Got nailhead pics? options?

[zgears]

just got a 55 nailhead for a 30 model a project. i was woundering what are the specs for 55, and whos runing them. any body got pics. speed part configurations? storys? tranys?

[Jkustom]

what do you wanna know about it? what model is it from?

[zman]

If you join the Yahoo Naiilhead groups you'll probably be able to get a bunch of help. I don't have any 264/322 parts but I do have 364/401/425 stuff. I keep a look out around...

[Rodshop]

Yeah, the Yahoo Nailhead news group is great! Lots of info and seems to be good solid advice from several guys. They have been great and don't seem to mind someone just jumping on for a question or two. This guy Russ is really a source of info and seems to be real helpful and really on it when somebody posts a question.

[roadstar]

Well all I can tell you is it's a 322. SO as far as I'm concerned you're off to a good start.

[zgears]

its from a Special, does that matter? whats the HP?

[Bigcheese327]

Buick Special engines for '55 are the same as used in the Century.

V-8: Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 322 cid. Bore and stroke: 4 x 3.2 inches. Compression ratio: 9.1:1. Brake horsepower: 236 at 4600 rpm. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter 2197 or 2358 four-barrel.

(from Standard Catalog of American Cars: 1946-75, 3rd Edition, p. 55)

My mistake: That's the Super engine. The Special engine is...

V-8. Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 264 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.625 x 3.2 inches. Compression ratio: 8.4:1. Brake horsepower: 188 at 4800 rpm. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Stromberg AAVB267, AA7-102 or Carter 2179 or 2292 two-barrel.

Sorry!

[Bigcheese327]

I should have known because the Century was the "banker's hot rod" in the 1950s, featuring the Roadmaster engine in the smaller Special body.

[Rodshop]

It ain't much yet, but you asked for pictures. this is a 401

[Rodshop]

Oops, lost the pic. Try again. Rodshop

[zgears]

cool, what car is that?

[atch]

hey rodshop, if i come through colorado in august do i get to ride in that thing?

[Nick]

Specials in 1955 had 264's not 322's. Century, roadmaster and super had the 322. The century shares the same body as the special with the bigger motor making it the factory hot rod. If its from a special its alomst definitaly a 264.
http://www.buicks.net/shop/engine_ident.html
-Nick

[kustombuilder]

the Nailhead group on Yahoo will be ALOT of help. alot of VERY knowledgable guys including our own Ironhunter.

here is a pic of my 62 401 with 6 Holley 94s...

[Judd]

zgears
This is an early 55 Super 322.

[Judd]

56 322 from my parts car.

[Judd]

wall paper on my desk top ( what I want to do in my 56.

[Judd]

If you just want to KICK SOME ASS!! LOL

[Judd]

zgears
53 to 56 264 & 322 share bell housing pattern 57 up are different. you can drill a 56 stick bell to use a Chevy trans, and the stock 56 pilot bushing looks like it will work ( fits Chevy input shaft). 56 motors have bigger exhaust valves, higher compression, are relieved around the exhaust valve, have longer durration cam, and have bigger valve relief in pistons. 56 cam will fit earlier motors but it is cast instead of steal like earlier cams so must use 56 lifters and distributor gear ( maybe push rods also ). I've been told the push rods set lowwer in the lifters on early motors? 59 up ( as I remember ) rocker give higher lift. only 53 to 56 manifolds fit higher deck on 57 up motors.
Judd

[Rodshop]

The nail in the coupe with pipes is a '36 Dodge. I will attach a pic, and Atch, you get a ride as soon as it is running. Late summer? Maybe???? Rodshop

[atch]

how 'bout its maiden voyage being to the hamb drags?

[TagMan]

Mine's a 401 with 2x4 500cfm Carters......

http://home.rochester.rr.com/mrplates/55mtr.jpg

[atch]

z,

sorry for hijacking your post for my conversation with rodshop.

actually i have a 401 slated for my "T" project, but i doubt you want to see pix of the engine on a stand, the heads on a shelf, the valve covers soaking in my parts cleaner, and the manifold on the floor.

tagman - those look like new carters. do they both have chokes, idle circuits, etc? how does it run? i've given up on ever being able to afford a matched factory pair from the 60's. when you see them at swap meets or on e-bay they go for way more than two new afb's sell for. so i'm thinking of matching your setup ('cept my manifold is an original buick cast iron unit).

[TagMan]

[ QUOTE ]
tagman - those look like new carters. do they both have chokes, idle circuits, etc? how does it run?

[/ QUOTE ]


Atch,
Yep, the carbs are new 500cfm's from Summit. I had a set of the original Buick Carters, but they were in crappy shape. I pedaled them on Ebay and I got enough for them to buy the brandy-new ones and change left over for a Big Mac. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Only the rear carb is choked.

It runs great, but I keep getting these damn "Thank You" notes from the A-rabs every time I fill 'er up !!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[x77matt]

Here's my 425- Its got the matching factory carbs and linkage. I have a finned valley cover for it, and I might use these chrome valve covers, but I am still debating just goin' with the clean painted look. Anyone working on fuel injection have some pics?

http://www.villagephotos.com/viewpubimage.asp?id_=8286987

[zman]

Here the 425 that's going in the '57 freshly pressure washed and getting ready for paint.

[zman]

And the 364 that's ready for the '22 Roadster body that's on the way...

[titus]

hers my 63 401, it got a weind drag star 6 twos intake, factory finned covers, and i just ordered a finned valley pan and plug wire covers from obrien truckers, cant weait to get em!

[wideglide74]

I think this is a 57-364 belonging to my Father...

[MBTex]

Another great site for nailhead info.

www.v8buick.com (http://www.v8buick.com/)