Nailhead Horse Power question?

[48silverstreak]

Hi Everyone,
I have a 57 Buick 364cid Nailhead Special series.
This comes with 250 hp. Bore and stroke are 4.125x3.4 inches compression 9.5:1.
All the info I find shows that the Century series has the same engine specs except that it comes with a 4 barrel and 10:1 compression and 300hp. If the engine specs are the same what was done to increase the compression to 10:1? And also what makes up the high performance kit to increase it to 330 hp? Hope someone here can help.
Thanks Rob

[suedesled]

The Century used a slightly higher lift and longer duration cam and the compression was raised using a 5/8" dome on the piston compared to the standard 1/2".

[48silverstreak]

Thanks, that would explain why the specs stayed the same.
So it should be safe to assume that the cam and pistons are interchangeable?

[suedesled]

Yeah, you can swap em no problem, while your at it put an aluminum timing cover and water pump on it if doesn't have one. It will keep it cooler.

[zman]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks, that would explain why the specs stayed the same.
So it should be safe to assume that the cam and pistons are interchangeable?

[/ QUOTE ]

You can also use any of the 401/425 cams in it. This opens up a bunch of choices...

[48silverstreak]

Hey guys thanks for the help. I am hoping to build it to about 350hp. If you have any other great suggestions please let me know.
Thanks
Rob

[leadsleadolds]

Thers a guy I belive his name is tom telesco he makes a mini starter for the nailhead. Another guy is working on roller rockers. If you want to run a 6x2 2x4 3x2 contact www.northwestcustoms.net (http://www.northwestcustoms.net) he has alot of nailhead speed equipment intake risers and such. rod and custom supply also has alot of dress up parts for it and the offy intakes. These guys are also helpful http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/NailHeadBuick Have fun nailheads are pretty badass engines and expensive

[Jkustom]

Rumor is that they used thinner head gaskets to up the compression (from special to century, super, roadmaster)in '56, maybe they did it in 57 too???

[48silverstreak]

Thanks again everyone,
I'll have to run down to Rod and Custom Supply they are only 5 minutes from me. That might be a good start. I am gonna check in to some of the other things you guys mentioned as well.