I have a 55 buick special 264 nailhead w/ dynoflow and I was thinking about dropping a 322 nailhead in it since I have one available. Does anyone know if its a straight drop-in will I have any problems lining up the 322 w/ the trans or mounts anything like that, is it worth the trouble? thanks
SO long as you have the balancer for the 322, it should be a direct bolt in. The motor mounts, bellhousing, exhuast manifolds, accessories etc. from the 264 will bolt right up to the 322. If the 322 is a 4bbl, you may need to modify the linkage slightly, but not 100% sure. I would think a good running 322 should be a noticable improvement over a good running 264. I think in '55 it was about a 48hp increase for the 322 over the 264. If the 322 is from a '56 it woudl be even more of an increase. Essentially you will be making a Century out of your Special-big 322 in small Special body-the gentlemans hot rod.:TU: IF you could do a dual exhaust this would be a nice help also. The next big improvement for power is Telesco roller tipped rockers:eek2:
where can I get some Telesco roller tipped rockers and how much of a improment will they make? I'm going to run dual exhaust and have they stub out of the port holes about 3-5 inchs.
Just to clarify, Tom goes by 'Telriv' (no second 'E'). I am not sure the hp increase on a 322" but they proved about 25+hp just by bolting on to a stock 401". I would think they may do slightly better on the 322" as they had slightly less rocker ratio than the 401" stock. GO to the 'Nailhead' forum and do a search for Tom's roller rockers. There is quite a bit of info there. I have them for my 401 adn couldn't be happier, several others are running them, no one has had anything bad to say. I recommend you contact Tom directly for more info, I am sure he will have plenty for you.
