Rusty Heaps Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 Other than the motor mounts, is there much difficulty in putting the nailhead in the ‘52 Special? I’m under the impression that one can use the stock standard transmission from the ‘52. Which bell house should one use? The ‘52 or ‘55. Also, will any nailhead from ‘55 fit? Other tips? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadhog1951 Posted February 13, 2021 Share Posted February 13, 2021 There were two nail head engines available in 1955, 264 and 322 cubes. They both used the same block, only the bore was different. Others will have to answer you other questions as I have no idea.....RH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted February 13, 2021 Share Posted February 13, 2021 On 2/9/2021 at 6:38 PM, Rusty Heaps said: Other than the motor mounts, is there much difficulty in putting the nailhead in the ‘52 Special? I’m under the impression that one can use the stock standard transmission from the ‘52. Which bell house should one use? The ‘52 or ‘55. Also, will any nailhead from ‘55 fit? Other tips? The one that fits the engine? Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted February 13, 2021 Share Posted February 13, 2021 The least you will need is the nailhead of course, nailhead bellhousing, clutch assembly, flywheel and all the linkage to adapt. The frame rails on the 52 may be narrower which will require custom made headers, a mini starter, and maybe relocation of the steering box. The 52 transmission may work, but is too light for all but the 264 nailhead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted February 13, 2021 Author Share Posted February 13, 2021 Okay, so I probably wouldn’t want the 322 with three deuces on Craigslist and try to back it up with the standard transmission that is original to the car. Better to find a 264. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Dollar for dollar you will be way ahead spending your money on the original engine and drivetrain. Have you driven a really good running 248 or 263? They are pretty good cars. Or sell the '52, put that money with the swap money + the contingency budget, and buy a V8 car. Bernie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted February 15, 2021 Author Share Posted February 15, 2021 (edited) 20 hours ago, 60FlatTop said: Dollar for dollar you will be way ahead spending your money on the original engine and drivetrain. Have you driven a really good running 248 or 263? They are pretty good cars. Or sell the '52, put that money with the swap money + the contingency budget, and buy a V8 car. Bernie I have a donor car that has the 263, but I am in a quandary about pulling the engine and transmission from a mostly complete car, even if it is a bit rusty. I do want to drive a straight eight car. I’ve never had the experience. That’s why I bought the ‘52 in the first place. I’ve driven several V8 vehicles over the years. The 1952 Special coupe is less common than the 1953 Special 2dr sedan. Edited February 15, 2021 by Rusty Heaps (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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