Hey all, I've been watching these forums from afar for quite some time! There's so much great knowledge here amongst everyone and it gives me hope that I may be able to breathe life back into one awesome car that hasn't been on the road since who knows when. The Car: 1938 Buick Special model 40 originally powered by a Fireball 8 The story... well we picked the car up a few years ago not running, and no chance of saving the Straight 8 it had unfortunately. After sitting around for a long time, I really want to get it back on the road. I've never truly been a fan of SBC swapped cars, ESPECIALLY older 30s cars - but a 350 sure sounds nice right around now... just to get the old girl out and on the road once again. I think of Ray Dunham's '39 Zephyr where he tastefully dressed up a SBC 350 to look like a cool "era" Lincoln V8. The question, what do you all think it would take to make a SBC look "cool" in a 38 Buick? I would love to do the same thing Ray did and dress up the 350 to look like a cool old Buick V8, but I don't know if there are any Buick valve covers that would fit. I read somewhere that Ray used Lincoln Y Block scripted valve covers and they look killer on that SBC. Do any of you know of similar or cool period looking valve covers that might work on a 350? It's not for sure I'd go with a 350 for this car, but it sucks to see it sitting there with no love. I think it's time we get this car back on the road! I am obviously aware of all the work and fab it would need to even be able to make the SBC work with this car, but hey that never scared anyone... right?!
Here is a 1949 Buick straight 8 for sale. I know nothing about it other than seeing the ad. https://brainerd.craigslist.org/pts/d/fort-ripley-1949-buick-engine-and/7403989960.html
And please don't try to make one engine look like another make, it's just wrong. If you want a nailhead, get a nailhead. Don't try to make a SBC look like a nailhead.
Maybe add your location & an intro to your info. Then, someone close to you might offer you a 248 or a 263 Buick ...
I actually really like the idea of that! I should have researched more into the nailheads. I kept thinking of the big 425 whenever I saw nailhead but forgot they came out in the early / mid 50's. I'll definitely look into that, it would suit the car just perfect
@Cosmic Kustoms Congratulations from one ‘38 Buick owner to another! Beautiful cars. Another engine you might want to consider is the ‘64 thru ‘67 Buick 300 inch V8. It looks the same as the larger heavier Nailheads ‘53 thru ‘56, but has some advantages. It is lighter, slightly smaller physically and, best of all, uses the later BOP block to bell housing bolt pattern. That permits bolting on a variety of automatic and manual transmissions without aftermarket adapters. In automatics alone, that means Super Turbine 300 (2 spd), TH350, TH400 (both 3 spd) and TH2004R (4 spd with 4th being OD). These engines were widely used in the intermediate Buick Specials and the full size Buick LeSabre 300 from ‘64 thru ‘67. The derivative 340 cube version was added to the line up in ‘67 models. 1968 saw the introduction of the Buick 350 engine, but the heads are different and do not have the nailhead style valve covers. All these Buick V8’s above are very close in weight to small block Chevys. I do have both 248 and 263 straight eights (one each) available. Ray
Just be honest. Whatever the engine, if using factory branded rocker covers, they at least should be from the same brand. Masquerading is deceptive, fools only the ignorant and is not cool. At least I don't think so. Aftermarket covers are another matter entirely.
First, I agree with X38.... phony valve covers is like putting a rolled up sock in your pants... you ain't fooling anybody but yourself (thinking you are cool). The 300, 340 and 350 Buicks of the 60's could be a good choice (the 350 is lighter than a SBC, but with gobs of torque), but will be more $$ to build. A 300" Ford six would also be a good choice. Your engine bay is long and narrow, so an inline makes some things a little easier. Are you thinking manual or automatic transmission? What rearend are you planning?
While I usually agree with your viewpoints, on this one, not so much. Not that I feel strongly about it one way or the other. Nor am I defending myself. I have not done this particular cosmetic alteration as of yet. Thinking about the many decades of observing/participating in the hot rod/custom hobby, many such ‘swaps’ have been undertaken. Grille and grille shell swaps, bumpers, taillights, headlights, steering wheels and columns, dash boards, wheel covers and complete wheels as well. And especially in hot rods, Brand A, B or C engine in any number of mismatched chassis. Is that a deception? Several of the faux engine alterations I have seen have been both esthetically pleasing as well as permitting the use of a particular engine for whatever it’s perceived advantages may be, but ‘dressing it’ in a different preferred era or style. Like most esthetic matters, there are differences in ‘tastes’.
I think i've seen atleast 3 of the smaller 248 and 263 Buick straight 8's for sale this week without looking for them, one of them for as low as $300 i believe. Before i found the bigger 320 straight 8 for my 1937 Buick, i was also looking for a 322 nailhead, or one of the second gen, larger displacement ones, but im glad i held out and got a straight 8 for it. Im not really a fan of faux valve covers, and although i have 350s in other cars, it wouldnt be my first choice in a prewar Buick. Another thing to consider is the torque tube rear end to deal with when you start changing drivelines, and would need to convert to an open driveshaft rear end, rear suspension changes, etc. But it completely depends on what you want to do with it and how much of a project you are after.
It can be a grey area at times. I know Caddy wheel covers are a trad thing to use on an early custom. Including the crest in the middle, which people know is a Cadillac crest . They look great, I have some too. With engines, my beef is with the fact that the factory covers usually used have a brand name stamped in them, a label if you like. And that is why they are used. Olds ones say 'Oldsmobile,' Lincoln ones say 'Lincoln' etc. Would they still be used if not for the branding? I think that is the point. With something like Caddy sombreros, I believe it is more about the shape. Crest or no crest, people would (and do) still use them. And I don't think people are trying to fool anyone into thinking the car is a Cadillac. That's my take on it anyway.
Generally I would agree but the best thing you can do for a Chevy engine is to make it look like a Ford product! LOL
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