52 or 53 Buick straight eight question.

[John Vincent]

Without tearing into the engine, how would I be able to tell which straight eight engine I have? I got this engine in a box-lot group of parts I bought for my earlier Buick (1930) and I am looking to sell what I don't need. I just want to be sure that I am identifying the engine correctly when I do end up listing it for sale. Thanks for your time and help.

[1939_buick]

What is the engine number ?

[Pete Phillips]

Go look at Error! buicks.net/shop/engine. This format will not allow me to type the website address.
There are some photos and I.D. guidelines there.
If you have a good starter with that 263 engine, and would consider selling just the starter, I need a starter.
Pete Phillips
Sherman, Texas

[1939_buick]

Go look at Error! buicks.net/shop/engine. This format will not allow me to type the website address.
There are some photos and I.D. guidelines there.
If you have a good starter with that 263 engine, and would consider selling just the starter, I need a starter.
Pete Phillips
Sherman, Texas

Pete's link has an error to me.
This may be what he was trying to link to:
Team Buick - Reference***
or
http://www.teambuick.com/forums/view..._engine_til_52
You may have register for teamBuick.com to access the page

[Thriller]

If you have the engine number, the BCA Judging Manual (PDF from Documents link on buickclub.org) lists the starting engine numbers for each year, so that should be able to get you to it.

[critterpainter]

If the manifolds are still on it look at the exhaust. If the EX manifold is 3 pieces its a 320 engine. If its a one piece manifold then its a 263 engine. OR if the valve cover is about 34" long its 320 31" then 263 if you know its 52 or 53. (only the 263 was available in 53)

Bill