Rod Frazier Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 The number on this engine is 58500507, which I can't find in any listing. I'm thinking this might have been a factory replacement engine. Any ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvelde Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 Looks like it would fit in the 1950 range of engine numbers. I assume it is a 320 cid...since the ending digit is 7? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Frazier Posted October 4, 2015 Author Share Posted October 4, 2015 Yes, it's a 320. Could you tell me where to find the chart you're using? By the way, this engine also has about a 3" square cover on the the left (driver's) side bolted down low towards the front of the car just ahead of the exhaust header. I don't remember anything like that on an early '40 and have no idea what it's for. I noticed it when I was looking for the intake to the crankcase ventilation system so I could clean the copper mesh filter (which I have not found yet). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Frazier Posted October 4, 2015 Author Share Posted October 4, 2015 Also, to me the thermostat housing and water pump housing look like a later model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Frazier Posted October 4, 2015 Author Share Posted October 4, 2015 And the engine has been painted gray, but is turquoise underneath. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pont35cpe Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 The later model engine has side motor mounts, that may be the 3" plate you`re refurring to, should be one on the other side of the engine also. Just guessing.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Look for a 90 degree elbow that attaches the water pump and the drivers side of the block right at the front. Buick changed the water pump configuration in 1950 on the 320 str 8,so if it has that it has insert style rod bearings and is 1950-51-52.Also, to me the thermostat housing and water pump housing look like a later model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvelde Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 To see a chart of the Buick engine numbers by year go to www.teambuick.com and register (free) then click on the Reference tab at top, and scroll down to "Buick Engine Identification" and click on the second listing "Buick Engine Identification, by the numbers" on the next page go to "Identification till '52". The chart has the beginning engine numbers by year. Some of the other pages in the Reference section will give some insight in reading various codes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Frazier Posted October 5, 2015 Author Share Posted October 5, 2015 Yes, there is a matching plate on the right side (just didn't notice), but I'll have to look a little more closely at the water pump tomorrow....didn't see the 90 degree connection yet, but it's pretty late here and dark in that corner of the garage! Will look more closely tomorrow. Thanks all for the help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Frazier Posted October 5, 2015 Author Share Posted October 5, 2015 Yep, the water pump has the elbow. Guess what I have is a 1940 70-series engine. But here's another question. My manual fuel pump loses some pressure when the engine is hot, so I'm planning to replace it. The rub is I think I did a dummy by buying a N.O.S. pump, since it may not be compatible with ethanol fuels. What think the experts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Frazier Posted October 5, 2015 Author Share Posted October 5, 2015 Meant to say 1950 70-series. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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