So I just learned the exhaust valves are 2 piece assemblies from the factory? :rant: o No: WTF were they thinking?!!!! Im gonna try and yank it this weekend and get it torn down. Luckily my engine shop I use is very familiar with rebuilding nailheads. :TU: No where do I get a good cam to get this sucker to Lope at idle? :laugh:
Buick Master Chassis Parts book shows; 1955 all Exhaust Valve Part#1166463 Quantity 8 From that; I get there are 8 one piece exhaust valves interchangeable 264 to 322. Maybe TA Performance has a cam. I'm not sure he has them for our 1955 322's and 264's
I am with John,,,, another nailhead is the best option,,,, if you cannot salvage the one you have....first , tear completely down and very carefully inspect the block , taking a close look at the oil galley under the cam... to determine which way to go on it..... Then very carefully plan a path to a rebuilt engine.... but first you gotta tear down and inspect....
Not to stray off topic, but do you have any pictures of those Marauders or Cadillacs? Maybe a new thread for them? I'd be interested in seeing them. Good luck with your rebuild.
Two piece exhaust valves have been a part of the oem's for 60 or more years. They are still used today. The top and the bottom of the valve start out as two seperate peices, and then they are pressed together during the final stages of valve manufacture. All 455 stock valves are two piece valves I believe. One piece stainless valves are the performance upgrade. It's a practice that continues to this day. Here is a thread from the corvette forum.. what happens when a two piece valve fails. This is with the New LS7 engine. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-...z06-exhaust-valve-upgrade.html#post1572763585 JW
You can test most 2 piece valves with a magnet as the magnet only sticks to half the valve check it out.
I noticed that there is a used 264 short engine assembly for sale in the "parts for sale" section. The price is $40 so obviously it needs overhaul, but if your block, crank, or cam is damaged - it might be a good source of parts. I don't know where you are - the engine is in CA.
Back in the dark ages, Thompson products single-piece valves were an upgrade that was very frequently made. As was said earlier - most valves are made from two seperate pieces. This introduces the possibility that the two pieces could go their separate ways. In practice; this very rarely happens. NBD for a street engine.
