Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68 C-10 Panel · 03-03-2012, 04:25 PM

Hi guys, been out of the loop around here for a while. But the warm weather is on its way here in MI and the panel is going to get the new patch panels she badly needs. But I am a glutton for punishment and have come across a Buick straight eight. What do you guys think about this swap? I know there will be some fab for the motor mounts and such, I still want to use the 700r4 but I now have a nv4500 5 speed manual in the mix, so that's another possibility. Has anyone ever come across a c-10 with such a thing? My google search has come up empty. So I just figured that I would throw it out there and see what the experts thought. And of course here is a pic of the motor. Also this is a 263 not a 320 like I first thought, but I still think it would be cool.

darkhorse970 · 03-03-2012, 05:20 PM

I've wondered about this from time to time myself. Never seen it, but I think it would be pretty cool!

shawno72 · 03-03-2012, 05:22 PM

I think the coolness factor would be huge

PanelDeland · 03-03-2012, 09:31 PM

My Dad had one in a 49 furd pu.It ran good and had tons of torque.I doubt there ia much support for the mechanical on it.Would definitey be the only one at the show/cruide night with a straight 8.

longbed67 · 03-03-2012, 10:04 PM

The shop that just built my 250 short block for me had one that they were rebuilding. they are a pretty cool engine, definitely unique and very cool. I would love to see one of these in a c10

67ChevyRedneck · 03-03-2012, 10:10 PM

That would be awesome! How much longer than the I-6 is it? Will it fit with electric fans or would you still have to cut the firewall?

**special-K** · 03-03-2012, 10:18 PM

I like the idea. Where ya gonna put it,behind the seats?

sanford66 · 03-03-2012, 11:50 PM

Neat idea! I have a few of these in old Buicks out back in the junkyard. Just remember these old motors have babbitted rod and main bearings, so they can't handle a lot of RPM's. I like the idea though, you would for sure have the only one on the block!! Keep us posted. Joseph

oldspowered67C10 · 03-04-2012, 03:59 AM

I think it'd take some surgery on the fire wall and would sit pretty close to the rad up front but Id image it could be done w/o too much work. And here I was thinking that a BB Olds powered truck was kinda odd.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 03-04-2012, 05:48 AM

I like it. You might get more info on the Buick L8 at:
www.inliners.org
I don't remember seeing any aftermarket parts for it like intakes, valve covers, cams, etc.
Good luck.

**special-K** · 03-04-2012, 09:08 AM

Heck,start measuring and see what's gotta be. I can't imagine there can't be enough room made to plug that lanky mill in there. I just had to make that smart remark cuz that was the first thought I had...that's some long motor right there! The torque value off that motor will be a cool factor. What a cruise-a-matic panel that will be. Those things are so quiet and smooth in the cars. That's how I imagine it in your Panel.

68 C-10 Panel · 03-04-2012, 12:07 PM

Well i'm glad to hear this is not to common. If its weird then i like it. As far as fitting it in there it is only 31" long at the valve cover, so the whole thing could not be more than 40" or so. There seems to be a ton of room under that darn hood. I also plan on using twin electric fans on a new style rad, so I can move that around if I need to. Also if I need to make motor mounts and swap the trans to the 700r4 that means I will be free to set the whole thing where I want it to be. Thanks for the info about the babbit bearings, I went and did some research on those and now I want to know more about the inside of this thing before I get it. I have no intentions on racing or even trying to get out of my own way with this thing, so high rpm's should not be a problem. I have been in inliners.org and have not come up with much yet. I wonder what a good cruising rpm for this thing is? the torque is 220@2000 so that's top of the tq curve. I'm guessing around 1200 or so for a target. Ok I better stop now, I can go on forever. Next up the 700r4, shift timing? will I have to change it around to shift at a lower rpm? Is a higher comp ratio bad for those bearings? can I update them? should I pass on this and go for the 320?

blkcorvair · 03-04-2012, 01:11 PM

I dont know. Theres still alot of room in front of my I6. If you have a special radiator made to fit in front of the Radiator support between the grill, you may just squeeze it in. Im sure theres enuf room to work with

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 03-06-2012, 05:46 AM

68C-10Panel: If you bore out the 263 at .030 over, what displacement will you get?

68 C-10 Panel · 03-06-2012, 08:23 PM

Ok orange , I had to double check on the summit calculator....and I come up with 268.31. That's +.030 from 3.1875 to 3.2175. I have no idea what these old girls let you bore them out to, but like I said I have no intentions on going fast.So if its a 263 that's fine with me. I have done some more follow up on this and I think it may happen after all, the motor is in the Boston area and shipping can be a doosey. But favors are priceless and I think no matter the displacement, it would be a rare install. I like to be different, but I am trying to take into account what a tough time parts and repair may be for this old motor. I plan to drive this thing very often, possibly my DD again. So if I'm off on my math let me know orange....Keep you guys posted

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 03-07-2012, 07:40 AM

Well-- you won't know until you get the block, pull the head, and mic the bores.
GMC produced an L6 270 back in the day, parallel to but different than, the Chevy 261.
The 292 Chevy bored out .060 over, is about 301 CI.
Have you been to Inliners International to ask about the Buick L8?

Dano69c10 · 03-07-2012, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blkcorvair

I dont know. Theres still alot of room in front of my I6. If you have a special radiator made to fit in front of the Radiator support between the grill, you may just squeeze it in. Im sure theres enuf room to work with

I know my 250 had a pretty big spacer for the fan...

RichardJ · 03-07-2012, 02:04 PM

Made to order. A trans adapter for the 700R4. http://www.transmissionadapters.com/...ht_263_320.htm

A discussion about the engine on HAMB. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...=104740&page=2

One guy says bearing inserts in the 320 for '52-52 another guy says from '36 on?
Wiki says the 263 was made '50-53 so there is a better chance it had bearing inserts. The 320 was made '36-52 so you would need better research than I made.
The 263 is 3-4" shorter so it sounds like a great project.

I wouldn't want to push a daily driver with that long of a crank very hard for reliability. Use the stock 700R4 and mount as many carbs as you can find, even if some of them are dummies. GGGG

03-03-2012, 04:25 PM	#1
68 C-10 Panel Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MI Posts: 88	Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel Hi guys, been out of the loop around here for a while. But the warm weather is on its way here in MI and the panel is going to get the new patch panels she badly needs. But I am a glutton for punishment and have come across a Buick straight eight. What do you guys think about this swap? I know there will be some fab for the motor mounts and such, I still want to use the 700r4 but I now have a nv4500 5 speed manual in the mix, so that's another possibility. Has anyone ever come across a c-10 with such a thing? My google search has come up empty. So I just figured that I would throw it out there and see what the experts thought. And of course here is a pic of the motor. Also this is a 263 not a 320 like I first thought, but I still think it would be cool. Attached Images

03-03-2012, 05:20 PM	#2
darkhorse970 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Monroe, LA Posts: 2,104	Re: Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel I've wondered about this from time to time myself. Never seen it, but I think it would be pretty cool! __________________ Keith SOLD - 1963 C10 Short Fleet 350/700R4 4/6 drop 1967 GMC Super Custom - Short Fleet COPO concept w/427 BBC T-400 w/Doug Nash overdrive 4/6 Drop, Buddy Buckets, etc... Frame Off (In Progress) I call it "Vulgar Display of Power" 1980 Silverado Original paint 49k Original miles 4/6 drop Check out my build thread here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6209941

03-03-2012, 05:22 PM	#3
shawno72 C/10 junkie Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 9,093	Re: Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel I think the coolness factor would be huge __________________ Shawn 70 LWB C10 current driver/project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663051 68 SWB C10 Work in progress.....SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559520 72 LWB C10 Sold 71 LWB C10 Sold 68 LWB C10 CST Sold http://youtu.be/kbB0QrBIs9k My mom always had the best advice. It was just a tad late. After a fall that involved blood, she'd say....."Careful!"

03-03-2012, 09:31 PM	#4
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel My Dad had one in a 49 furd pu.It ran good and had tons of torque.I doubt there ia much support for the mechanical on it.Would definitey be the only one at the show/cruide night with a straight 8. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

03-03-2012, 10:04 PM	#5
longbed67 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Monroe, WI Posts: 1,415	Re: Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel The shop that just built my 250 short block for me had one that they were rebuilding. they are a pretty cool engine, definitely unique and very cool. I would love to see one of these in a c10 __________________ *Adam* My 1967 C10 - Turbo 250 Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=485843 (608) 214-8706

03-03-2012, 10:10 PM	#6
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel That would be awesome! How much longer than the I-6 is it? Will it fit with electric fans or would you still have to cut the firewall? __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

03-03-2012, 10:18 PM	#7
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel I like the idea. Where ya gonna put it,behind the seats? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

03-03-2012, 11:50 PM	#8
sanford66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Everest Ks Posts: 749	Re: Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel Neat idea! I have a few of these in old Buicks out back in the junkyard. Just remember these old motors have babbitted rod and main bearings, so they can't handle a lot of RPM's. I like the idea though, you would for sure have the only one on the block!! Keep us posted. Joseph __________________ 1970 Chevelle Nomad station wagon 1966 C-10 lwb,250-six,granny 4speed 1966 C-10 lwb,factory A/C,Custom Cab 1954 Delray 2-door sedan [rat rod project]

03-04-2012, 03:59 AM	#9
oldspowered67C10 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cherry Valley,Ca Posts: 468	Re: Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel I think it'd take some surgery on the fire wall and would sit pretty close to the rad up front but Id image it could be done w/o too much work. And here I was thinking that a BB Olds powered truck was kinda odd.

03-04-2012, 05:48 AM	#10
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,517	Re: Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel I like it. You might get more info on the Buick L8 at: www.inliners.org I don't remember seeing any aftermarket parts for it like intakes, valve covers, cams, etc. Good luck. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

03-04-2012, 09:08 AM	#11
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel Heck,start measuring and see what's gotta be. I can't imagine there can't be enough room made to plug that lanky mill in there. I just had to make that smart remark cuz that was the first thought I had...that's some long motor right there! The torque value off that motor will be a cool factor. What a cruise-a-matic panel that will be. Those things are so quiet and smooth in the cars. That's how I imagine it in your Panel. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

03-04-2012, 12:07 PM	#12
68 C-10 Panel Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MI Posts: 88	Re: Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel Well i'm glad to hear this is not to common. If its weird then i like it. As far as fitting it in there it is only 31" long at the valve cover, so the whole thing could not be more than 40" or so. There seems to be a ton of room under that darn hood. I also plan on using twin electric fans on a new style rad, so I can move that around if I need to. Also if I need to make motor mounts and swap the trans to the 700r4 that means I will be free to set the whole thing where I want it to be. Thanks for the info about the babbit bearings, I went and did some research on those and now I want to know more about the inside of this thing before I get it. I have no intentions on racing or even trying to get out of my own way with this thing, so high rpm's should not be a problem. I have been in inliners.org and have not come up with much yet. I wonder what a good cruising rpm for this thing is? the torque is 220@2000 so that's top of the tq curve. I'm guessing around 1200 or so for a target. Ok I better stop now, I can go on forever. Next up the 700r4, shift timing? will I have to change it around to shift at a lower rpm? Is a higher comp ratio bad for those bearings? can I update them? should I pass on this and go for the 320? __________________ 68 C-10 Panel (fixing) 250-6,3ott 93 k1500 pickup DD "When a man is old enough to figure out his dad was right, he has a son who thinks he's wrong" Charles Wadsworth

03-04-2012, 01:11 PM	#13
blkcorvair Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 787	Re: Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel I dont know. Theres still alot of room in front of my I6. If you have a special radiator made to fit in front of the Radiator support between the grill, you may just squeeze it in. Im sure theres enuf room to work with

03-06-2012, 05:46 AM	#14
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,517	Re: Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel 68C-10Panel: If you bore out the 263 at .030 over, what displacement will you get? __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

03-06-2012, 08:23 PM	#15
68 C-10 Panel Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MI Posts: 88	Re: Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel Ok orange , I had to double check on the summit calculator....and I come up with 268.31. That's +.030 from 3.1875 to 3.2175. I have no idea what these old girls let you bore them out to, but like I said I have no intentions on going fast.So if its a 263 that's fine with me. I have done some more follow up on this and I think it may happen after all, the motor is in the Boston area and shipping can be a doosey. But favors are priceless and I think no matter the displacement, it would be a rare install. I like to be different, but I am trying to take into account what a tough time parts and repair may be for this old motor. I plan to drive this thing very often, possibly my DD again. So if I'm off on my math let me know orange....Keep you guys posted __________________ 68 C-10 Panel (fixing) 250-6,3ott 93 k1500 pickup DD "When a man is old enough to figure out his dad was right, he has a son who thinks he's wrong" Charles Wadsworth



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03-07-2012, 07:40 AM	#16
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,517	Re: Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel Well-- you won't know until you get the block, pull the head, and mic the bores. GMC produced an L6 270 back in the day, parallel to but different than, the Chevy 261. The 292 Chevy bored out .060 over, is about 301 CI. Have you been to Inliners International to ask about the Buick L8? __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

03-07-2012, 02:04 PM	#18
RichardJ Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 1,470	Re: Straight 8 In a C-10 Panel Made to order. A trans adapter for the 700R4. http://www.transmissionadapters.com/...ht_263_320.htm A discussion about the engine on HAMB. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...=104740&page=2 One guy says bearing inserts in the 320 for '52-52 another guy says from '36 on? Wiki says the 263 was made '50-53 so there is a better chance it had bearing inserts. The 320 was made '36-52 so you would need better research than I made. The 263 is 3-4" shorter so it sounds like a great project. I wouldn't want to push a daily driver with that long of a crank very hard for reliability. Use the stock 700R4 and mount as many carbs as you can find, even if some of them are dummies. GGGG __________________ '67 GMC 2500, 292, 4spd, AC

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