FULL Engine Restoration: Buick Straight-8 Engine Time-Lapse | Redline Rebuild

Our overhaul of this 1951 Buick Fireball straight-eight is FINALLY complete! Witness the total transformation of this very tired engine in this fast-paced time-lapse video. You’ll see every step of the process-from initial teardown to first fire-up.
We know this one has been a long time coming, and we appreciate your patience! Thanks for following along with Davin and the Redline Updates as we discovered and solved unexpected problems with valves, pistons, lifters, and more. Be sure to subscribe to the Hagerty channel and follow along as we tear into more rebuild projects in 2021!
Thanks to our sponsor RockAuto.com. RockAuto.com is an auto parts retailer founded in 1999 by automotive engineers with two goals: Liberate information hidden behind the auto parts store counter (by listing all available parts, not just what one store stocks or one counter-person knows), and make auto parts affordable so vehicles of all ages can be kept reliable and fun to drive. Visit www.rockauto.com/?a=HG-21Q3-ASRR to order auto parts online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and have them conveniently delivered to your door. Need help finding parts or placing an order? Visit our Help pages for further assistance!
Special thanks to:
JE Pistons
Thirlby Machine Shop (Joe, Mike, Mark, Todd, and Bill... you guys rock!)
Sean Murphy Induction
Jason's Custom Metal Polishing
Traverse Body & Paint
West Michigan Cerakote
Ypsilanti Design & Fabrication
Music licensed through EpidemicSound.com
"The Old Timer" by Tigerblood Jewel
"Suffer City Blues" (Instrumental Version) by Suffer City
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#RedlineRebuild #HagertyDriversClub #EngineRebuild
If you love cars, you belong with us. Hagerty Drivers Club is the world’s largest community for automotive enthusiasts. Members enjoy valuable automotive discounts, exclusive events and experiences, roadside service created specifically for collector vehicles, and a subscription to the bimonthly Hagerty Drivers Club magazine. Join Hagerty Drivers Club here: www.hagerty.com/drivers-club
Like what you see? Watch our other series including:
Redline Rebuild | Engine Time-lapse videos from start to finish bit.ly/RedlineRebuild
Barn Find Hunter | Tom Cotter searches the country for abandoned cars bit.ly/BarnFIndHunter
Hagerty's Daily Driver | Industry news, buzz, and interviews bit.ly/HagertyDailyDriver
Chip Foose Draws a Car | Reimagining popular cars with new designs bit.ly/HagertyChipFoose
Contact us:
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[@Hagerty]

Check out our latest Redline Rebuild! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5fEp4iooppsbc0

[@AndreS-pg5wd]

Hi Team, where did you buy the Rockerarms? I‘m looking for rebuild my 263cui Straight eight. 😉

[@EduardoSantos-hr6es]

Increíble!!

[@danielprivate7442]

OK cameraman...now you're just showin' off. Truly incredible work.

[@DanielmSwart]

That shot with the lifters.... jaw dropping 🔥🔥

[@ChrisMcCarroll]

Agreed

[@nasilemak868]

*Editors

[@deanfarr3249]

I been waiting about 70 years for this absolute fantastic video of this teardown and restoration on a classic straight 8.

[@vinuchandranav3730]

😂 True

[@thatguyoverthere531]

The camera work and stop motion stuff in this one is fantastic.

[@serge-o.bouffard]

One of the best they've made so far in my opinion. I was thinking the same! Wow!!

[@LelandVelasco]

Indeed as well as the engine work is solid job well done

[@wilkesjournal]

Yes. A very satisfying ending to another heartwarming boy-meets-crankshaft story. I loved every minute of it but was particularly impressed by the camera moving through the camshaft bores.

[@calm7677]

You ever feel like an engine archeologist? Opening up engines that were assembled decades ago by people who all had their own lives and families, some of whom are long gone and yet here is a motor they may have helped assemble still alive and kicking thanks to people like you guys. Congrats on completion 💪

[@JH_182]

Give the videographer and editor a raise after this one!!! Well done!!

[@jimbeam7160]

One of the best videography.....on youtube. Professional job.....love of the game, attention to detail...and competitive spirit to excel and push the art form as far as you can. When motorheads, are complimenting the videographer, "you know you've done a great piece of work" that exceedes anyone's expectations.

[@justadudeonaphone3927]

Been watching this engine since day one so thrilled to see this happen.

[@harrisonvc9175]

Me too! This project is my favorite, it sure took a while but it was totally worth it!

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

The car-bores here are waiting for it to grenade, from those cylinder sleeves for starters.

[@harrisonvc9175]

@@PiDsPagePrototypes what are you talking about?

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

@@harrisonvc9175 Check out the comments on the video where they bashed in the sleeves (pre-cracking them), then when the valve seats got hammered in, and then the valve springs that aren't sized right so a binding on the pedestal and not able to spin (called 'positive rotation' on some other brands, stops premature wear on the valve-to-seat interface and the rocker arm to valve interface) and then it got started with rocker cover on, so no visual guide to it actually having oil reaching the rockers... This thing sounds like a diesel instead of smooth as silk, it's not going to survive anywhere near the number of miles it did before the rebuild.

[@ArbindB]

My first time seeing this build. That must be so satisfying!

[@MattKrogmeier]

Whatever you’re paying your video production team, it isn’t enough. This is some of the absolute best photography and editing I’ve ever seen, and I’ve worked in tv for the last 26+ years.

[@2jimmycrackcorn]

He is the video production of I recall correct lol.

[@jacobstofmeel3619]

That progressive zoom through the journals as they were installing new bearings and the cam followers was amazing. The filming and editing of this video would of been twice the amount of work then actually building the engine. My hat is off to you cameraman/woman/person.

[@nicks6837]

To whom ever edited this video you did an amazing job.

[@2jimmycrackcorn]

Same fella building the engine lol.

[@ocavant]

@@2jimmycrackcorn No. lol.

[@VacFink]

As someone who films and edits, kudo's. There's about 10x (probably more) set up and time in this than the episodes of the build. Very nice work. Very well planned and what a payoff!

[@gtoger]

Wouldn't be a proper Davin job without some fire from the carbs. Love it!

[@scrappy7571]

Or a fine Friday without a few illegally parked cars getting towed!

[@grim1447]

Well the engine says „Fireball“ on it...

[@h.hamidpaking9886]

@@scrappy7571 hanya

[@bendoltv810]

Verry very nice ...

[@emanuelnamseth1469]

The more I learn about Buick the more I love classic Buick vehicles.

[@robedmund9948]

Too few people today appreciate the ART of the build. Beautiful engine, guys!

[@seangoldsworth5921]

The straight eight has a growl of its own. Would you believe me if I told a story of a 9 second straight eight? Probably not but it does exist. I love these engines.

[@ironmonkey1512]

yeah it's kind of like straight 6+ pretty unique

[@TheMrDarius]

I really love how you do the time lapses especially with the tape unrolling itself it’s cool as hell

[@stacyromanchuk]

Okay the camera shot down the cam bearing install was amazing!

[@danielbennion80]

's like digging up a prehistoric creature and bringing it back to life -- totally AWESOME!! I'd like to record the sound and program it to my phone so I could wake up to the sound of it starting up every morning.

[@danielbennion80]

Here are some additional thoughts to the comments I made 2 years ago. I'd be interested to know the difference between the way the engine was originally when it was new vs. the upgrades you've made in rebuilding it. I imagine there are substantial improvements despite the fact that it seems to be a very well engineered engine initially. To see all the meticulous care that was put into rebuilding it speaks volumes for Davin and Hagerty. I expect that that gem of an engine will run for a very long time on the rebuild.

[@ChainBaker]

We have been waiting for this for so long. But it's always worth it! Davin is a legend 🤘 and of course the whole team deserves a shout out for making these videos!

[@Recklesshade]

Ahhhh we out here now! Post viewing: best video you've done yet. The filming was incredible. Bravo!

[@dennislamb5749]

Brings back memories. When growing up in the late fifties there was a sawmill close that was powered by Biuck straight 8. When the saw mill fired up on bicycle I went headed for the mill. What a sound a straight pipe through roof. Thank you.

[@albertsampson6568]

I remember the first hagerty video I watched and was like "how in the hell does this channel not have 1 mil subscribers?" I watch these religiously and they help me learn how much patience goes into any project, not just in automobiles. It has helped me stop, think and look before I touch anything. Great job as always and the editing, photography and planning is second to none. Great great job

[@BeamBuiltSr]

Love it, now needs a dyno run to see the numbers & tune perfect.

[@deerespetes8849]

Love to see that. So cool Better than see n sbc under the hood

[@chadhyde50]

I'm guessing 250 hp. Sounds amazing.

[@moparedtn]

DAVIN! This day will be known in history as "V-B Day", in remembrance of your victory over the Buick. There may even be parades.... Congrats on the fine work as always, sir. -Ed on the Ridge

[@johnhansen4550]

Man, you made that look hard...Jonathan W had his Fireball up and running with little trouble and didn't spend thousands $$$ from corporate.

[@MvZiCMaN]

These are my favorite videos from this channel. Something about watching an engine go from Garbage to Gold is Extremely relaxing.

[@donaldmccombs5566]

I love the sound of that motor.

[@Hagerty]

Us, too!

[@marsgal42]

Straight 8s have a sound all their own.

[@MrZdvy]

@@marsgal42 It’s not going to sound like that in the car. Doesn’t make much sense to put those loud mufflers on a ‘51 Buick.

[@marsgal42]

@@MrZdvy Why not? If you've got it, flaunt it! 😀

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

@@Hagerty Are you kidding me? That sounds like a Diesel!! It should be silky smooth!

[@richardchayer6597]

Loved the shot installing the cam bearings.

[@Damien.D]

The bigger the block, the more badass is the music and the camera work! Serious jaw-dropping moments : 2:35 , 3:28 , 4:03 ... How the holy cows these macro shots are made?!? Hundreds of thumbs up for the camera and video team.... They are totally on par with the fantastic job done on the engine itself. You're seriously all are a bunch of mad wizards.

[@Razz415]

What an absolute gem. Beautiful work. Kinda want a 51 buick now...

[@mikeanderson1330]

Worth the wait! Loved watching and seeing all the issues that arose during the course of the Rebuild.

[@Hagerty]

Thanks for watching, Mike!

[@mostafapiston6339]

Professionnel mikanik

[@mariuserasmus8701]

I think its fair to say on behalf of all of us, your guys's fans , followers and fellow enthusiasts, thank you for all your motivation , insparation and dedication. THANK YOU.

[@UP-gv9bn]

When buick rolled these out in 1931, i doubt anyone thought it would still look and sound this good 90 some years lster

[@davidberry6046]

What memories this brings back! My Dad was teaching me how to work on cars and engines back in the 50's, and I remember our neighbors old Buick and that straight 8 engine after a tune up. You could literally put a glass of water on the top while it was running and it wouldn't ripple the water! Smooooooth! One of my favorite engines, and so easy to work on. Thanks again!

[@isaakwelch3451]

Quite possibly one of the coolest engines ever! Great job!

[@davidfernandez3554]

Man, these are always impressive. I especially loved the cam bearing and lifters shots!

[@falcovanderwerff7854]

There is nothing better than a straight eight running like swiss clock

[@robertdavidson3090]

I have had Hagerty for my insurer for my MG since 2001.For the last couple of years I have subscribed to the channel and your latest video is really amazing. I have worked in video since 1980 and of course the technology has evolved to being able to put high def cameras inside the passages of a 70 year old engine. (I especially was interested in the tappets and push rods dropping in and Davin "waving" in the pistons and valves.)I started with what were called mini cams in 1980 with large tape decks. To see what has happened in the past 40 years and the amount of creative freedom it gives you is astonishing. I am envious. I have done commercial production and editing, sports and now morning news. You guys are just tops in production and I look forward to your videos each week. Keep it coming guys.

[@danmanthe9335]

Loved this one! All of the creativity that goes into the filming, all of the different skill sets of all of the operations in rebuilding the engine, all of the patience! Wow. Kudos to all involved doesn't do it justice

[@mattmack222]

Thank you, Davin and Hagerty, for bringing us these awesome videos. Best thing on KZbin!

[@creativerecycling]

That is an awesome project. Reminds me of my first rebuild, back in 1972, I was 18. I put together a ‘53 Chevy 235, first edition, still had babbitted rods. I bought a rotating assembly from Jasper. Had the cast iron piston pin holes re-bushed, that’s right! Everything went together without a hitch, set the static timing with a continuity tester, primed everything. It started in the first crank. Glorious day for a kid!!!!

[@MoparDan]

That straight eight has a sound like no engine of today. Fantastic.

[@MrSkoofie]

BEEN WAITING FOR THIS AND ONLY THIS!

[@rage3225]

yikes! Seeing that before 1k views! Worried about this straight 8 more than about my own relationships. God bless Hagerty

[@michaeljohnson4204]

I thought it would be a big project but only took you guys 8 minutes from start to finish. Must be the shop and tools and the help, took me over a year to rebuild my engine when I was in high school.

[@oficinaefilosofia2777]

Im from Brazil. Im mechanic .in my opinion this is the best engine channel in our solar system

[@N-Scale]

Thanks so much for bringing us along on this journey Davin . I (and we) know this was one you would likely want to forget , but in the end it is another great video and a lot of info on these engines. Mike

[@snowking55]

Congrats Davin! A beautiful engine for sure. That's a great feeling to hear it fire for the first time. Excellent work!

[@michaeljoseph7951]

Not everyone can achieve this level of talent. It's either u got talent or u don't and 99% of the world don't. Awesome video. My numbers may be off but not by much.

[@ronlynch7744]

Yeah, credit to everyone that touched the Buick 8 and the guys who created the awesome time-lapse video . Great stuff Davin!

[@joannaatkins822]

Congratulations on a job well done, you did the customer and yourselves justice with this 51 straight eight

[@Mitch_Bierma]

Wait so long for this red-line rebuild....definitely worth it!!

[@DapperJeff]

So thats what a straight 8 sounds like? My god it looks and sounds beautiful.

[@jakebrakejunky10-4]

Everyone here talking about the video edit and im here watching and talking a walk down memory lane. Helped my grandpa rebuild the buick straight 8 in my grandmas car when it was 13. Most of my best childhood memories are of me helping grandpa work on engines. I miss that car not much on horse power but it was torquey as hell.

[@ekscalybur]

It's been a joy watching this rebuild, thanks for having us along. Also, wow, that motor sounds so nice.

[@deanfarr3249]

Yes indeed! Although he updated to a modern automatic transmission. I myself would perfer to go back to the original dynaflow hydramatic transmission because its the original for one they were actually very good reliable transmissions

[@robthoreson8384]

Great job Davin! Been waiting for this day

[@bfarm44]

Here I am watching this again for the umpteenth time I’m just in love with this engine. Coupled in a 53 Roadmaster Estate Convertible is my ultimate vehicle. Maybe someday in life I’ll get a ride in one if I’m lucky.

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

This was the most epic video I have ever seen!

[@jakobv8]

I loved every second! And the music was great too. Congrats on bringing that bad boy back in shape.

[@MrMillertime289]

Hagerty, Thank you for such great content that has remained free to view on youtube. I show your videos to my classes as a reward for completing lessons. I hope that the holiday season is merry and restful as we prepare to enter 2021. I look forward to all of your content.

[@reckowracing3342]

That is awesome. Merry Christmas

[@flyingdutchman4794]

The sound of a straight 8 is the voice of God. Bring back this engine configuration, Detroit. That is a direct order

[@cagr4249]

I fully agree...but this design would be much too expensive nowadays...😭

[@austin702]

Truly insane. I don’t know what’s better, the quality of the work or the quality of the video production 🤣

[@kelos79]

as someone who follows you from across the ocean; we have a lot to learn.

[@starkindustries26]

This was definitely worth the wait, that camera work is incredible

[@billy-sx8wx]

The cam bushing and lifter shot was BAD ASS!!!

[@roysmith3374]

Amazing! I enjoyed every minute of this series. Thank you all so much.

[@N1RKW]

Now that is an excellent sounding engine! To my ears and brain the sound resembles a mildly tuned V8, but just a bit smoother. Very well done, guys!

[@kasag37]

that thing is smooth as silk ..wow im impressed

[@danieledwards1081]

Loved this straight 8 project, sounds great on those little short pipes too

[@deanfarr3249]

Runs just like an absolute perfect dream doesn't it? Although I would rather go back to the original dynaflow transmission. I seen they've updated to a modern overdrive transmission.

[@bullnukeoldman3794]

Gotta love those "Uni-Syn Hands" checking carb sync. LOL! I remember the unique sound of these old Buick straight-8's in my youth, especially the "3- On A Tree" cars.

[@Kerry70]

Amazing! Cannot compliment the camera work enough in this video! So much hard work done in restoring the engine (Well done!!!) but I am just blown away by all the extra hard work of doing that along with all the stop motion and time lapse shots!!! Thank you everyone for this!

[@marcelo7541]

6:17 Priceless moment!!!

[@kaloy066]

I always love Hagerty's rebuild videos, it's so fun to watch and so creative. It really was a long time but glad to see it start!

[@MOREMISHU]

SMH to the 46 who disliked this video... why? The filming, editing, gear head loving work, and incredible result should get a like alone. Hagerty once again knocks it out of the park!!

[@claysmell]

Rain man called, he wants his engine back. "Definitely my engine, definitely my engine... uh oh"

[@jeffjankiewicz5100]

Been waiting patiently for this. Great job Davin. looks and sounds great. Merry Christmas guys. Stay safe, God Bless.

[@patrickreid2767]

In spite of the wait that was worth it. Great work both camera and mechanics! Thank you so much!!

[@jackharrington279]

I have watched a lot of restoration videos but when I watch your videos my jaw drops at how cool the editing is and how you make it so it isn’t boring to watch

[@tonymorris3935]

I've wanted to stuff one of these into a 50's Chevy truck since I was 13.

[@2strokepower803]

Tony Morris go ahead 😎. Way cooler than all those ls

[@markbremmer8642]

Better than a LS IMO. Also a better idea than the LS.

[@whatdoyouwant5567]

It would be awesome

[@ronaldreagan2617]

This is why i subscribed to this channel, so awesome, nice editing !

[@drubradley8821]

I am sure the editing was a pain in the booty and excessively time consuming, but.... SO DAMN WORTH IT!!!!! Well done Hagerty Team.. well done.

[@Cheezeball99999]

That. Is a unique sound. It sounds like eight cylinders, but it definitely *also* sounds like an inline. Kinda like that LS that the guy took two pistons out of, it's.. different. I love it.

[@danielprivate7442]

Buick exec: Did you come up with a name for that engine yet? Marketing: Uh, so far we've got "Gasket Blower", "Rod Thrower", "Catastrophic Failure" or "Fireball". Buick exec: (sigh) Fireball it is.

[@danielprivate7442]

@R Skip I have no idea, I was just making fun of the decision to name an internal combustion engine "fireball".

[@MrCarGuy]

Fireball is clearly referring to combustion which is, you know, a normal function of the engine.

[@CanadianClassicCarNut]

Definitely not an engine for a novice to tackle!

[@jaykoehn4106]

I honestly could watch this on repeat.. so cool!!! Please do another one!!

[@barsaf9989]

Best time-lapse engine build I've ever seen. Great editing!

[@RubensHorse]

Yeah! Great job!! Congratulations Davin and all the team!!! 💪

[@bobdufresne6294]

Love straight engines. And your production values are off the charts.

[@milt6208]

I love the style in which you do the tear down. And especially the rebuild where you march the parts into position. For someone who doesn't know what the heck you are doing I'm getting an idea why you love doing this so much. Thank you with sharing.

[@davidthompson245]

These are the best engine rebuild videos on KZbin!!.

[@Tatenak]

Nothing like a clean, smooth running engine. LOVE this.

[@codypatterson5780]

So glad you let us hear this motor. Sounds great 👍 👌

[@alexdiaz279]

without a doubt the best mechanics videos that I have seen Greetings from Argentina

[@Cooldaddymon]

Phenomenal amount of hours rebuilding that engine. Congrats! And a round of applause for the filming!

[@jorgealvarado9693]

The engine builder is amazing! I love watching him work..

[@k.kristianjonsson4814]

What a beauty. Not a high performance or a high revving engine that all of you long for, but a classic beauty!

[@anti-simpcoalition331]

Camera work is nothing short of legendary!!!!. Through the camshaft bores, brilliant!!!!!

[@ahalassy7421]

Yes I’m not even an engine guy but I can’t stop watching these videos - I need to see the end! LEGO as a kid perhaps?

[@Chris-kk8xg]

the stop motion on this build was too good, such an amazing presentation!

[@davidcisneros9203]

I have always wanted to hear one of these run. Now, to hear one in person!

[@stex1985]

My 52 and no other straight eight I have ever heard sounds like that. Wow I would have never dreamed that chunk of iron would do that. Great job! Now let’s get it in the car and drive down the road. 👍

[@brianvanbeek2868]

I have a 51 special it's engine doesn't look so pretty but it has been going strong for 70 years

[@Tony-lk2wh]

BEAUTIFUL! A real joy to the eye, great work!