My name is Dave and I joined this forum because I would like to build a totally beastin' Olds 215 for my Sand Rail. It currently has a pretty stout Buick 215 but I was hoping to be able to massage more out of the Olds motor. I recently purchased a block. Now...... where do I start?


Thanks everyone

 

Errra, the Buick 215 and Olds 215 are the same engine.

 

Thank You for the reply. It is great to have all this information and assistance available. I have learned in my travels that while the two engines are essentially the same, there is one pretty substantial difference. I am guessing this makes a big difference in the HP game and that is that the Olds block has 1 more head bolt per cylinder. 6 total instead of 5. The Buick blocks have a pretty big gap between the top two head bolts on the intake side. This sometimes leads to head gasket issues with higher compression engines.
Thanks again

 

Yeah, except for the block, heads, pistons, valvetrain, and valve covers...

 

Here are Some pics of said Sand Rail with Buick 215

 

Damn, that thing looks bitchin' and welcome

 

Thank You on both fronts.

 

Welcome to the site, awesome rig.

 

I thank you for that info. Never to late to learn something.

 

The basic engine architecture was Buick (as evidenced by the front distributor and the commonality with the Buick V6), but Olds designed their own proprietary heads. This resulted in changes to the combustion chamber design, necessitating the different pistons, the block due to the extra head bolt holes, and the valvetrain (also due to the extra head bolts).

Actually, all 215 blocks have the bosses for the extra head bolt holes, but Buick and Rover blocks don't have them drilled.

 

Very cool. I assume that's a KEP adapter plate?

 

Yes Sir, To a Mendeola MD4S Transaxle. Are you pretty hip on the 215s?

 

I've got a few - Olds, Buick, and Rover. Actually, the Rover is a 4.6 liter short block that is getting Olds heads (and a stud-mount rocker conversion to avoid the oiling problem), slated for my 62 wagon.

 

The Rover has 4 bolt mains?


Are all olds 215s basically the same. heads, cranks etc.? I have the opportunity to pick up a 2bbl complete motor and am wondering if I would get better internals from a 4bbl motor? Thanks again for your help

 

Welcome to the site

 

Yes, the later ones, like my 4.6, have cross-bolted mains.

The pistons and heads were different from 2bbl to 4bbl Olds motors. The 4bbl heads had smaller chambers.