TOPIC: Buick V-8 in a fiberglass classic boat

An all-aluminum Buick V-8 correct era for this boat. Mickey Thompson and Dan Gurney qualified a version of this model Buick engine in 7th position for the 1962 Indianapolis 500 and that Indy racer was ranked 20th at the finish. More photos here… www.seabuddyonboats.com/motors-and-power/custom-not-restored-g-3-glasspar/

Buick came out with a 215 aluminum V8 engine in 1961...the only aluminum Buick V8 I'm aware of. The engine in the photo above looks big...more like a 401 or 425 nailhead to me, both of which are cast iron engines. Correct me if I'm wrong.

jan, I believe you are correct, I put the old 215 in a couple of t-buckets , when I was in msra. and I can not remember any big blocks that were aluminum. unless it was a special one made for Indianapolis. greg

Jan,I have seen that boat up close and even heard it run. that is the 215cu in motor not one of the big nailheads. It was brought to a Florida Glasspar Club event last summer and ran fairly well. Skipp

OK, well I guess I guessed wrong. It LOOKS big though. I didn't know aftermarket aluminum valve covers and marine headers were available for the 215....and check that double-pumper Holley carb! The rule of thumb for carbs is double the CID to get the CFM. Maybe he's a little over-carbureted? Of course, I was wrong before. Anyway, it's a cool boat with a pretty engine. I wonder how much HP it cranks out?

you guys need to look at a nailhead. completely different animal. i have about a half dozen nails and 2 of the aluminum 215s. love em all