a 322 and it's mating dynaflow from a 56 model.

[smithbrother]

This sure sounds like a great project, fun, fun, FUN IS GOOD...... A project I would LOVE to do too.

I wish you well, send pictures as you go,

Dale in Indy