rj27buick Posted May 8 Share Posted May 8 I purchased a straight 8 motor and I am trying to identify the year. It measures as “short” approximately 30.5” long at the valve cover. The casting to the right of the distributor is ground off or possibly wasn’t ever there. But the flat area is to the right of the distributor where the info says it should be. There is a number to the left of distributor next to oil dipstick - RE-150775 (the one could be a cap i) - no other numbers can be found on the block. There is a large number 7 raised on the block below the spot where I thought the number would be. any thoughts here from the experts? thanks in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted May 8 Share Posted May 8 Might need to remove the valve cover to look for the cyl head casting number? Are there any casting date stamps or castings on the block? Once the casting date has been determined, the "rest of the story" might be discovered? Remember that casting dates can precede the machining and assembly of the engine by several months. What vehicle was the engine allegedly removed from? Perhaps this post might be better positioned in the "Post-War" or "Pre-War" group which might get more "eyes on it"? Just some thoughts, NTX5467 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted May 8 Share Posted May 8 rj, may we see pictures of the entire engine? The original number, without the series digit, should be under the water pump. Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj27buick Posted May 8 Author Share Posted May 8 Thank you - when you say “under the water pump” do you mean behind it or below? I don’t see any numbers below. There is a space behind water pump but I would need to remove to see it. pic has been added Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj27buick Posted May 8 Author Share Posted May 8 I am just trying to get a year or close enough so when I research parts etc. I know what I am looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted May 8 Share Posted May 8 Remove the water pump. Picture from other side will tell if it is '48-'49 or later. Defiantly '48 or later. The side engine mount started in 1948. I will stick my neck out and say 1948 or 1949. Pic from driver side will help' Engine number will be conclusive. Ben 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pont35cpe Posted May 8 Share Posted May 8 Show a picture of the other side also. Could be a 263cu in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted May 8 Share Posted May 8 Could be, Tom. Betting not. Oil filter mounting does not appear to be 1950 or later. The driver side picture will tell. Ben 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj27buick Posted May 8 Author Share Posted May 8 Guys - I purchased the mounts separately. They were not with the motor but the motor definitely had the side mount holes. The mounts will fit nicely for the application. Pics of the other side coming later thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj27buick Posted May 8 Author Share Posted May 8 FYI - the mounts came from a 49 - I believe a 4 door off eBay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj27buick Posted May 9 Author Share Posted May 9 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted May 9 Share Posted May 9 1948 or 1949 248. I THINK THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS 1949 SHOULD HAVE INSERT ROD BEARINGS. As said earlier, 1948 was first year for side motor mounts. 1950 had a change in the water pump . Ergo, 1948 or 1949. Ben 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj27buick Posted May 10 Author Share Posted May 10 Thanks for the help - so most likely a 263 from 48 or 49. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1939_Buick Posted May 10 Share Posted May 10 (edited) 2 hours ago, rj27buick said: Thanks for the help - so most likely a 263 from 48 or 49. 248 ci from 1948 or 1949. 263 ci first built 1950 https://www.buickheritagealliance.org/index.php/restoration/engines/straight_8 Quote The small engine was increased to 248 CI in 1937 and to 263 CI in 1950. Edited May 10 by 1939_Buick (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted May 10 Share Posted May 10 2 hours ago, rj27buick said: Thanks for the help - so most likely a 263 from 48 or 49. A 248.... First 263 was 1950. In the Super. Last 248 was 1950 in the Special. Go ahead and pull the water pump and end the suspense.😁 Ben 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj27buick Posted May 10 Author Share Posted May 10 Thanks for the help - so most likely a 248 from 48 or 49. really appreciate the expertise on this site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj27buick Posted June 9 Author Share Posted June 9 Took the water pump off. See attached pic. Based on comment above thought I might find a number. Don’t see any numbers. Thoughts anyone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj27buick Posted June 9 Author Share Posted June 9 Another pic - shows front motor mount integrated into timing chain cover and casting for mid-engine tall mounts. My research shows the mid-engine mounts started in 49? I also read you can swap the older style front mount on a newer version (like 49 or higher). still trying to determine what I have???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted June 9 Share Posted June 9 Well, dang me. The 248 that was in my 1950 has the engine number stamped on that machined surface to the left of the water outlet, as does the 1951 263 now in the 1950. I was under the impression all did. Perhaps the ones supplied post war for replacement engines did not? The side mounts began in 1948. Backwards compatible by mounting the mounting plate from an earlier engine/car . This engine appears to be a 1948 or 1949. I THINK the only difference is the use of insert ROD bearings in 1949. Ben 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj27buick Posted June 9 Author Share Posted June 9 Worth a try - thanks Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj27buick Posted June 9 Author Share Posted June 9 Wondering if it is a replacement engine. Hard to believe someone went to that length to remove! Also bolts holding pump seemed like this was the first time removed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj27buick Posted June 10 Author Share Posted June 10 I did find a number - see image - it is: RE-150775 Could that mean “replacement” 150775 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted June 10 Share Posted June 10 The R and E appear to be embellished and part of the casting? Seems that the casting wouldn't be altered to add that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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