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TorqueList Garage Reference Series

Volume 1 · Buick

Engine
Reference Catalog

Factory specifications, architecture, key variants, engineering notes, racing history and the stories that made Buick's most important engines matter.

Technical reference•Historical context•Builder notes•Print ready

Edition 1.0 · September 2026 · Published

Public preview · first 3 engine profiles unlocked

14

Detailed engine profiles

11/14

Commercially cleared photos

84

Source references

V1

5 engine families

Publication notice

Independent TorqueList reference

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Accuracy

Specifications can vary by model year, application, option code, market, and production revision. Verify critical service, purchasing, racing, and installation information against the exact factory documentation for the specific vehicle or engine before relying on it.

Media policy

Third-party photographs appear only when their commercial-use basis is recorded. Creator, source, and license information is retained with each approved image. Engines without an approved third-party photograph use TorqueList-owned original technical artwork.

Contents

Buick Engine Reference — Volume 1

Profiles are organized by engine family and pull from the same published TorqueList Engine Library used by the web experience.

Nailhead V8

5 profiles
Buick 264 Nailhead V81954–1955
264 ci
Buick 322 Nailhead V81953–1956
322 ci
Buick 364 Nailhead V81957–1961
364 ci
Buick 401 Nailhead / Wildcat 4451959–1966
401 ci
Buick 425 Nailhead / Wildcat 4651963–1966
425 ci

Aluminum Small-Block Buick

1 profiles
Buick 215 Aluminum V81961–1963 Buick production era
215 ci

Small-Block Buick

3 profiles
Buick 300 V81964–1967
300 ci
Buick 340 V81966–1967
340 ci
Buick 350 V8 / GS 3501968–1981
350 ci

Big-Block Buick

3 profiles
Buick 400 V8 / Stage 11967–1969
400 ci
Buick 430 V81967–1969
430 ci
Buick 455 / GS 455 Stage 11970–1976 455 family; Stage 1 performance era 1970–1974
455 ci

Buick Turbo V6

2 profiles
Buick 3.8 Turbo V6 — Carbureted1978–1983 turbo-carbureted era
231 ci
Buick 3.8 SFI Turbo V6 / Grand National & GNX1984–1987 SFI Grand National era; intercooled 1986–1987
231 ci
14/14 profiles include reference sources.
Every engine has artwork; rights-cleared real photos replace TorqueList original technical art as they are approved.
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01

TorqueList Technical Reference

Nailhead V8

Full web profile

Buick 264 Nailhead V8

The small-bore early Nailhead that brought Buick's new OHV V8 architecture to the Special.

TorqueList Original Technical Art

Buick 264 Nailhead V8

V8 · N/A

4.3L
★

Why it matters

Key takeaway

The 264 used the same compact Nailhead architecture as Buick's larger early V8s but with a smaller bore, giving the lighter Special a modern OHV engine without the full-size car's displacement.

Key variants

All variants1954 264 Special1955 264 Special

Engineering

Technical specification

Architecture
90-degree OHV V8
Block
Cast iron
Cylinder heads
Cast iron
Valvetrain
Pushrod OHV, vertical-valve Nailhead cylinder-head layout
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Fuel delivery
Carbureted
Firing order
1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3
Main bearings
5

The 264 used Buick's compact Nailhead layout with a 3.625-inch bore and 3.203-inch stroke. Nearly vertical valves, narrow valve covers, and cast-iron construction gave the engine distinctive packaging and strong low-rpm torque despite modest displacement.

Builder reference

Internal Specifications

Variant-specific values are labeled. For engine families with multiple factory combinations, the exact RPO/code/year takes priority over the family summary.

Identification & Output

Engine codes / RPO
1953–1958 Nailheads are primarily identified by the stamped engine serial/application; 1955 Series 40 264 engines use Series-40 serial identification rather than a later two-letter production code
Casting numbers
1165752 (1954–1955 264 block reference), 1165549 / 1166349 (264/322 cylinder-head references)
Power rating
SAE gross / period brake horsepower
Horsepower RPM
188 hp @ 4800 rpm in documented 1955 specification
Torque RPM
256 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm in documented 1955 specification

Rotating Assembly

Rod length
6.000 in

Operating Specs

Production notes
Buick introduced the 264 for 1954 by combining a 3.625-inch bore with the 322 family’s 3.203-inch stroke. It was used primarily in the Series 40 Special and ended after 1955.

Compatibility Notes

  • The 264/322 share early Nailhead architecture and some top-end parts, but bore size, compression, pistons and application hardware must be matched to the exact engine.
  • Do not assume later 364/401/425 manifolds, mounts, transmission interfaces or accessories directly interchange with the early 264/322 group.

Factory fitment

Notable applications

1954 Buick Special1955 Buick Special

Versions that matter

Key factory / build variants

1954 264 Special

Smaller-bore entry version of Buick’s first-generation Nailhead

1954

Application/transmission dependent

1955 264 Special

Final 264 production version

1955

188 hp @ 4800 rpm; 256 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

Strengths

  • Compact Buick V8 architecture
  • Strong low-rpm torque character
  • Historically important early Nailhead

Watch-outs

  • Small bore restricts valve and airflow potential
  • Original early Nailhead parts require specialized sourcing

Common upgrades

  • Dual exhaust
  • Period multi-carb induction
  • Modern ignition hidden inside stock distributor

Builder notes

Engineering notes worth knowing

01

264 cu in / 4.3 L with 3.625 x 3.203-inch bore and stroke.

02

90-degree OHV Nailhead V8 with cast-iron block and heads.

03

Carbureted and naturally aspirated.

04

Documented 1955 torque: 256 lb-ft at 2,400 rpm.

History & context

The story behind the engine

The 264 was the smaller side of Buick's first modern V8 family. It gave the lighter Special the same unusual Nailhead architecture as Buick's larger engines without the extra displacement.

Racing history

The 264 was Buick’s smaller economy-oriented Nailhead rather than the division’s headline competition engine. Its historical importance is architectural: it shared the compact vertical-valve Nailhead layout that grew into the 322, 364, 401 and 425.

Legacy

The 264 established the smaller-displacement side of Buick's first modern V8 family.

Verification

Reference sources

Team Buick Nailhead blueprinting specifications

technical reference

Buicks.net Nailhead casting-number reference

technical reference

1955 Buick factory-spec compilation — 264/322 output, torque and firing order

historical factory specification

Team Buick — Nailhead block/head casting numbers

technical reference

Team Buick — 1953–1958 Buick engine identification

identification reference

TorqueList independent reference · Not an OEM publication or endorsement. Original TorqueList editorial and layout rights reserved.

02

TorqueList Technical Reference

Nailhead V8

Full web profile

Buick 322 Nailhead V8

Buick's first production Nailhead displacement and the engine behind the early-1950s performance push.

Buick 322 Nailhead V8 engine

Buick 322 Nailhead V8 enginePhoto: Mr.choppers — CC BY-SA 3.0 — via Wikimedia Commons · source · license

★

Why it matters

Key takeaway

The 322 introduced Buick's new short-stroke, high-torque OHV V8 architecture for 1953 and formed the basis of the Nailhead family that would grow to 425 cubic inches.

Key variants

All variants1953 322 Roadmaster1955 high-output 3221956 322

Engineering

Technical specification

Architecture
90-degree OHV V8
Block
Cast iron
Cylinder heads
Cast iron
Valvetrain
Pushrod OHV, Nailhead valve layout
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Fuel delivery
Carbureted
Firing order
1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3
Main bearings
5

The 322 launched Buick's Nailhead family with a large 4.00-inch bore, short 3.203-inch stroke, and nearly vertical valve layout. The unusual head design kept the engine externally narrow and delivered the low-speed torque Buick prized.

Builder reference

Internal Specifications

Variant-specific values are labeled. For engine families with multiple factory combinations, the exact RPO/code/year takes priority over the family summary.

Identification & Output

Engine codes / RPO
1953–1956 322s are identified primarily by stamped engine serial/vehicle series; Buick did not yet use the later universal two-letter production-code system
Casting numbers
1165165 (1953–1956 322 block reference), 1169334 (1956–1959 322-family block reference), 1165549 / 1166349 / 1168930 / 1169349 (322 head references)
Power rating
SAE gross / period brake horsepower
Horsepower RPM
236 hp @ 4600 rpm in documented 1955 Century/Super/Roadmaster specification
Torque RPM
330 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm in documented 1955 specification

Rotating Assembly

Rod length
6.000 in

Operating Specs

Production notes
Introduced for 1953 as Buick’s first modern OHV V8, the 322 used a 4.00-inch bore and short 3.203-inch stroke. Output climbed rapidly during its four-year run before Buick enlarged the family to 364 cid for 1957.

Compatibility Notes

  • Early 264/322 Nailheads share more architecture with each other than with the later 364/401/425 group; verify intake, exhaust, mounts and transmission interface before interchange.
  • Engine serial and casting/date should be used together because a bare casting alone does not document the original vehicle or factory power specification.

Factory fitment

Notable applications

Buick RoadmasterBuick SuperBuick Century

Versions that matter

Key factory / build variants

1953 322 Roadmaster

Launch-year Buick Nailhead V8

1953

188 hp class

1955 high-output 322

Century/Roadmaster performance specification

1955

236 hp / 330 lb-ft

1956 322

Final and highest-development 322 production year

1956

Application dependent

Strengths

  • Large 4.00-inch bore for an early-1950s V8
  • Compact external dimensions
  • Distinctive low-rpm torque delivery

Watch-outs

  • Unusual cylinder-head layout limits modern airflow compared with later designs
  • Heavy and specialized compared with mainstream later V8s

Common upgrades

  • Dual-quad or multiple-carb induction
  • Electronic ignition conversion
  • Improved cooling and sealing

Builder notes

Engineering notes worth knowing

01

322 cu in / 5.3 L with 4.00 x 3.203-inch bore and stroke.

02

90-degree OHV Nailhead V8.

03

Carbureted and naturally aspirated.

04

Documented 1955 high-output torque: about 330 lb-ft.

History & context

The story behind the engine

The 322 introduced the architecture that would make Buick's early V8s instantly recognizable. Its narrow package and torque-heavy personality became the defining traits of the Nailhead family.

Racing history

The 322 helped make mid-1950s Buick Century models famous for combining the lighter Special body with Roadmaster power. It was a strong high-speed road-car engine, although Buick did not mount a factory racing program comparable to later dedicated muscle-era Stage packages.

Legacy

The 322 launched one of Buick's most recognizable engine families.

Verification

Reference sources

Team Buick Nailhead specifications

technical reference

Buicks.net Nailhead casting numbers

technical reference

1955 Buick factory-spec compilation — 264/322 output, torque and firing order

historical factory specification

Team Buick — Nailhead block/head casting numbers

technical reference

Team Buick — 1953–1958 Buick engine identification

identification reference

TorqueList independent reference · Not an OEM publication or endorsement. Original TorqueList editorial and layout rights reserved.

03

TorqueList Technical Reference

Nailhead V8

Full web profile

Buick 364 Nailhead V8

The 1957 enlargement that added bore, stroke and torque while keeping Buick's compact Nailhead architecture.

TorqueList Original Technical Art

Buick 364 Nailhead V8

V8 · N/A

6L
★

Why it matters

Key takeaway

The 364 was Buick's first major second-generation Nailhead enlargement. It added both bore and stroke over the 322 and became the bridge to the 401/425 performance engines.

Key variants

All variants364 two-barrel364 Power Pack four-barrel

Engineering

Technical specification

Architecture
90-degree OHV V8
Block
Cast iron
Cylinder heads
Cast iron
Valvetrain
Pushrod OHV, Nailhead valve layout
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Fuel delivery
Carbureted
Firing order
1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3
Main bearings
5

The 364 enlarged the Nailhead with a 4.125-inch bore and 3.391-inch stroke. It retained the compact vertical-valve cylinder-head architecture while adding enough displacement to move Buick's larger late-1950s cars with authority.

Builder reference

Internal Specifications

Variant-specific values are labeled. For engine families with multiple factory combinations, the exact RPO/code/year takes priority over the family summary.

Identification & Output

Engine codes / RPO
3F (representative 1959 364), 3G / L3G (representative 1960 364 standard/economy), 3HH (1961 364 Power Pack)
Casting numbers
1173201 / 1174372 / 1196547 (364 block references), 1172889 (1957–1961 364 head reference), 1190415 / 1196914 (later shared 364/401/425 head references)
Power rating
SAE gross / period brake horsepower
Horsepower RPM
300 hp @ 4600 rpm in documented 1957 four-barrel specification; later versions varied
Torque RPM
400 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm in documented 1957 four-barrel specification

Rotating Assembly

Rod length
6.100 in

Operating Specs

Production notes
For 1957 Buick increased the Nailhead to 364 cid with a 4.125-inch bore and approximately 3.40-inch stroke. Two-barrel, economy and high-compression four-barrel calibrations continued through 1961.

Compatibility Notes

  • 364 shares the later Nailhead family layout but differs from 401/425 in bore, stroke, deck/rotating parts and year-specific induction; verify casting and application before mixing internals.
  • 1961 transitional castings can overlap family references, so use production code, bore measurement and casting/date together rather than relying on one number.

Factory fitment

Notable applications

Buick SpecialBuick CenturyBuick SuperBuick RoadmasterBuick Electra

Versions that matter

Key factory / build variants

364 two-barrel

Regular-production Nailhead

1957–1961

210–250 hp class depending year/compression

364 Power Pack four-barrel

High-compression four-barrel/dual-exhaust performance package

1957–1961

Up to 300 hp / 405 lb-ft in documented versions

Strengths

  • 4.125-inch bore
  • Strong torque for full-size Buick applications
  • Mature Nailhead design

Watch-outs

  • Unique Nailhead intake/exhaust layout
  • Performance parts are more specialized than mainstream Chevrolet/Ford V8s

Common upgrades

  • Multiple-carb intake
  • Custom headers
  • Modern camshaft and ignition

Builder notes

Engineering notes worth knowing

01

364 cu in / 6.0 L with 4.125 x 3.391-inch bore and stroke.

02

90-degree OHV Nailhead V8 with cast-iron block and heads.

03

Four-barrel performance versions reached high compression for the era.

04

Documented 1957 four-barrel torque: 400 lb-ft.

History & context

The story behind the engine

The 364 showed how much room Buick still had to grow the Nailhead concept. More bore and stroke turned the compact V8 into a strong full-size luxury and performance engine.

Racing history

The 364 was primarily a powerful luxury/performance street engine, but its compact Nailhead architecture became popular in early hot rods, drag cars and custom builds because it delivered strong torque from a relatively narrow package.

Legacy

The 364 proved the Nailhead architecture could keep growing without losing its compact packaging.

Verification

Reference sources

Hemmings — 1957 Buick 364 Nailhead details

historical reference

Team Buick Nailhead specifications

technical reference

1957 Buick factory-spec compilation — 364 output, torque and firing order

historical factory specification

Team Buick — Nailhead block/head casting numbers

technical reference

Team Buick — U.S. Buick engine production codes

identification reference

TorqueList independent reference · Not an OEM publication or endorsement. Original TorqueList editorial and layout rights reserved.

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All-manufacturer workshop tools

Buick Workshop Companion

Builder utilities and edition 2.0 reference sections. Calculations use your entered measurements; empty or unverified interchange, machining, power and torque data are never represented as confirmed specifications.

Public preview: workshop reference content remains limited until this volume is unlocked. The compression calculator is a general educational utility.

Engine geometry & static compression

Starting values are examples only, not specifications for any engine. Use measured dimensions. Dish and valve relief add clearance volume; dome subtracts it. Deck means piston below deck at top dead center. Calculations are for one cylinder except total displacement.

Geometry
Compression inputs

Static compression

9.63:1

Displacement

349.8 ci

Displacement

5.733 L

Mean piston speed

3,480 ft/min

Rod-to-stroke ratio

1.638

Clearance volume

83.02 cc / cyl

Static compression = (swept + clearance) ÷ clearance. Mean piston speed = 2 × stroke (feet) × RPM. These calculations do not predict fuel octane, dynamic compression, safe RPM, engine strength, horsepower, or whether a combination will clear mechanically.

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Attribution record

Image & License Credits

Only photographs recorded as approved for commercial use appear in this edition. TorqueList does not claim ownership of third-party photographs; all fallback technical artwork is TorqueList-created original material.

Buick 322 Nailhead V8

Mr.choppers — CC BY-SA 3.0 — via Wikimedia Commons

CC BY-SA 3.0

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1956_Buick_322_V8_engine_(Century),_front_view.jpg

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Layout adaptations of this photograph remain subject to the same indicated CC BY-SA license.

TorqueList is an independent automotive reference publication and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, or authorized by Buick, General Motors, or any other vehicle or engine manufacturer.