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Basics: be sure compression, ignition, carb are all optimal.
Check for worn timing chain: http://www.misterfixit.com/chanslop.htm
Rear gears: 3.4 to 4.xx will be the quickest way to wake it...

PM sent with contact info of vendor.

Rockauto has specs

Long thread over at BCA forums...guy is an engineer and analyzed everything including cams: http://forums.aaca.org/topic/276369-1955-engine-rebuild/#comment-1479258
Found that some cams are just...

Get your brakes working and get some good tires first.
Run a straight exhaust or a short glass pack...the added noise and vibration creates a 'testosterone effect' and the car will seem faster....

What transmission? Rear gears?

Best kits: http://www.thecarburetorshop.com and support!

:hurray:
:hurray:

Springs are never needed in the upper radiator hose. Some think they are needed in the lower hose --- I never use them. If you think you need a spring in a radiator hose, be sure it does not touch...

Ben, check the plugs again after a prolonged highway speed run. Any engine will show 'soot' on some or all plugs if examined after cold starts.

:cool::app::thumbsup:

Sure, same price with or without the cvt.

Custom mix at a paint store, or do like I did 25 years ago: take a sample to the rattle can section of a parts store or other and compare the lid colors. A close color match is all you need since...

Look for group 10.219
part no 465166 rt; 4651367 lt
I have a pair but they would be expensive since they are installed on my cvt.:D

Not reproduced, so used is what you search for; most are pretty rare and crusty by now.

But did the radiator shop remove the top or inlet tank and rod it out? If they cannot or will not do that then the new aluminum radiator will probably solve your problem.

For a quick comparison, hang the replacement and 401 piston on the same wrist pin. With a straight edge compare the dome height and the lower flat area.

Maybe they did something stupid like removing the rivets and leaving the bolts out. Then cutting the center larger (machining accurately would be expensive). Better check back spacing before hand. ...

The center hole is smaller too and will not fit over the hub. And it is not just the guide pin...there has to be relief for the rivets on the front and the drum to axle bolts on the rear. Your...

Thanks for the update. As a test set the valve lash at 0.015"; if compression improves, try 1/2- 1 turn lifter preload. Modern rings need no special procedure to seat, but who knows how "modern"...

Valves adjusted too tight? Timing chain installation?

That part no is for a 56 Buick 322
Try these guys: http://water-pump-rebuilders.com/buick%20water%20pumps.html

"The VIN says its a 54 Roadmaster with power steering however it has special fenders on it,"
Probably 54 Super fenders...
Anyhow it is a big series car and the steering shaft will be longer.

Pictures of the donor car? Even if it turns out to be a small series there may be difference in the shaft length 54 vs 55.

A similar problem with Pertronix in a nailhead: After removing the Pertronix and replacing the points the distributor had to be rotated 15* to set the timing; also the arc tracks on the electrodes...