1937-1953 Buick Valve Body Assembly Kit

1937-1952 All 40 & 50

1953 Special

Includes Bolts, Washers, Gaskets, Studs and Ring

1937-1951 Buick Exhaust Manifold Valve Body

Fits All 320 Engines - Century, Roadmaster, Limited

Cast Iron / Machined as Original

Does not have "butterfly"

Originally, Buick incorporated a “butterfly” or “flapper” in its valve bodies. Its purpose was to quickly heat the fuel mixture in the motor, particularly in cold weather. The butterfly valve is normally closed when the engine is cold. In its closed position, exhaust gas would be directed into the intake manifold, heating the fuel mixture and the surrounding area. As the engine and valve body warms, a heat sensitive spring on the side of the valve body would allow the butterfly to open, directing exhaust gas into the exhaust pipe and exiting the vehicle. The valve required regular maintenance as it often seized. If it happened to seize in the closed position, the exhaust gas would continue to heat the fuel mixture and the intake manifold, often causing poor performance, vapor lock and engine damage. Many a Buick restorer remembers having had to “hammer” the valve back and forth to get it to temporarily function. Because our cars are now used primarily for warm weather use and the need for quicker “warm ups” is not necessary, we eliminated the butterfly valve. We also eliminated the need for continual maintenance, poor performance and the possibility of engine damage due to a stuck valve

See our other listings for Buick Manifolds, Parts & Kits

A Quality Reproduction By CARS We Carry a Comprehensive Line of Buick Parts from 1935-1987

Serving the Buick Hobby Since 1973

1934-1953 Straight 8

Heavy Hex Washer to Hold Manilfolds to Block

7 needed per car

1984-1985 Turbo Regal, Grand National

1984-1985 Riviera Turbo

1937-1951 Buick Valve Body to Intake Manifold Block-off Plate 

Fits All 320 Engines - Century, Roadmaster, Limited

Solid Copper

Originally, Buick incorporated a “butterfly” or “flapper” in its exhaust manifold valve bodies. Its purpose was to quickly heat the fuel mixture in the motor, particularly in cold weather. The butterfly valve is normally closed when the engine is cold. In its closed position, exhaust gas would be directed into the intake manifold, heating the fuel mixture and the surrounding area. As the engine and valve body warms, a heat sensitive spring on the side of the valve body would allow the butterfly to open, directing exhaust gas into the exhaust pipe and exiting the vehicle. The valve required regular maintenance as it often seized. If it happened to seize in the closed position, the exhaust gas would continue to heat the fuel mixture and the intake manifold, often causing poor performance, vapor lock and engine damage. Many a Buick restorer remembers having had to “hammer” the valve back and forth to get it to temporarily function. Because our cars are now used primarily for warm weather use and the need for quicker “warm ups” is not necessary, we eliminated the butterfly on the valve bodies we sell. We also eliminated the need for continual maintenance, poor performance and the possibility of engine damage due to a stuck valve. Following this logic, we have produced this copper block-off plate. It closes the path of exhaust gases into the intake manifold and diverts exhaust gases directly out the exhaust pipe. The end result is a cooler intake manifold chamber where air/fuel mixtures prepare to burn. This can be especially useful where highly volatile ethanol-blended fuels are used and/or vapor lock occurs.

See our other listings for Buick Manifolds, Parts & Kits

A Quality Reproduction By CARS We Carry a Comprehensive Line of Buick Parts from 1935-1987

Serving the Buick Hobby Since 1973

1934-1952 Special and Super

1953 Special

248 & 263 Engines