Hello, I have recently purchased a 215 aluminum olds engine. I was wanting to know what the do's and don'ts are relating to this engine. I have heard that the proper antifreeze is mandatory, that the engine warps if it gets to hot. What kind of radiator is needed? Does the coolant need changed more frequently? I know that there are lots more questions, but these are just a few. Maybe there is a 215 specialist out there that we rattle his brain over this engine?

 

The only thing I recall from factory service bulletins is to not use Peak brand antifreeze in them as it tended to accelerate corrosion. That was the 1960s Peak formula; it's possible things have changed.

Check around on some Rover and British Leyland forums. The 215 or variations was used in England for years and I think those guys are pretty well up on any quirks they have.

The Rover crowd has also figured out some amazing hotrodding tricks for the 215 too!

 

Thanks rocketraider for the information...It seems that corrosion was the biggest problem? I will check with the Rover crowd and see some hi-po...

 

Check out my post in this thread:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...induction.html

 

Hi my name's ryan, I've got a 215 in my 63 F85 Cutlass. Wouldn't call myself a specialist persay but I know my way around it.

If you check the stamped number on the front of the left head you can tell the comression ratio

If there is a S, SE, or SH in the stamped sequence, they are 8.75:1 compression ratio heads for a 155 hp motor

If there is an SG , the heads are to the 10.25:1 CR 185hp, or 10.75:1 CR 195hp

If there is an ST they were to the Turbo 215 from the Jetfire 10.25:1 CR

If you were to remove the heads there are casting numbers you can also use to ID your heads with the last numbers

If the last 3 digits are 534 you have the 38 cc combustion chamber heads which yeild a 10.75:1 CR. These came off the 63 F85 with 4 barrel and an automatic

If the last 2 are 82, you have the 43 cc chambers for a 10.25:1 CR of a 61-62 4 barrel motor, or a 63 with manual trans

And if the last 3 are 746 you have the 51 cc chambers and a 8.75:1 CR off any 61-63 with a 2 bbl carb

The 10.75 or 10.25:1 heads are the best for a performance oriented motor

D&D fabrications is probly the #1 carrier of 215 parts http://www.aluminumv8.com/index.htm
They primarly cater to road racers who like the 215 for its lightweight, but they have tons of engine parts

They also have the nessisary info for stroking the 215 using a buick 300 crank

Crower and Isky both make aftermarket cams for the 215

Also I haven't heard of many problems about the block warping under use, but while the blocks were being cast there would occasionally be scenario's where the cast Iron cylinder sleeves wouldn't stay in place, rendering the entire block useless.

Hope some of that was usefull, if you have any questions or thoughts, there is a fellow 215er on here

Peace
-Ryan

 

Ryan-

I have two blocks with heads- The first block is a complete motor with head # S 253541 G and block stamped : JN 484

The bare block and heads are : block 3J4514962 and HJ 9427

Heads CFD 1193741

Any infor will be appreciated

Thanks-Doug

 

Ryan, where'd you source your info? I've got SG heads, but the numbers end in 471, and have no idea what that means.