As John Codman says , the '56 dual exhaust manifolds would be the best , along with dual exhausts. On the single exhaust cars: The driver's side manifold outlet points forward (for the cross over pipe) , but could still be used on a dual set up
I wasn't throwing stones :beers2: People might have varying results from things like mismatched parts combinations or carbs that limit opening rate, etc. It's very difficult to get a broad sense of opinions when there are various skill levels with enthusiasts, right there along with different priorities. Even the answer "headers only added 15 hp" is as misleading as the topic of trying to reach "250hp". The boosted torque through the power band negates a header/hp query along with the concept of moving the vehicle with greater ease (topic of this post).
I have an old copy of Hot Rod Deluxe magazine here dated November 2009. It goes through a comprehensive rebuild of a 322 and at the end of it the engine dynos at 325 HP @ 5,000 RPM Quote " After discovering it preferred 36 degrees of total timing paired with 55 idle jets, 155 main jets and 200 air bleeds, we were rewarded with a very respectable 325 hp at 5000 RPM and an even better plateau - like torque curve that peaked at 385 lb- ft at 3,800 RPM and averaged 357 lb-ft from 3,000 to 5,000 RPM. Not bad for a little antique engine " That's with a sophisticated multiple Weber carb set up. If I'm allowed to ( and can get some technological help :Comp: ) I can reproduce it here ---- maybe
So you've gotten a bunch of advice on the engine side, so on the EFI side, why is there a minimum horsepower requirement? EFI works from idle to WOT, if it can deliver the correct amount of fuel at idle it can deliver less than 250HP worth of fuel if you don't achieve your HP target. It's just a BS statement IMO and I'd be leery of whomever is peddling the system and their actual knowledge of EFI and would be hard pressed to rely on them for actual technical support once installed. EFI typically has upper HP limitations, which is basically using too small of an injector and limiting the amount of fuel that can be delivered in higher HP applications. It's getting rarer, but older EFI systems can have trouble at idle IF the injectors are waaaaay too big, because say the engine needs 900HP worth of fuel at WOT and it has trouble dribbling in at idle, but modern EFI high-resolution control's can fix this, older systems cannot. Basically the minimum HP requirement is a red flag to me.
Thanks for the reply Silver. I would like to use the kit from FITech. I'm sure this would require some kind of carb spacer/adapter and possibly a low profile air filter of some kind. Or maybe even a hood alteration. Then again it may not be possible at all. That's why I'm asking for input.
I got my '55 322 built by Ross Racing Engines out of Niles, OH. Around 300HP, running 6 Stromberg 97s. Much of the internals machined in house or using race components. The bill would make your hair curl but it was just what my car needed, happy camper. It is totally drivable and will be making a 3k mile round trip to Austin in a few weeks.<object id="kpm_plugin" type="application/x-KPMPlugin"></object> They just completed a blown 4-71 nailhead too. They specialize in vintage motors, pros...
Although the factory horsepower figures in the 1950s were gross horsepower, the '56 4 bbl 322 is rated at 255 hp.
FITech should have no problem with low HP. I know some inline six guys looking into it and they make waaaay less than 200HP. Check and double check, but I thought I heard that FITech offers or will be offering an even cheaper model for sub-400HP engines. Like a $800 unit +fuel system. Check Holley too as it sounds like they are going to enter a pricing competition with FITech with their own low dollar TBI system. I've only heard of two minor issues with FITech, and everything else I've heard has been great. Seems a like a fair amount of market demand is there and the price deck is finally low enough for lots of buy in.
That's good info Silver. I'll keep researching to find what works best. By the time I'm ready to buy, hopefully I will have it narrowed down to the best model for what I need.
In Spring 1964 I installed a 322 4barrel 255hp in my 1954 Buick Special. It had a stick shift tranny and 3.90 rear end. The original 264 2 barrel carb and would run about equal to a 55 Ford in a drag race. I was told by the local circle track racers to find a 1956 4barrel engine if I want to go faster, so I found one. The 1956 322 fit right in easily and to my delight, would beat any 390 Ford on the road, automatic or 4 speed. Raced many cars with that engine. Earned a reputation for miles around. Not picking on Fords, there were many around the area that wanted to race. Beat all kinds with that old Buick. Stayed within a fender of a big Pontiac Bonneville 421 4 speed and he congratulated me for that tight race. I had 4 people in my car that night so that added a 1/4 ton to my race weight. Never turned down a race and beat 90% of those who tried. Left ALL 1950's cars in the dust...blew them away. I cut the exhaust pipes off near the manifolds and slid flex pipe over them with u clamps and wired the ends to the frame under the front seat. Loud but never got a tickets. Nailheads are not loud as other engines. I bumped the timing up a hair over stock, eleminated the heat riser valve. Best power was 3500 to 5000 but let her rip to 6000 rpm on all top end runs. Double valve springs allowed the high rpm but limited the rpm to 6000 by floating valves at that speed. (3.90 gears allowed 120 mph at 6000 rpm) A "friend" totaled my Buick in October 1964, or I would still be driving it today. ***** Fact check: Kenny-Bell built a 1956 322 that took a big Buick through the 1/4 mile in the 14"s back in the day! My Buick beat, by 3 car lengths, a 1958 Chevy that ran a 16 flat in the 1/4 mile. That's my only ET yardstick. A "k stock" class 54 Buick Century with only 195 hp 322 ran mid 15's NHRA that same summer of 1964. "Motor Sports" magazine road tested a 1964 Galaxie 390 300hp at 16.7 seconds at 85.3 mph in July of 1964. "Motor Trend" magazine road tested a 1964 Pontiac Catalina 421 370hp 3X2 barrels at 15.7 seconds at 93 mph May of 1964. Friends asked me why the old Buick ran so good. I had no answer. I just have great respect for the 1956 322 nailhead engines. I think light "Racetec" pistons, light weight rods, and carefully selected camshaft would give the 322 a real boost.
