1-800-551-4754 
Buick V-8 Engines 1967-1980: How to Rebuild
Bring your old Buick engine back to life with this new, all-color Workbench-edition book.
Buick has an interesting history with its 8-cylinder engines. In 1931, it began with the straight-8 engine, using overhead valve (OHV) technology while most of the other manufacturers were using 4- or 6-cylinder valve-in-block designs. When all of the GM divisions were converting to V-8 OHV postwar designs, Buick joined the party in 1953 with a design that was dubbed the “Nailhead.” This design lasted a little too long, and Buick finally replaced it in 1967 with a more modern design. The new design lasted until the mid-1970s, when emissions compliance spelled the end for big-blocks, and in 1980 for the 350.
In Buick V-8 Engines 1967-1980: How to Rebuild, veteran author Mike Forsythe takes you through the complete process of rebuilding and restoring a Buick V-8 to factory condition. Covered in a thorough step-by-step format are the tools required, the disassembly process, analysis of what went wrong, parts selection and replacement, the machining process, preassembly, final assembly, and the break-in process. For those who are looking for a little more performance, a chapter about performance modifications is also included.
While many people want to do this work themselves, some just want to learn how it is done. Either way, if you are in the restoration process or simply want a return to factory-original performance in your Regal, Century, Electra, Riviera, or LeSabre, this book is an essential tool to bring your Buick back to its original glory.
Introduction
Chapter 1: Buick Second-Generation V-8 Engines
Identification
GM Corporate Engines
VIN Details
Engine Casting Number
Engine Code
Parts Interchange
Engine Overhaul
Overhaul Alternatives
Chapter 2: Tools, Equipment, and Supplies
General-Purpose Tools
Power Tools
Special Tools and Equipment for an Overhaul
Precision Measuring Tools
Test Equipment
Fastener Sizes
Torque
Cleaning Chemicals
Penetrating Oil
Locking Compound
Lubricants
Sealants
Chapter 3: Diagnosis
Visual Clues
Oil Consumption
Noise Diagnosis
Spark-Plug Condition
Vacuum Gauge
Compression Check
Oil-Pressure Check
Camshaft-Lobe Lift Check
Timing-Chain Slack Check
Power Balance Test
Cylinder Leak-Down Test
Cooling System Tests
Chapter 4: Engine Removal and External Disassembly
Chapter 5: Cylinder Head and Valvetrain Overhaul
Special Considerations for Buick V-8 Engines
Disassembly
Cleaning
Inspection
Assembl
Chapter 6: Engine Block Overhaul
Disassembly
Crankshaft
Camshaft
Oil and Coolant Plugs
Lubrication System Modifications
Lubrication Modifications for High-Performance Engines
Cleaning
Inspections that You Can Do
Machine Shop Inspections
Machining Operations
Reassembly
Chapter 7: Final Assembly
Oil Pump Cover and Oil Filter Adapter
Oil Gallery Plugs and Sending Unit
Oil Dipstick Tube
Engine Front Cover and Water Pump
Oil-Pickup Tube, Windage Tray, and Pan
Vibration Damper and Hub
Fuel Pump
Cylinder Heads
Valvetrain
Intake Manifold
Valley Tray Gasket
Paper Gaskets
All Gaskets
Thermostat and Housing
Leak Checking
Pre-Oiling the Engine
Distributor
Valve Covers
Engine Mounts
Exhaust Manifolds
Chapter 8: Installing and Starting the Engine
Preparing the Engine and Engine Compartment
Installing the Engine
Choosing Oil
Starting the Engine
Breaking in the Engine
Oil Consumption
Maintenance
Chapter 9: Performance and Economy Modifications
Safety
Displacement
Compression Ratio
Forced Induction
Camshaft
Lifters
Valve Springs
Pushrods
Rocker Arms
Critical Valvetrain Safety Checks
Exhaust Manifolds
Headers
Exhaust Systems
Ignition Systems
Cylinder Heads
Intake Manifolds
Carburetors
Electronic Fuel Injection
How Does It Run?
Appendix
Source Guide
Bring your old Buick engine back to life with this new, all-color Workbench-edition book.
Buick has an interesting history with its 8-cylinder engines. In 1931, it began with the straight-8 engine, using overhead valve (OHV) technology while most of the other manufacturers were using 4- or 6-cylinder valve-in-block designs. When all of the GM divisions were converting to V-8 OHV postwar designs, Buick joined the party in 1953 with a design that was dubbed the “Nailhead.” This design lasted a little too long, and Buick finally replaced it in 1967 with a more modern design. The new design lasted until the mid-1970s, when emissions compliance spelled the end for big-blocks, and in 1980 for the 350.
In Buick V-8 Engines 1967-1980: How to Rebuild, veteran author Mike Forsythe takes you through the complete process of rebuilding and restoring a Buick V-8 to factory condition. Covered in a thorough step-by-step format are the tools required, the disassembly process, analysis of what went wrong, parts selection and replacement, the machining process, preassembly, final assembly, and the break-in process. For those who are looking for a little more performance, a chapter about performance modifications is also included.
While many people want to do this work themselves, some just want to learn how it is done. Either way, if you are in the restoration process or simply want a return to factory-original performance in your Regal, Century, Electra, Riviera, or LeSabre, this book is an essential tool to bring your Buick back to its original glory.
Introduction
Chapter 1: Buick Second-Generation V-8 Engines
Identification
GM Corporate Engines
VIN Details
Engine Casting Number
Engine Code
Parts Interchange
Engine Overhaul
Overhaul Alternatives
Chapter 2: Tools, Equipment, and Supplies
General-Purpose Tools
Power Tools
Special Tools and Equipment for an Overhaul
Precision Measuring Tools
Test Equipment
Fastener Sizes
Torque
Cleaning Chemicals
Penetrating Oil
Locking Compound
Lubricants
Sealants
Chapter 3: Diagnosis
Visual Clues
Oil Consumption
Noise Diagnosis
Spark-Plug Condition
Vacuum Gauge
Compression Check
Oil-Pressure Check
Camshaft-Lobe Lift Check
Timing-Chain Slack Check
Power Balance Test
Cylinder Leak-Down Test
Cooling System Tests
Chapter 4: Engine Removal and External Disassembly
Chapter 5: Cylinder Head and Valvetrain Overhaul
Special Considerations for Buick V-8 Engines
Disassembly
Cleaning
Inspection
Assembl
Chapter 6: Engine Block Overhaul
Disassembly
Crankshaft
Camshaft
Oil and Coolant Plugs
Lubrication System Modifications
Lubrication Modifications for High-Performance Engines
Cleaning
Inspections that You Can Do
Machine Shop Inspections
Machining Operations
Reassembly
Chapter 7: Final Assembly
Oil Pump Cover and Oil Filter Adapter
Oil Gallery Plugs and Sending Unit
Oil Dipstick Tube
Engine Front Cover and Water Pump
Oil-Pickup Tube, Windage Tray, and Pan
Vibration Damper and Hub
Fuel Pump
Cylinder Heads
Valvetrain
Intake Manifold
Valley Tray Gasket
Paper Gaskets
All Gaskets
Thermostat and Housing
Leak Checking
Pre-Oiling the Engine
Distributor
Valve Covers
Engine Mounts
Exhaust Manifolds
Chapter 8: Installing and Starting the Engine
Preparing the Engine and Engine Compartment
Installing the Engine
Choosing Oil
Starting the Engine
Breaking in the Engine
Oil Consumption
Maintenance
Chapter 9: Performance and Economy Modifications
Safety
Displacement
Compression Ratio
Forced Induction
Camshaft
Lifters
Valve Springs
Pushrods
Rocker Arms
Critical Valvetrain Safety Checks
Exhaust Manifolds
Headers
Exhaust Systems
Ignition Systems
Cylinder Heads
Intake Manifolds
Carburetors
Electronic Fuel Injection
How Does It Run?
Appendix
Source Guide
Related Products
