Valve installation on our Buick Straight 8 | Redline Update #56

With pistons still the main concern for the Buick Straight 8 engine rebuild, Davin pivots to the head and valves to try and continue to make progress on the project. With the correct intake valves now in hand, Davin is able to make quick work of the valve installation which leaves time for a little adventure in our 1950 Chevy half-ton pickup... a little drive to go pick up our other green truck, the 1946 Ford truck we built back in 2015 at the Hershey Swap Meet. Why? Well, there's a T5 manual transmission from a Chevy S10 sitting on our garage floor that needs a home! The projects never end!
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[@brodyschmidt5579]

“If you get stuck on one project, put it aside and start something else” Dangerous words Davin.

[@DaBoss3O2]

This is why my garage is completely full.

[@anthonymackie2602]

pffft maybe for a wannabe mechanic

[@302hobronco]

Lol yeah I've got like three "projects" still waiting because of that thinking haha gotta love it.

[@_BAD_MERC_]

I have 44 examples of that advice LOL!!! They'll all be done one day. Scouts honor.

[@JF32304]

Is it David or Davin?

[@310_Latchkey_kid]

When I was 18 (now 43), I worked in the aerospace industry and by watching you using the micrometer and the caliper took me waaayyy back when I'd worked manufacturing airplane parts!! Thanks for the memories!! 🙂

[@ginacoronel6872]

That buick straight 8 has to get on a dyno, so many improvents and work has to be tested to see the performance improvement. Love the vids!

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

From the previous videos in the series, that is a recipe for an engine to go boom.

[@kennethreiver985]

Yes , saw that truck being built in Hershey . I'm getting tearing up just thinking how much I'm going to miss the 2020 Hershey swap meet . Not to mention the sweet smell of chocolate ! Would have been my 44th year attending .

[@thomasshanafelter9825]

been doing the project put aside for 20 years now i have 200,000 worth the unfinished projects just love it ready to start a new one

[@jonandnancydewitt507]

I did a Buick straight build and had Isky cams do a custom grind on the cam. They still and the specs, machines, and expertise to get it done, awesome job!

[@garyrobbins5505]

My dad had a 49 chevy pickup that was the same dark green paint. He used it for his work truck at a CONOCO in Nebraska for decades! It was dependable as all get out except it overheated if you drove at highway speeds for more than 6 to 8 miles depending on the ambient temperature. He asked a fellow mechanic for ideas on the problem, who suggested replacing the water pump! Apparently the blades would rust completely away over time! And that was it!! My brother and I worked for our dad at the time and we sure gave him the biz on that one.

[@leepaulison4928]

The finished Buick has to be my most anticipated video on KZbin.

[@1112223333111]

this and barnfind is the only thing this channel needs

[@davidbeauvais5019]

Davin has the BEST job in the world. I wish I could be his shop flunky for a week.

[@davidparker9676]

Davin doesn't meed a flunky, he is doing a great job at being one himself. This video series is a great one-stop resource for WHAT NOT TO DO! Press-fit valve springs? The hackery never ends. Every video has an excuse and attempted justification for why they are mickey-mousing any given part.

[@gtoger]

Boy do I miss the Swap-to-Street challenges.

[@bbb462cid]

Buick valve-in-head. Awesome.

[@DadbrosGarage]

Watching Davin work inspires me to work on my own 350 sbc

[@diabetic]

NICE Davin! I just installed reground valves and reconditioned heads on my current subaru project last night. Love the content!

[@bryancarlson3673]

Oh! That 1964 Buick Electra 225 Sport Coupe! I used to own one. An absolutely magnificent automobile!!

[@NBFaded2497]

I love this buick build. That 46 ford brings up a lot of memories as well. I'm only 32 but my dad's first truck was a 46 ford. Once he got some money he bought another truck and he used the 46 as a pulling truck in competition. In its prime it had a 429 ford with a 4 barrel holley carburetor.

[@waynesmith7487]

WOO HOO, looking forward to the "other green truck" modernized.

[@hamish2202]

i love the old ford with the flathead v8 in it coolest looking pickup ever nothing sounds like a flathead v8

[@thomasfletcher4765]

An uncle ( on my dad's side ) had a 49 , great running and sounding truck until he parked it and let it rot ( not sure why , either )

[@isalmankhan1]

Thanks for sharing Davin👍

[@ltlieu61]

Awesome!!!! i am running a T5 out of a mid 80s camaro in my 68 chevy truck......cant wait to see the project..

[@ronangalli]

That's a great job. Congratulations! God bless you.

[@johnschutt9187]

Great idea. I'm anticipating learning how swap a transmission.

[@brandonmckenney8175]

Have a running Green diamond HD213 in my 1940 International D15 and would love to have it gone through sometime. Thank you guys for the videos, keep putting out the awesome content

[@TIICProductions]

Someone get this man a comb

[@deroobj]

Love the pickup. So nice!

[@pcarey36]

Y'all don't like to protect the valve seals when installing the valves? The square shoulder for the keepers catch the rubber on the way through. I know it's easy to be critical of someone else's work, so for what it's worth you seem to know your stuff. Keep it up. 🤙

[@BobSmith-mc7uq]

Little piece of vinyl electrical tape on the valve end helps to eliminate torn seals.

[@pcarey36]

@@BobSmith-mc7uq I typically use a small section of heat shrink tubing on the end of the valve to get the seal over the shoulders. Some manufacturers provide a thin plastic sleeve with the seals just for this purpose.

[@davidparker9676]

Just another failure point on this molested engine.

[@txnetcop]

Love the upgrade

[@_BAD_MERC_]

That switcheroo was pretty seamless.

[@harperlarry49]

It's really nice to see the '50 Chevy on the road.

[@legostar55]

I honestly think a Ford TOD overdrive 4 speed transmission from an 80s Ford truck would have been a much cooler swap. I just happen to have such a transmission sitting in my garage, shifter and all. The only 2 things it needs is an output shaft and a tail shaft housing. But apart from those 2 pieces it just needs to be assembled. I'd be happy to sell it to you guys.

[@jimclarke1108]

Great show, real engineering

[@jacobfercho1460]

Great work

[@blkdna748]

I won't forget it flathead! My 1st video inspired and make me to fall in love with Hagerty.

[@davecaron1213]

It was cool the see the 46 running. (looks like it’s burning a little oil.) When I was stationed in Texas a LONG time ago my buddy had a 49 pickup and I had a 53 sedan. Those old flatheads ran great but were always a little hot. I am pretty sure that old block, both the Ford and the Buick, are well aged and will last forever.

[@lowreedman]

Just remember to upgrade the 'slow' when you upgrade the 'go'.

[@shauno3697]

I am pissed! I tried to get somebody to do a swap meet build at the Powerblock programs years and years ago. I called it the Lazarus Q Frankenstein project and I recommended same thing as what you did with the 46 Ford. I am also thankful I at least got to discover you guys did try it and you went deep with it. I had envisioned some GM muscle car get slapped together with a small block so it would be feasible to complete. Way to knock it out of the park!

[@GligorovDimce]

I admire your knowledge sir, i wish i can work on engines like you do!

[@rdyer8764]

5:13 - Fenders flutterin' 'n the wind. There's gotta be a rock song in there somewhere.

[@thesunreport]

In the Uk we call them the wings....if he goes much faster they might just become flight wings!! :D

[@markk3652]

Sooooo glad to see the Ford back in the camera again. I look forward to seeing this project progress. I'd love to do this trans conversion to my 40 pickup truck, but I'm still running with the factory closed driveline/torquetube wishbone, and single spring, so a modern transmission won't work for mine.

[@bmh67wa]

That Ford is one sweet truck.

[@lucasstiles8012]

Something about old crusty parts being refurbed and shined up gets a me a little excited.

[@garlandhenry6792]

You do good work 👍👍

[@joelonderee2872]

Another excellent video, and the music was also great.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Thanks Davin! Air quality on the West coast makes doing anything in unfiltered air unhealthy.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

@@Future-Preps35 been teetering between unhealthy and hazardous where I live since Thursday. Visibility is about 1/4 mile, up from 300 yards yesterday.

[@richvandervoort2950]

I can not believe that the tight fit of the inner spring on the guide is good for the springs. It will at the very least increase the spring rate.

[@ziiofswe]

I kind of like the "tall steps" of a 3 speed, it fits the character of the engine. A fitting compromise would've been a 4-speed and a taller final gear instead. In my opinion of course.....

[@SvenDansk7]

Good stuff! I've been getting my work done but unfortunately have been grounded with a flat tire on the one working car, and now I'll have my heads out for machining. Hoping to get the project driving before snow falls- and it's coming quick!

[@atthebrink74]

What is your project car?

[@SvenDansk7]

@@atthebrink74 73 Saab Sonett

[@muhdhafiidz1206]

Hey as long u and tools together I always watch u

[@jamesliebl1485]

So awesome

[@andrewlewis3486]

This guy is good!

[@MrTexasDan]

You had a "something smells funny" look at the end.

[@Hagerty]

I think it was more of a "something sounds funny" look!

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

@@Hagerty maybe it was the sound of the inner springs binding and overstressing?

[@alimasdinfonda9122]

Good job bos 👍

[@2strokepower803]

These guys should rebuild a ford Y block. That would be cool :)

[@2strokepower803]

William Johnson really there is? Yea that was a little unusual with the lifters. Engine apart completely to replace them

[@stefanclemens6482]

Very nice

[@giancarlopbranco]

Spetacular! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Oddman1980]

I can't wait to hear that Buick. As much as I like that 1946 Ford and the way it sounds, I have to admit to liking the Chevrolet you showed in the video better. I just have a thing for inline engines. Until I hear that Straight-8, I'm going to have to follow your advice and get back in the shop. I have a 1977 Husqvarna WR250 that's slowly coming back together.

[@franciscoalberto6658]

Congratulation brother 😎👍.

[@skylinefever]

I always love seeing a new set of custom pistons. Has anybody estimated the compression ratio of the custom pistons? 3:30 Test fit the rockers if you can, then remove them. For all I know, you will run into another delay.

[@guidoheeling1179]

i hope they upped it and did some performance mods, those old engines have super low compression ratio's

[@Hagerty]

We are upping the compression ratio. We want it to run smooth on pump gas. Part of the issue we've run into is getting the pistons to a point where we have our desired compression ratio while also still getting the necessary clearance for the spark plug and valves.

[@girthquake1413]

@@Hagerty I noticed the reliefs for the plugs cut into them.

[@ricktotty2283]

From what my dad taught me these engines were bad about Developing cracks and overheating anyway. Enjoy watching it anyway.

[@billmartin4602]

Nice Ford.

[@Friedbrain11]

My 5 speed trans in my '88 S 10 wasn't od. Wish it had been though.

[@rustyaxelrod]

‘47 Ford, straight on from the front isn’t the prettiest truck but cool ride anyway. Flatty looks awesome!

[@korgothkillings2032]

Yeah boi!

[@everydaylifewithme5260]

That crankshaft on the table will warp laying it flat like you have it. stand it up straight or it will warp sounds odd but very true...v8 cranks will warp..that straight 8... definitely will food for thought..

[@marquisethomas5611]

Now those are manly man hands, those hands make mine look like cupcakes

[@thomasfletcher4765]

In my opinion , that 46 ford needs exhaust stacks ( slightly weathered ) it would look and sound better ( but , that's my opinion )

[@rodrigofaialloalamino2845]

Video muito bom

[@der_pinguin44]

I have a close friend who looks a lot like you, every time you upload a video, I share it with him saying "Your twin has another update..."

[@williambartholomew5680]

Those springs are still awfully tight and on the bench half of them aren't straight! YIKES

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

Expecting we'll be hearing them bind and fracture pretty fast. Whether it's before or after the crack in the cylinder liners eat the pistons and rings, will be the interesting part.

[@edwardpate6128]

Wouldn't it have been easier to have gotten springs that fit like the stock ones?

[@davidparker9676]

He even used a cutter... and they still don't fit.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

Yes. And smarter too.

[@clayz1]

Those tight springs will increase in diameter just a little as they compress.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

Before or after cracking?

[@papaLAZ61]

I wish I could try too 😔😔

[@RobSchofield]

Davin... coolest dude on the block (sorry, I just had to)...

[@muskyelondragon]

😎

[@jerrylancaster256]

Good golly

[@larrykittell726]

For a supposedly fresh rebuild, the Ford seems to be burning a LOT of oil! "Redline Rebuilds" usually have all new parts, don't they?

[@waynesmith7487]

Look again, white smoke, water vapor. I backed up the video twice, it dissipates in the atmosphere quickly. Not trying to disparage anyone, just a clarification.

[@adamfield4068]

I initially thought he was doing a burnout, no such luck.

[@Muttleytech]

What type of box is that in the background? Also is that a homemade valve spring compressor? Thanks for the vids.

[@davecaron1213]

Engine work looks amazing. Can't wait to hear that big eight cylinder run. But, what's the status of the 51 Buick's body. Have not heard anything since you pulled the engine.

[@fjmorrison]

Caaaaaaaaaaaan't waaaaaaaait!

[@Fernandestres]

The open tool box drawers at 6:58 gave me an anxiety attack!!

[@billhowe4863]

Love the redline rebuilds. Anyone know what the song playing is?

[@irishshintoshi8213]

Great video, so hope you don't mind me asking, how much would all this cost for what you've done so far for this rebuild? Keep the great videos coming

[@irishshintoshi8213]

For the Buick straight 8

[@iD0theTUBE]

Easily 8-10k. I'm not sure what their deal with the machine shop is though

[@davidparker9676]

The real price to pay will grow after they start this butchered engine.

[@gplusgplus2286]

Today I fixed a small coolant leak on my Audi. Hopefully.

[@RANDOMNATION907]

Is there any real advantage to a cross-flow head? Most straight sixes & eights have siamesed intake & exhaust.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

Higher gas flow, especially in a true cross-flow, like the Ford 250 and Barra sold in in Australia, and the classic Jaguar straight six. It's one of the reasons that the Barra 4.0 with turbo will easily out perform the vast majority of US V8's, simply because it can get more air and fuel in, and more burnt gas out, then you can with siamesed ports. Same goes with how the "Holden 5.0" will out perform and out rev the same sized Chev V8, because of how the valves are spaced. Siamesed engine where there's two exhaust valves side by side, such as the Chev smallblock and Holden 202 six, also end up with a hot spot where the head is more likely to warp and have gasket failure. Edit - "most" should probably read "most US designed",.. most European and Australian straight sixes are not siamesed. The US ones were designed based more on cost to build, then for operational effiency.

[@ddcraun]

With the snug fit on those inner springs, I am curious. I have seen videos in the past of the running valve train in "modern" V8 engines( muscle era), and the valves will rotate with the valves as the engine runs. is that a non-issue on this low revving unit?

[@davidparker9676]

This video series is a great cautionary tale of exactly WHAT NOT TO DO. Yes, this is one of many future problems on this engine.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

Valves are meant to rotate, as are the springs. It's even called "Positive Valve Rotation" in the workshop manuals. The rotation prevents un-even wear, and leads to longer lasting engines. Those difficult to mount springs are going to put excess loads on the running gear, and they won't compress in the manner they are designed to, so are likely to break early on.

[@arthursmith5409]

Question, you guys are going to Dyno the engine for a comparison to stock stats, right? Please say yes? I mean, a built and balanced S-8!

[@Hagerty]

We're hoping to! Provided our guy downstate has the time and ability to put this monster on the engine dyno!

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

If they do, it should be inside a bunker, because that thing is going to grenade.

[@arthursmith5409]

@@PiDsPagePrototypes but it's balanced and blueprinted and upgraded! As long as the crank and rods are today's standard, it should rock and roll...

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

@@arthursmith5409 Bwahahahahaha,... jeez mate, ya killin' me with a joke like that :D Between the Hammer Fitted cylinder sleeves and valve seats, and then the mis-fit undersized inner valve springs that were binding on the head as they were being installed, this thing's gonna pop so fast. I hope the owner has insurance to cover shoddy workmanship, or how Davin's going to explain to the owner that the "Numbers Matching" element of their restored classic, will no longer have matching numbers, and now be worth substantially less then what's been invested in to it. As for the Crank being "Today's Standards", I wouldn't want that in a Straight Six, let alone a Straight Eight. Sure, a lot of new stuff is machined to closer tolerances, but a lot of the new stuff is made from the cheapest material that will fit.

[@arthursmith5409]

@@PiDsPagePrototypes ohh! Didn't know. The fascination of a built S-8, had me in dream Land, for built nostalgic engine's!

[@TheCapitalVice]

6:15 Please dont tell me this... I have 7 projects as it is! lol

[@masscomnet]

If I remember correctly, there was a problem with the crank twisting under hard throttle. Is that true, and if so, is there a fix for that?

[@msmeyersmd8]

Did Ford not offer an optional OD for the Flat-8 that year?

[@Wrenchen-with-Darren]

Yes, now your cooking. Dont be afraid to go over a 9 min video. 😁

[@rogjackson]

Will the flathead have enough juice to pull a 5th gear uphill on that truck with all that metal? Can these videos come a little more often and last a little longer please?

[@Freedomishere-im6ug]

Back cut the valves?

[@guidoheeling1179]

any performance upgrades to the buick straight 8?

[@NatoriousGamePlay]

Lol no. Either you go crazy and custom make everything, or modify what can (higher compression piston, ported heads, oversized valves, headers, cam, etc.)

[@guidoheeling1179]

@@NatoriousGamePlay aren't that like basic modifications that can be applied to any engine? Okay a camshaft would be a little issue but you can costum stuff indeed. Headwork and an exhaust manifold most of the times is already costum

[@NatoriousGamePlay]

@@guidoheeling1179 yeah, just stuff you could do on any engine really. But it would have to be done by hand. Stroker crank doesn't exist, so it's either a custom cnc if trying to go for big power (which I doubt) and custom pistons, and maybe rods (they might be able to find one for another engine that works.

[@guidoheeling1179]

@@NatoriousGamePlay agreed, i don't think they are going for big power, the headporting i have found was just to clean things up and the comp. ratio they are chasing is 8.0 - 8.5 to 1, which i persobally think is laughable for any engine, even when wanting to have it run on 87 octane.

[@ngocminh3000]

Hello I'm from vietnam

[@jimster55]

Longest B roll ever lol

[@allenshearer]

Couldn't you have found a 5-speed Ford transmission to put in a FORD pickup ?

[@ziiofswe]

The T5 has been in plenty of Fords too. They'll probably need to make an adapter for the flathead engine anyway so it doesn't really matter that this particular one comes from a Chevy.

[@geoffmooregm]

@@ziiofswe Agreed. The T5 was in the Mustang for many, many years. It is a good, light weight transmission that will easily stand up to a flathead even if it is the NWC version.

[@scottgriggs2596]

Why is so much custom machine work necessary to make replacement parts fit on this engine?

[@jnljnl8485]

I never trust when assembling heads. Lap the valves as you assemble just to check the contact is good. Only takes puting one engine together with brand new heads that have a junk valve job to lose trust.

[@moparedtn]

The ol' flathead was burning a little more than gas there, wasn't it? I know I know, flatheads burn oil....so did most all of 'em back then. You sort of worried about them if they didn't, really...

[@gabrielkloster4502]

1937 ford oval racer ?