Identifying Buick Nailhead engine - Page 2

dei · July 8th, 2009

Finally! Moved this boat anchor, scrapped off the crud and here is the number I3347574. The first number looks more like a letter than a 1 but based on what you bet the last number to be MrEarl will wait for the experts here.

Have now come across (moving more stuff) an intake for a nail head that is for three two barrel carbs but no carbs or linkage. Any ideas of price? Thanks to all so far, Doug.

MrEarl · July 8th, 2009

Since Mike and Willie, the two real 55 "Experts" haven't answered yet, let me give it a shot. The 4 on the end does equal a Special engine which would be a 264 and the rest of the number - 1,334,757 - falls in the 1955 engine range which is between (and I'm taking this from memory

) 720,080 and 1,460,023.

Now let's talk about that 3 deuce intake you found. Now that's a real boat anchor there. But I tell ya what ol' MrEarl will do. I'll bet you a set of 1945 Buick Portholes against that worthless intake that I'm right about the engine.

shadup Mike and Willie

buick5563 · July 8th, 2009

Dearest Lamar,
I DID respond earlier when I thought it had a harmonic balancer. Since it just has a pulley, it is definitely a 264. Unfortunately, this is the least desireable Nailhead. Definitely a boat anchor. The 3 deuce manifold (for Mr. Earl's sake) is also a boat anchor. In reality, those 3 deuce setups are available with carbs, linkage, intake, plus gaskets for around a grand. So... In reality, some value there, but certainly under 300 bucks.

old-tank · July 8th, 2009

While the 264 will not be in high demand (for use in 55 Specials where they were installed) due to being tough and durable, all nailheads are in great demand by rodders. Also everything except the pistons, intake and block are interchangeable with the 322 used in the other series Buicks. Rodders will also want the 3 duece manifold; it is just 'eye-candy' since it is a pain to set up and doesn't flow as well as one 4-barrel.
Willie

buick5563 · July 8th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by buick5563

Dearest Lamar,
I DID respond earlier when I thought it had a harmonic balancer. Since it just has a pulley, it is definitely a 264. Unfortunately, this is the least desireable Nailhead. Definitely a boat anchor. The 3 deuce manifold (for Mr. Earl's sake) is also a boat anchor. In reality, those 3 deuce setups are available with carbs, linkage, intake, plus gaskets for around a grand. So... In reality, some value there, but certainly under 300 bucks.

Sorry,
Didn't mean to say the 264 was completely trash. It is an awesome engine...
BUT it IS the least desirable due to least cubic inches. Plus anybody wanting to rebuild a Special will most likely put a 322 in

Obviously the second half of my post needs the tongue in cheek "smiley".
Just send the manifold to Mr. Earl and I won't have to buy it!

MrEarl · July 9th, 2009

I was just jiving about the manifold. I'm holding out for an Edmunds dual Carter quad set up. the manifold would do well on eBay. Be sure to include "nailhead" in the title. if you happen to have the spark plug covers laying around they would do well also.

dei · July 10th, 2009

THANKS TO ALL who have offered help and advice on my nail head. I definitely won't be using this engine myself since my interests are the 58's. I've never tried to sell anything on E-bay and not sure based on what this motor is (55 Special 264 vs 322) that it would be worth the effort as now it appears to be stuck and the two barrel intake has a broken tab (corner bolt hole casting) near the coil side that makes this useless too. Oh, and while I have not put my hands on the spark plug side covers just yet (I know they are here) both studs are broken on the left bank head so again thinking now FREE TO GOOD HOME might be the way to go.
I will be doing SOMETHING with this before the winter as time (clearing up) is pressing so spread the word and maybe it can be saved / useful to somebody?
My comment about it being a boat anchor was more the fact I had been to a car show and Miss America X was on display and after trying to move my motor around forgot just how heavy these things are especially without my engine lift! Once again, want to thank everyone for the help, Doug.

Buick Bonery · July 13th, 2009

It is a 264, but I can't tell if it is a 54 or 55.