Need help with engine numbers

[JoelsBuicks]

I have two straight eight engines for which I am needing information. The first is what I believe is supposed to be '34 or '35 and having an engine number 42918477. The second is a later 320 engine of unknown year with a number 50147627.

Any help is very much appreciated,

Joel

[1953mack]

Engine # 2918477 with a "4" prefix is a 1934 Buick Special (40 series) engine.....

Engine # 5014762 with a "7" suffix is a 1948 Buick Roadmaster (70 series) engine.

Al Mack

"500 Miles West of Flint"

Edited November 13, 2011 by 1953mack (see edit history)

[Guest DaveCorbin]

Dear Joel:

Al is correct on the 1948 Roadmaster engine, which was built in March 1948.

Dear Al:

A correction for you: in 1941 and prior years, the identity digit is ON THE FRONT!!!!

The correct interpretation is: 4 (for a 40 series) 2,918,477. This is an engine built in July 1934 for a 1934 40 series car.

I hope this helps and clarifies things.

Regards, Dave Corbin

[1953mack]

Thanks Dave for correcting my mistake. I've edited my previous post.

Al Mack

"500 Miles West of Flint"

[JoelsBuicks]

Thank you both for the helpful information and quick response.

Joel

[nzcarnerd]

A quick way to pick a 1934-5 engine is that it has a removeable water jacket where the later ones had frost plugs. Not sure about 1936 though?