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55 buick engine removal

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by wndsofchng06, Jun 24, 2012.

  1. wndsofchng06
    Joined: Feb 27, 2012
    Posts: 64

    wndsofchng06
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    Anyone got a trick to getting the engine out? I have the 264 v8 everything is unbolted, cant seem to get the engine to separate from the trans.... is there something I should know?
     
  2. did you unbolt the converter from the flywheel?
     
  3. wndsofchng06
    Joined: Feb 27, 2012
    Posts: 64

    wndsofchng06
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    No... do I have to? UGH LOL. the motor I just pulled out of a truck of mine came off with the converter on the engine, will it not on this?
     
  4. Long Roof
    Joined: Oct 22, 2008
    Posts: 17

    Long Roof
    Member

    Should be three bolts to remove on the flywheel, then they will separate. Get to them with the inspection cover off and rotate the flywheel with a prybar on one of the teeth to get to each of the bolts.
     

  5. wndsofchng06
    Joined: Feb 27, 2012
    Posts: 64

    wndsofchng06
    BANNED

    Thanks

    I'll work on that tomorrow after work.
     
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2012
  6. wndsofchng06
    Joined: Feb 27, 2012
    Posts: 64

    wndsofchng06
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    Engine is out.... boy oh boy is she worn. I'm hoping to find a motor locally that will bolt up so I can run her a bit while I rebuild this one.... we'll see.
     
  7. TagMan
    Joined: Dec 12, 2002
    Posts: 6,300

    TagMan
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Nailheads are expensive to rebuild, so I wouldn't put a lot of money into a 264, assuming power is important to you. You might want to look around for a 401 or 425 instead, IMO.
     
  8. Roadsterpu
    Joined: Nov 10, 2008
    Posts: 895

    Roadsterpu
    Member

    The 401 and 425 will not bolt up to the original transmission without changing bell housing, converter and flywheel. 322 will work for you.
     
  9. TagMan
    Joined: Dec 12, 2002
    Posts: 6,300

    TagMan
    ALLIANCE MEMBER



    Exactly right, but I figured this being a hot rod board, etc, that one could work around a 'bolt-in' solution.
     
  10. wndsofchng06
    Joined: Feb 27, 2012
    Posts: 64

    wndsofchng06
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    I'd thought about newer options but changing the rear end scares me. Yes I'm finding the parts for the 264 rather pricey. I'm not interested in speed as much as fuel economy and drivability. I'd just about drop this diesel I have in her and go! HA HA HA HA riiighhht
     
  11. Gman0046
    Joined: Jul 24, 2005
    Posts: 6,256

    Gman0046
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    Bak in the day we put a 364 C.I. 315 HP nailhead from a 58 in a 55. Used a 37 Buick floor shift transmission and the 55 rear end and torque tube.
     
  12. wndsofchng06
    Joined: Feb 27, 2012
    Posts: 64

    wndsofchng06
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    Wow Gman, that's interesting
     
  13. old soul
    Joined: Jan 15, 2011
    Posts: 1,093

    old soul
    Member
    from oswego NY

  14. wndsofchng06
    Joined: Feb 27, 2012
    Posts: 64

    wndsofchng06
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  15. wndsofchng06
    Joined: Feb 27, 2012
    Posts: 64

    wndsofchng06
    BANNED

    So I found a deal on a chevy that has PS and open drive shaft.... Any insight on whether these cars were the same width? Could I use the power steering and rear end in my buick. I can certainly measure, but its about a 50 mile drive and I wanted to see if anyone had any information that would make it not worth my while to drive.
     
  16. MR K.
    Joined: Aug 20, 2009
    Posts: 665

    MR K.
    Member

  17. wndsofchng06
    Joined: Feb 27, 2012
    Posts: 64

    wndsofchng06
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    a nailhead with a 700 r4? you make the adapter to put the trans on the motor and the open the torque tube? Don't you have to add to the suspension then?
     
  18. belair
    Joined: Jul 10, 2006
    Posts: 9,015

    belair
    Member

    If you go to an open rear end, you have to change the rear suspension. The torque tube is a part of an enclosed driveshaft driveline.
     
  19. wndsofchng06
    Joined: Feb 27, 2012
    Posts: 64

    wndsofchng06
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    right.... for the most part that boils down to springs..... correct?? no? Would I be able to pull the chevy rear, leaves attached, and go onto the buick frame?
     
  20. wndsofchng06
    Joined: Feb 27, 2012
    Posts: 64

    wndsofchng06
    BANNED

    So is it worth the $200 for the roasted belair?
     
  21. ninosdad
    Joined: Aug 12, 2012
    Posts: 102

    ninosdad
    Member

    The 322 is the same as the 264 externally and will of course give yu more HP and torque...also a lot easier to find

    Should you wnat to go to the BIG BOYS 401/425 probably some changes in the engine mounts look for a '65 or '66 as these have the buick version of a TH 400 and not the old Dynaflow. There is always some old Electra or something around but the 65 and 66 engine/trans combo is the best big power ina package smaller and lighter than a SBC. If you wire iit up you get the Switch Pitch whit a two speed torque converter
     
  22. snowman
    Joined: Jan 2, 2007
    Posts: 182

    snowman
    Member

    How much of a project is your car? How fat is your wallet? What are your fabrication skills? How much access do you have to equipment? Lots of variables involved here. If you want to get your car on the road I'd reccomend finding a running 322 or spend the money on rebuilding one rather than your 264. I'm rebuilding my 322 right now to get the car on the road so I can enjoy it and I'm also collecting parts for a 425 swap if I want to go that route in the future. All it takes is money and time I suppose.

    FYI- plan to spend 2-3k to rebuild a 322...
     
  23. wndsofchng06
    Joined: Feb 27, 2012
    Posts: 64

    wndsofchng06
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    Holy crap!!! 2-3k with my labor? I found a master rebuild kit for the 264 for around 1200. Obviously all this is IF the crank doesn't need turned, and the cylinders dont need boring. I already know I'll be taking the heads for machining and new seats.
     
  24. belair
    Joined: Jul 10, 2006
    Posts: 9,015

    belair
    Member

    DO NOT PUT HARDENED SEATS IN A NAILHEAD. Thee is not enough material to do this. Zmanand or Tman (conjoined twins born at different times and places) have covered this a lot.
     
  25. wndsofchng06
    Joined: Feb 27, 2012
    Posts: 64

    wndsofchng06
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    Thanks for the info belair
     
  26. wndsofchng06
    Joined: Feb 27, 2012
    Posts: 64

    wndsofchng06
    BANNED

    I've decided to ditch the 264 and dynaflow. I will post them in the classified section. Going to go with a later model non-nailhead buick v8 and auto trans. If anyone wants these parts let me know.
     
  27. belair
    Joined: Jul 10, 2006
    Posts: 9,015

    belair
    Member

    I think Missysdad (sp) put a Chevelle rear end under his 55. He (or whoever it was) used the upper and lower control arms. Could do a Hot Rods to Hell /Chevy pick-up rear suspension.
     
  28. wndsofchng06
    Joined: Feb 27, 2012
    Posts: 64

    wndsofchng06
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    you mean trailing arms?
     
  29. jonahboo
    Joined: Mar 22, 2009
    Posts: 311

    jonahboo
    Member
    from NJ

    the 264 is external balanced while the 322 is not (correct me if i am wrong folks) - so if doing a 322 - get pulleys and flywheel etc......btw power stearing pulleys for 264 are hard to come by - if you have one - don't toss it out
     
  30. jonahboo
    Joined: Mar 22, 2009
    Posts: 311

    jonahboo
    Member
    from NJ

    in addition - does your gas pedal starter still work? - if so plan ahead as not to screw it up with an engine upgarde (if you wanna keep it) - i like mine and will live with the generator and 2bbl in order to keep it

    322 w/ 4bbl should/could also work - get all proper pieces to facilitate install
     

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