Which engine for my 1954 century?

[deadlydaz]

I have just brought a 1954 Century, it has no engine at the moment. I'm not sure which way to go with it do i try and get an engine that would have gone in it or something like a small block chevy? What would go well with not too much trouble? Also i live in the UK which slightly limits availability. All opinions very appretiated.
Thanks Daz.

[Bob]

Any Buick motor would go nicely into a '54. Try a 401 nailhead, or 400/430/455.

[deadlydaz]

Originally Posted by Bob

Any Buick motor would go nicely into a '54. Try a 401 nailhead, or 400/430/455.

Hello, thats great thanks for your advice. Do you know what is best to do with the prop and gear box?
Cheers Daz.

[theoldguy]

With a 401-425 ,you may have exhaust manifold problems by the steering box. You can builld headers that wil lclear. If you stay with the torque tube , you be limited on gear selection.
You can alwayys put in an open drive line with a 4 link and run any engine you want. It just requires a little more mount fabrication.

[Jim Carmichael]

I have a good running 322 that is numbers correct for a 1956 special that I just removed from my 1955 along with the rebuilt dynaflow transmission if you are close to the Seattle area.

To install the 401 engine you will need to do the same things we just did on my 1955. You can see what we did on my blog page on this site.

[deadlydaz]

thanks for the offer but i am in england so very long way away!

[MrEarl]

Since you ARE in England, I would suggest keeping it as simple as possible and staying with an original 322. Jim's offer wouldn't be bad especially considering it comes with a rebuilt tranny. The 1956 Special 322 while not numbers correct would be a step up from a 54 322 if you replace the 2 barrel intake and carb. And I would love to have that rebuilt 56 tranny (sith variable pitch stators) in my Special. If Jim would be willing to crate and ship, the costs aren't that great to ship across the pond. Probably wouldn't cost you much more to ship to you than that it would me, and I'm just on the other coast. Just something to think aboot....