On some level, this is calling me...

what can you do with a straight 8?

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/5319358717.html

Long tube headers with itb's

It's to my understanding that making big power out of a straight 8 is difficult, too much torsional flex and vibration on the crank. They are however one of the smoothest running engine designs, hence the use in a lot of luxury cars.

Oh that's sexy. I'm so glad I'm not near by.

Who cares about making big power? Slam it to the ground, tuck some gleaming flat disc wheels under the fenders, paint it a deep, glossy black, trim the interior in enough leather for a fetish club, and cruise in true style. Let the straight-8 rumble accent the whole thing.

Jay wrote: Who cares about making big power? Slam it to the ground, tuck some gleaming flat disc wheels under the fenders, paint it a deep, glossy black, trim the interior in enough leather for a fetish club, and cruise in *true* style. Let the straight-8 rumble accent the whole thing.

Cruising in true style means controlling a wild beast that might unload at any second

Yea, that car is cool, is a scary sorta Christine sort of way.

I've had a straight 8. You will never get anything like performance out of one. But smooth torque, wow! Let it burble and turn heads, sure. And roll down the road with style.

Do your own Blues Brother sorta thing. I'd be rather tempted if I lived nearby and saw that.

If you do get it, touch base with Isky. They likely had a cam for it way back in the day, and might be able to regrind yours. Go to some swap meets and pick up some of the old hot rod magazines. They will be the size of wee paperback books. You might find some articles on that car in particular, as well general stuff of the era that you can hunt for or take inspiration from.

Buy it and drive it. Sell me the extra engine....

My god that's gorgeous. I'd be all over that if it was near me. I'd find room for it. They just don't make front ends like that anymore, and they didn't make many then. Another vote for keeping the str8 and hanging a sewer pipe exhaust.

You could make a poor mans Continental R

To help chum the waters:

Good rat-rot video here:
https://www.holley.com/blog/post/the_complete_package_tom_costain_s_1950_buick_special/

The Buick Fireball straight eight is used a lot in vintage classes at Bonneville, so it's got more aftermarket than you might expect. I'm not sure where to start looking, though.

Ah, you're right. For some reason I got it into my head that this was a flathead straight 8.

For more enabling:

http://transmissionadapters.com/Buick_straight_eight_263_320.htm

and

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/potential-on-buick-straight-8.25465/

I better quit looking aroun. I could accidentally talk myself into this car. I really like the lines.

In reply to ultraclyde:

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/5296368642.html

I'm just saying...

classicJackets wrote: In reply to ultraclyde: http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/5296368642.html I'm just saying...

Yeah, not as cool as the Buick. 4 door, flathead 8, lumpy body lines... If I was hunting for a project that would be a good one, but it's not special enough that I'd go out on a limb to grab it when I'm not really in the market.

But I do appreciate you looking out for me that way...

foxtrapper wrote:

Needs moar slam & chop.

( ^^ Yes, I know that's not a Buick. )

I want to bolt a flathead straight 8 to a Toronado/LHS/Audi transaxle and build a trike out of it.

But I would rock that car just like it is.

Just doooooo iiiiitttt!

Before some hiprodder bolts a (yet another) v8 in it!!

now I gots another one....

http://loz.craigslist.org/cto/5320008859.html

Buy it, bag it, drag it. I prefer suede interiors.