Hello I am a long time Tri-5 Chevy guy and I had been looking at Buick's for years and always wanted to build a old 55 Buick. I found this 1955 Buick super. I had plans on putting a 327 and th350 auto. When I put this car on face book all my friends said I should keep it all Buick. I have a line on a 322 nail head. I believe this is a good way to go. Now standing in my way is no transmission and a torque tube rear end. The plan on this car is a cruiser. I want it low!!!! I am going for a weathered patina rat rod style car. Last thing is I want to keep this a low cost build. Any ideas ???
Since you are NOT concerned about originality I would opt for a 401/425. It's basically a bolt-in swap from a 322 with the advantage of being able to/have a TH400 switch-pitch or non switch pitch. MUCH has been written/posted on swapping rears to open drive. Do some research & have fun!!!! Tom T.
I think this is a great idea. I would say the only down side I see is cost. I am not tying to be cheap, but I am looking to build a low cost car. The other question is on the rear end what is the best way to to convert to a open drive line. I see there are a few way to go about that. Thanks for your idea.
I too would vote for this. Your friends are right, if at all possible keep it Buick powered! You said yourself you've always been looking at them, why not keep your Buick all Buick! I'm afraid I don't have much knowledge of torque tubes so I can't help ya there, but I'm sure someone will chime in that knows.
X2 on the 401/425 swap and convert to open drive line. Wouldn't it be nice to have a smokin' hot 325 HP motor that looks just like the original 188 HP 264? Only your Buick buddies would know. :TU: And, you might find that the cost isn't any more for the larger motor if you are patient and shop around.
I voted for the Nailhead, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the Naihead and the Dynaflow if you decide to keep it close to stock, it'll still scare the heck out of you, and if you follow Tom's advice and go with the 401 or 425, properly and mildly kitted out it will put any Chebby Mouse to shame. There's no replacement for displacement, and it won't work if there's no torque. Stay with the Buick.