Buick 320 block interchangability question 37 to 47

MNRoadMaster · July 29th, 2010

Thanks in advance for the help here. I have a 47 Road Master that I've rescued from the scrap heap here (sitting since '71) with the 320 which I'm refusing to change over to anything but another 320. The original engine melted down and I found a good block with crank, rods and cam out of a 37 Century in very nice condition although frozen when I got it.(320). Will it work (with all peripherals bolting on) and bolt up OK? For some reason I thought I heard it would not work. I believe that I should be able to use the domed pistons and head (after having it checked and a valve job) out of the melted down engine I believe as they look OK. I've really been enjoying the posts here an modifying these engines although at this point I have to get something that functions on the cheap right now. These engines are getting hard to find aren't they!

Thanks again!

Don

Earl · July 29th, 2010

To bad you can't run down to the car show in Ames as there was a guy there yesterday that has a block from a '48 or 9 Roadmaster and I'm sure you can get it cheap. The motor mounts are different on the later engines. And I'm not sure what all would need to be done to fit them into the later car. The '37 engine would be worth more and a lot harder to find than the later one. I would hold out for a later one since from '49 onwards they had insert rod bearings. But, you can also put the later rods in the earlier engine. I'm in central North Iowa and do have an extra head if you need one. It's from a '49.

MNRoadMaster · July 29th, 2010

Thanks for the reply and the info here. Boy do I wish I could figure out how to get ahold of that guy with that block - especially if it would still take standard pistons and rings which I do have. I was surprised to hear that someone might have use for the parts I have. So far I have found out that there were "lots of small changes" the fuel pump for sure is different. I still do not know if the crank is different - or the rods and lifters or head. What condition is the head you have in?

Thanks again!

Don

Jim65Riv · 4 Weeks Ago

Don;
Sent you a private message.
Jim