1954 264 Special
1954Application/transmission dependent
Smaller-bore entry version of Buick’s first-generation Nailhead
TorqueList Original Technical Art
Buick 264 Nailhead V8
V8 · N/A
Buick · Nailhead V8
Buick 264 Nailhead V8
The small-bore early Nailhead that brought Buick's new OHV V8 architecture to the Special.
264
Cubic inches
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
Displacement
264 ci
Bore
3.625"
Stroke
3.203"
Years
1954–1955
Key Takeaway
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.
Technical Specifications
- Compression
- 1955: 7.5:1 manual / 8.4:1 Dynaflow; earlier 1954 specifications varied
- Horsepower
- Varies by year/application; see documented variants
- Torque
- 256 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm in documented 1955 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.
Internal Specifications
Variant-specific values are labeled. Engine families that span multiple years or RPOs can have different heads, cams, induction and rotating parts, so the exact code/year always takes priority.
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.
Notable Applications
1954 Buick Special1955 Buick Special
Strengths
- Compact Buick V8 architecture
- Strong low-rpm torque character
- Historically important early Nailhead
Weaknesses / 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
Racing History & Legacy
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.
The 264 established the smaller-displacement side of Buick's first modern V8 family.
References & Image Credit
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
Key Factory / Build Variants
1955 264 Special
1955188 hp @ 4800 rpm; 256 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Final 264 production version
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 · related reading
The Story Behind Buick 264 Nailhead V8
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.
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