Buick dilemma

[IndianaCarGuy]

I have an awful choice, I found a 1922 Buick with a hugely damaged cylinder, needs bored, sleeved, uncertain if the cylinder walls will be able to be bored out to the damage. I also have access to a 1915 Cadillac V8 running gear. Trans,.. checking on if it is stuck. As much as I HATE mix and match, I would consider this, if possible. Any thoughts, or a Buick 6 engine which is available? Also, please tell me if there is ANYONE reasonable to work on cars in Northwestern Indiana.

 

Robert Swim

[Mark Shaw]

Robert,

    Of course I am a bit biased, but I suggest you stick with the more modern Buick engine. 

A rebuild will be much more cost effective than adapting the Caddy engine to the Buick.   

I suggest you might sell the Caddy to pay for the Buick restoration.

My $0.02

[Rusty_OToole]

You are right, it is an awful choice and makes no sense. If you can't rebuild the Buick or find a good block, suggest you sell both and buy something decent. Twenties cars are not that rare and there are some good buys out there.

[Ben Bruce aka First Born]

Robert, the cylinder only has to be bored enough to install the sleeve.   I have done that on an eight cyl Buick.

 

  Ben

[Rusty_OToole]

Cylinders of that era can be bored much more than modern engines. In those days it was expected that an engine would be rebuilt at least once during the life of the car, maybe 2 or 3 times. It is not unusual to bore one 1/8" and I have heard of some blocks being bored 1/4". Since the seventies, they often won't stand a bore job of more than .030 or .060. But cars seldom get a motor job even when they go over 200,000 miles.

If the cylinder is really gouged you can have it sonic tested to find out how thick the casting is.

Edited July 24, 2021 by Rusty_OToole (see edit history)

[hidden_hunter]

Early cadillac motors are much much more complicated to work on than the Buick, you’re just as likely to hit some other problem with it thats more of a hassle 

[Rusty Heaps]

There’s a 1923 Buick engine listed for sale in the General Motors parts listings under the Buick parts

Edited July 25, 2021 by Rusty Heaps (see edit history)