Who knows their Nailheads?

While I was chasing parts at the auto boneyard I came across this Buick Nailhead
Engine is in a "Special"-Owner of the wrecking yard said it was stuck and wouldn't turn over.

The only number I could see on it was on the left side of the block

"V8004965"

Anybody know what year and displacement it is??-It has a 4 barrel on it that looks like a factory piece.

 

264 or 322 but I don't see the code in this list.

1953
40 L-8 2636950620-4
50 V-8 322* V2415-5
70 V-8 322* 70 V2001-7
1954
40 V-8 264*V273956-4
50 V-8 322* V273956-5
60 V-8 322* V273956-6
70 V-8 322*V273956-7
100 V-8 322*V273956-100
1955
40 V-8 264*V720080-4
50 V 8 322*V720080-5
60 V-8 322*V720080-6
70 V-8 322*V720080-7
1956
40 V-8 322 2bbl*V1460023-4
50 V-8 322*V1460023-5
60 V-8 322*V1460023-6
70 V-8 322*V1460023-7

 

Pm Nailhead Terry he know his stuff

 

Thanks Guys-I had the same problem-the web info available doesn't match up to the numbers on the block.

 

yeah I don't deal with the 264-322's much, more of a 364/401/425 guy, they have a nice pad in front of the valley pan with the codes on them.

 

I can't tell if the car is a '55 or '56. A '55 Special would be a 264, if it's a '56 it'll be a 322, that being it has the original engine.

 

Story is the car was in the process of being retored when it was pushed outside and forgotton-for about 8 or 10 years-so I don't know if it was rebuilt or not or if it was the original motor or not-it is clean and looks like it was painted up so ??? anyone's guess

Jim

 

My guess is it's an early 56 Century 322. It has the 56 dual exaust manifolds but a low production number.

 

i BELIEVE THE SPARK PLUG COVERS MEAN ITS A322

 

The car in the pics has the dash of a 55 Super or Roadmaster it looks like though. 56 had the rectangular gauges didn't they? & a 55 Century or Special would've just had the 2 large round gauges.

 

The -5 at the end of the engine number means it is from a Super and the serial number puts it in the '55 production range (800,496 is greater than 720,080 but less than 1,460,023) so it should be a 322 from a '55 Super and should have a 4 bbl carb.


http://www.teambuick.com/forums/view.php?pg=indent_engine_53-58

 

All the 264/322 engines had the shields. The Special was never factory equipped with a 4 barrel carburetor. 1955 was the last year for the 264

At least on 55 IIRC there was a dash on the serial number plate, that denoted a 264.

I can check this out when I get home tonight as I have both a 55 and a 56 service manual.

 

Any idea what HP and torque this would be stock?

 

Factory rating for horse power was 236 and torque was 330 ft-lbs.

 

264 does not have a harmonic balancer.

 

Yes I believe this is correct I forgot the numbers dont follow the models in order . the 56 only dual exhaust manifolds through me but t56 started at 14xxx and that motor has the 53,54 early 55 oil filler in the valley pan I wonder if it has the windage tray.