Originally Posted by
My55buick
The 264 in my 55 Special is a real dog. But I've heard Centurys were pretty quick. I've also read about Fireball Roberts beating Hemi powered Chrysler's with a Century. So I think a 322 is enough. Plus I like the car to look stock when you open the hood. I'm having a tough time finding a 322 to build in the New Jersey area, but I keep finding 322 blocks or complete motors on the other side of the country. Right now there's a 53 short block on ebay for $500 that needs a rebuild. I've read 53 was the worst version of the 322 and 56 was the best. Could I run 56 pistons, cam and lifters, with my heads on the 53 block?
What about a later model 401 nail head? Easy swap and you get rid of that dynaflow and get a 3 speed automatic. Looks original to the untrained eye. I did one in a friend's 56 Special. I've driven a rebuilt and healthy 1956 322/ dynaflow car and it got the car up to speed but wasn't impressive. If original under hood appearance and power are your goals, go with the biggest nail head you can find.
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