This neat little Engine was available in the 61-63 Buick Special, 62-63
Pontiac Tempest, 61-63 Oldmobile F85. 62-63 Oldmobile F85 Jetfire (Turbo
charged version). The Olds Did have an additional head bolt over the exaust
port due to the Turbo Idea. However, this proved to be a mistake, and is
NOT the engine of choice today. The olds engines are Notorious for head
gasket failures at that bolt due to the very thin wal to be sealed. British
Layland Purchased All of to e tooling and production parts for the Buick
block, and have been using it in a variety of vehicles sine late 64 : Rover
3500 sedan, Morgan Plus 8, TR-8, Factory production MGB-V8, TVR, and ALL of
the Range Rovers. There really have been few changes in this engine over
the last 36 yeras. Block is stiffer, main caps improved, stroke as been
increased as well as the bore a bit, but esentially, it is the same as it
was in 63. A pretty good design from day one!. I still think this is the
Engine Carol Shelby should have used for the Tiger. It would have made for
a much better handling car... No flames! Just my opinion..
As to this be put into an Alpine, this was a porject that I started to do
back in late 78. I still have the engine, but no longer have the car
Had I been able to licate a Tiger crossmember and rack, I would have
finished it. but I ran out of time, and Money. The col thing is that it
appeared that it was going to fit easily with out any firewall changes to
the Alpine. Only the steering box was in the way. I t also weighed about
the same as the 1592 4 banger with aluminum head....Would have handled like
a dream except for the Tiger Steering problems....I hated the fact that I
was going to have to use that dam rack system. Looking at it now, I have
new ideas for the steering, and with the things that our friend in Florida
has been able to do with a torch and a welder...ie 351 Cleveland, BOSS 302,
Extended frame rails Etc...I know that another steering system could be
developed. With this engine, I think that there are Possibilities of a fire
wallmounte rack utilizing the stock Alpine steeing components other than the
steering box itself....i think anything can be done if one sets out to
acccomplish this.
I will return to this project someday.....It's in my blood....My blood is
not red, it's Carnival Red !!!!
Rich
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