Ok, I've looked through 7 pages of posts and over the internet. I've seen the pics of what will interchange between the 364 and 401/425, but how about the smaller nailheads. What will interchange between the 264/322 and the bigger 364/401/425? valve covers, pans, brackets, internals, externals, accessories...EVERYTHING. also any mods, like newer fuel pumps on older blocks or spin one oil filters. Trying to make this a super reference thread.....maybe good enough to put into the tech section.
Got lot's of things. To use a later fuel pump, change to the later front cover. you will then need the later water pump also. For a spin-on oil filter, use the adapter from a late motor using one. Use the gasket for the later one and only uses 3 bolts, Two types avalable, vertical( from a Riviera) or angled, (from any other). Rocker arms fit in sets, alum. ones are 1.6:1, 322's are 1.5:1. All exhaust manifolds will interchange if you match the ports on the manifold. Early motors are round, later are rectangular. All distributors interchange.I've been told that oil pans do not interchange, but I don't know why. It may just be the chassis or the oil pump pick up tube. Flywheels and crank pullys do not interchange, nailheads are externally balanced. Heads will interchange with some work to the water pipe/thermostat hsng. across the front of the motor. Intakes will not interchange. 264/322; 364; 401/425 only. Valve covers fit and probably the valley cover also. Have fun -Jim
here's some info on brackets for a 364/401/425 with SOME info for a 322/364: http://www.rowand.net/shop/tech/NailheadAlternatorBrackets.htm ****improvements from '55 to '56: Some of the improvements were increased height in the piston dome and a different slope of the dome on the valve side the metal inside the pistons was redistributed for added strength a pressed in piston pin was introduced in 55 after jobs and remained in 56 taking the place of the pinch bolt system the cylinder head combustion chamber was relieved on the valve side for improved breathing.There was also improved valve to piston clearance the exhaust valves got a new tulip shape which reduced restriction to flow and thus increased power output, a hotter cast iron cam shaft with the exhaust and intake valves opening and closing earlier and later than the 55, the lifter plunger in the new 56 hydraulic lifters had an increased length over the 55 resulting in a reduction in push rod length and as already stated dual exhausts were available as an option and even the single exhaust had better flow characteristics the 56 water pump had an increased flow capacity the intake manifold had a redesign of the heat passages including a heat passage in the base of the carburetor ****more info about heads: DO NOT put hardened valve inserts in a Nailhead! The water jacket is too close and will more likely leak when machined for the insert! You will need to have the valves seats re-ground for a normal valve job. It has been discussed many times here that valve seats are not necissary for unleaded gas as the nickel content in the steel castings in the Buick is higher than those of the "cheaper" lines. ****nailhead rebuild article: http://www.webrodder.com/index.php?page=showStories&pageNum=0&CID=&search=nailhead ****exhaust manifold info: The "Nails" manifolds are also reversible. A right side manifold on the left will point the exhaust further to the front.
The Jalopy Journal
