70sWagoneers

Yes; I have no goals of pushing the compression thru the roof. I should have just asked what CR people ended up with. The original CR is 5.7:1 so 7:1 or 8:1 sounds awesome. Seems like Ill probably need new pistons.... Cylinder - Compression : rear engine 8-95psi; 7-87; 6-82; 5-85; 4-85; 3-85; 2-80; 1-80 front engine with oil: 8-105psi; 7-97; 6-85; 5-107; 4-90; 3-90; 2-85; 1-102 The more I think about it; the more I think my goal is a stock-ish rebuild (the car is all original). Nothing exotic. I'm definitely set on adding an oil filter and would like to know more about ideas on where to plumb the oil in and out of the motor. Anybody have any opinions on NOS bearings? Or can I find everything new (mains, connecting rods, and cam bearings)? And Im also very interested in the rear main seal not leaking! Can I retrofit to some sort of rubber seal or should I stick with the rope seal? Oh yes, Im working thru the Torque Tube; it's a lot to digest Thanks James C.

Im also wondering if there are any numbers to cross reference on the head. The head is a different color green with black underneath, so Im figuring it has been replaced at some time (tho the guy I bought it from swears it wasn't)

1937 Buick Special 40 Trunkback Sedan Chassis Tag: Buick 3151232 Engine Number: 43330506

Im gearing up for my first engine rebuild on my first vintage car! It is a 1937 Buick Special Trunkback Sedan with the 248ci engine. The previous owner ran it out of oil and it sounds like a connecting rod bearing is gone. So Ive cleared some garage space, got a heavy duty engine lift and stand, and even sourced some later connecting rods with insert style bearings. But at this point Ive got a few questions I'd like to hear peoples' opinions on.... First of all, what is the best way to remove the front doghouse? Do you recommend to take off each part individually or could one seperate and lift the fenders and grill pieces as one unit? I would like to know what a good compression ratio to shoot for is. Is 9:1 to 10:1 range too high and why? What are the weakest mechanical links in the engine? I would like to add a oil filter to the engine, but keep a factory look. Has anyone converted a later Buick model canister for modern filter elements? Perhaps I just need some pictures of later 1938+ oil filter setups to get some ideas. Otherwise, Id like to know any problems, issues, or wisdoms people have ran into while building their engines. Any parts that were unobtainable or bad quality, or little tricks for oiling issues, whatever. Thanks, James C.