364 two-barrel
1957–1961210–250 hp class depending year/compression
Regular-production Nailhead
TorqueList Original Technical Art
Buick 364 Nailhead V8
V8 · N/A
Buick · Nailhead V8
Buick 364 Nailhead V8
The 1957 enlargement that added bore, stroke and torque while keeping Buick's compact Nailhead architecture.
364
Cubic inches
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
Displacement
364 ci
Bore
4.125"
Stroke
3.391"
Years
1957–1961
Key Takeaway
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.
Technical Specifications
- Compression
- 1957: 9.5:1 Special Dynaflow / 10.0:1 four-barrel Century-Super-Roadmaster; later 1959–1961 versions ranged from economy to 10.5:1 performance calibrations
- Horsepower
- Varies by year/application; see documented variants
- Torque
- 400 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm in documented 1957 four-barrel 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.
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
- 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.
Notable Applications
Buick SpecialBuick CenturyBuick SuperBuick RoadmasterBuick Electra
Strengths
- 4.125-inch bore
- Strong torque for full-size Buick applications
- Mature Nailhead design
Weaknesses / 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
Racing History & Legacy
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.
The 364 proved the Nailhead architecture could keep growing without losing its compact packaging.
References & Image Credit
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
Key Factory / Build Variants
364 Power Pack four-barrel
1957–1961Up to 300 hp / 405 lb-ft in documented versions
High-compression four-barrel/dual-exhaust performance package
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 · related reading
The Story Behind Buick 364 Nailhead V8
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.
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