Rudy2

Anyone know how to contact Derrol Briscoe? Thanks. Randy

Hi, New guy here. I have an opportunity to buy a rusty 1938 Buick straight 8 and manual trans for $500. I might want it for a future "rat-rod" project but know almost nothing about the motor other than the fact it is over-head valve and I think probably is 320 C.I. for that year. So, what I wonder is, can this motor be modded to produce horsepower in the 300 HP range? Can it be reliably boosted with a vintage supercharger such as a McCullough? Are there any inherent weaknesses with this motor? I know it has babbit rod bearings, is that a big deal? I assume the rods and crank are cast iron, correct? And finally, is there a source of info on these motors, some sort of guru who knows all the ins-and- outs of their quirks and capabilities? Many thanks for your replies. Randy

Hi, New guy here. I have an opportunity to buy a rusty 1938 Buick straight 8 and manual trans for $500. I might want it for a future "rat-rod" project but know almost nothing about the motor other than the fact it is over-head valve and I think probably is 320 C.I. for that year. So, what I wonder is, can this motor be modded to produce horsepower in the 300 HP range? Can it be reliably boosted with a vintage supercharger such as a McCullough? Are there any inherent weaknesses with this motor? I know it has babbit rod bearings, is that a big deal? I assume the rods and crank are cast iron, correct? And finally, is there a source of info on these motors, some sort of guru who knows all the ins-and- outs of their quirks and capabilities? Many thanks for your replies. Randy

Hi, New guy here. I have an opportunity to buy a rusty 1938 Buick straight 8 and manual trans for $500. I might want it for a future "rat-rod" project but know almost nothing about the motor other than the fact it is over-head valve and I think probably is 320 C.I. for that year. So, what I wonder is, can this motor be modded to produce horsepower in the 300 HP range? Can it be reliably boosted with a vintage supercharger such as a McCullough? Are there any inherent weaknesses with this motor? I know it has babbit rod bearings, is that a big deal? I assume the rods and crank are cast iron, correct? And finally, is there a source of info on these motors, some sort of guru who knows all the ins-and- outs of their quirks and capabilities? Many thanks for your replies. Randy