Is there a difference between 1936 and 1938 Special engines?

[carlisle1926]

My 1938 Special sedan has a severely destroyed engine. The car is weathered but presentable and I do not intend to restore it, but rather preserve it as much as possible and drive it as is. I've located a decent 1936 Special engine that might work to repower the car. My question is, is there any difference between the two engines that might not let me just drop it in my car?

[1939_Buick]

A lot of difference 1936 to 1938. The most obvious physical difference is the side oil filer. 1938 (or was it 1937) was a new design of 248ci. This design, with some changes, continued to about 1950. Then it became 263ci. You can fit any 248/263 1938-1953 engine to your car. No idea if a '36 would fit into a 1938 easily.

Edited May 26, 2014 by 1939_buick (see edit history)

[Pete Phillips]

The Special engine in 1936 is a smaller displacement engine than the 248 of 1938. '36 has 233 cu. inches, but it will fit. The '36 engine also has the starter switch in a different place, being located on top of the rear portion of the intake manifold; whereas the '38 engine has the starter switch on the side of the carburetor. Therefore, the linkages will be different. I suppose you could swap out the manifolds and carburetors between the two engines (that's a guess, someone else will have to confirm).

Pete Phillips, BCA #7338

Leonard, Texas

[carlisle1926]

I think I'll just keep shopping for another later model Buick 8 engine. I didn't realize that the 1936 models were still using a 233. I've also found a decent 1948 248, that I hope will will work.

[pont35cpe]

Jason, if you get anything but a `38 engine, front motor mount plate, bell-housing, are a couple items that will have to be changed. The `36 233 engine(flat top pistons) is the same bore as the `38 248. The oil pan is different on the `36 233. The 248 has domed pistons and a longer stroke, more HP. The `48 engine is a side mount, but will work with parts off your `38 engine. Changing front mount plate means removing, harmonic balancer, timing cover, timing chain and gears. To change bell-housing, oil pan may have to be removed to get the flywheel off, flywheel has to come off because of two mounting bolts to engine behind flywheel. If you`ve never worked on one of these engines you`re in for a new experience and education. In away I`m glad you didn`t want the new `41 super 248 I have to sell.. Good luck.. Tom

[carlisle1926]

I've worked on tons of 216 and 235 Chevrolet engines from 1937- 62. What you just described sounds exactly like what has to be done to a later 235 to convert it from side mounts to front mount.

[pont35cpe]

Jason, did you get my message in your other "wanted ad" about the transmission and torque tube? Tom

[carlisle1926]

Yes I did. That sounds like a fantastic lead!

Jason, did you get my message in your other "wanted ad" about the transmission and torque tube? Tom

[carlisle1926]

I've stumbled upon a 1937 Special engine today. Now knowing that the 1936 models were 233 ci engines and that the 1937 engines were 248 ci, what will be the difference between this 1937 engine and a 1938?

[pont35cpe]

Jason, starter switch on the `37 could possibly be like the `36, and clutch disc(spline) may be different from `38, and would have to be changed for the 38 transmission. Otherwise I think they`re the same, motor mounts and all. Maybe someone will confirm.. Any luck getting in touch with Dave Tacheny? Tom