EFI straight eight Buick

[GH]

Thanks guys, for all the condolences (sp). We are going to start tearing it apart this morning. Then we can formulate a plan. We have a spare 1950, 320 ci short block if we need a block or crank. The rods are going to be the problem, we think we have GRP aluminum rods. Venolia had them made for us in 2000, that's why we're not sure who made them. We may send GRP one rod and see if they can copy a new set.

[GH]

Here is a video from Scott and Dorothy Clark they took at the chassis dyno Sunday.http://www.youtube.com/drunez

[dieselgeek]

some other video clips:

Installing the coilpacks:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLBf4S4oLo4

Checking timing after installing the coilpacks:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcfY2dabbSs

dyno pull and breakage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nnn6-QPoN3A

[GH]

Got the engine out and apart yesterday. Here is a couple of photos of the damage.

[RichFox]

Did your cam survive? Is there just a window in the block or is it gone. It really sucks when something with this much work goes away.

[GH]

Rich, the cam looks to be ok, will be able to tell more about it's condition after we get it out of the block, I had the harmonic balancer pulling tool at my shop and we were working at Mikes shop. We are thinking about our options at this point.

[bvillercr]

Sorry to hear and see the damage.  When you get your red hat this year you will forget all about the window and the rod.  See ya at speed week.

[jl222]

  Sorry for you guys all that hard work,time and money, it was looking good, did the piston or the rod seize? It seems the WW11 12 cyl aero engines had oil delivery problems with the long engines and solved it by feeding from both ends don't know if  thats your problem though.

   Good luck JL222

[Jeff Brock]

Hey Mike and Gary ,

Very sorry for your troubles.
She sounded strong.
I have a standard block and crank if you need it .

Thanks for your help with my I-8 ... I'm still pushing to make it.

Hope to meet you folks at the salt .

Jeff Brock

[Milwaukee Midget]

Hey, Mike, Gary -

Just curious if you pinpointed the cause of the problem yet.

Regards.

Chris

[Harold Bettes]

Buick Straight 8 Guys,

There is a place in Nevada, IA that can repair cast iron by welding with cast iron rod. Place does some spiffy work on blocks, heads and the like. Place is called Midwest Cylinder Head and the guy to talk to is Rich Albright 515-382-2791.

Hope that might help you. Shame it popped after so much work. 

Regards,
HB2

[4-barrel Mike]

FWIW: http://www.webrodder.com/article.php?AID=531&SID=60

Mike

[GH]

Here is a photo of the patch we made to cover the window in the block.

[Buickguy3]

GH,
   Got enough time and new pieces to get it back together by next week? That would be great to see it make it for Speed Week. At least for World of Speed. We're packed and loaded and pacing a hole in the ground. Doug

[GH]

I don't think Mike has ruled out World Finals. He is driving his RV out for Speedweek to help us with the Studebaker. Do you know if the rod bearing for the 263 engine is the same width as the 320??? We are thinking about turning the shaft down to the 263 rod diameter if they are the same width and order new rods from GRP.