I keep reading that the heads on a 56 322 are better than the heads on a 55 322 because they are better flowing. Can anyone confirm this. And if so, would the heads of the 56 be a straight bold on for the 55 322? I'm trying to some day soup this thing up some. 3 deuce set up, electronic ignition, cam and whatever else to get some decent hp out of it so I can smoke some "other make cars" :3gears: . Anyone give me some info on a nice mild cam for the 55 322 and whatever other mods can be done to gain some hp's. Thanks. :laugh:
When I was looking for a 322 Nailhead for a Swiss friend of mine, I discovered that there were two 1956 322 engines: 1955: 4 x 3.20 bore & stroke, compression ratio 9.1:1, 236 HP@4600 rpm, four barrel carburator. 1956: 4 x 3.20 bore & stroke, compression ratio 8.9:1, 220 HP@4400 rpm and a 322 with a compression ratio of 9.5:1, 255 HP@4400 rpm, four barrel carburator. Looking at these numbers, I should say the heads are the same. Casting number for the 1956 322 cylinder heads is 1392351
Tha exhaust valves are more streamlined in 56 ( may be bigger ) I think the chambers are opened up around the exhaust area also. The 56 has bigger dome pistons with more valve clearance for bigger 56 cam. The exhaust manifolds are bigger and the intake runners are different. If you go after market chipo cam you'll need to cut more clearance in the pistons even if you have the 56 pistons. I am in the middle of a rebuild hop up on a 56 322 right now. Judd
Re: Nailhead 322 Build-Up Hey Judd! That 322 of Yours is LQQKING Pretty Sweet. The 322 Nailhead besides being Powerfull with plenty of Torque, Reliable,Quite, Dependable and Bullitproof also is quite handsome when all Dressed-Out. I like the chromed Water-Cross-Over and Thermostat Housing. It has turned the ugly eye-sore into something Attractive. I see you re-chromed the valve covers also rather than the ribbed aluminum. I do however like the Offenhauser valve covers. The 3 duce set up is something I would also like to add: very attractive as well as nostaligic but also giving it a bit more juice than a 4 barrel, but not overfueling and still retain some fuel economy when not pushing it. You have mentioned in the past that are going to use a preformance Cam. What type and size are you using? Is there anything else (modifications) that You have do when installing a performance cam? Like stronger Valve Springs? Etc. Inquiring minds want to know. Anything else special that you have to do or make adjustments on? I like what Your doing and keep us informed on your progress. Regards, '56 Buick Brother Tom Gallagher
Tom Not much happening right now it's at the machinest. I have .030 over Roadmaster pistons and 401 1.6 to 1 rockers. I found pits on one lobe of my Isky cam so I'm going to get Carman Faso to cut me one with the same specs as the Isky but with 114 deg lobe separation instead of 110 and hydralic lifters. I plan on heavy springs I'm trying to figure out if high performance 401 lifters and springs will work. I bought a set dual exhaust manifolds to have hot jet coated for looks and to help keep the under hood temp down. I hope the manifolds and the aluminium intake will stop any vapor lock durring the summer. Should I buy this 322 intake that's on E-bay now? LOL
Re: Intake Picture and Spacers (Risers) Hey Judd, What type of Intake Manifold is that in the Picture? With an Open Plenum? Also those Risers. I'm told that they will increase top end, but will subtract some Torque. What have You heard? I'm still convinced the 3 deuces is the way to go. Carmine is grinding You a New Cam? What are the Specs? and what other mods have to be done to make the build-up Operational? What kind of Carburation do You intend to use in this application? Inquiring Minds Want to Know? I see that You are spending quite a bit of time on the Nailhead Board. Those guys are into serious stuff! for sure!!! A lot of intricate, maticulous Engineering Improvements. Keep Me Posted. Regards, Tom Gallagher
Tom The manifold is a blower manifold for a 322 with adapters for a 364. I plan on my cam being .455 lift 260deg. duration and 114 deg lobe centers, but I will ask Carman about a dual grind with different specs on exhaust as I here this is good on a Nailhead? I took some parts and my heads by the machinist yesterday so he would have them when he started my motor and he allready has the block done!! GREAT!!!! I also have a rebuilt oil pump I installed a NOS Offy high preassure spring in. 3 small base Rochester 2GC's are my carbs of choice right now, I want a set reworked as 3x2 carbs one primay in the center and two secondarys on the ends . The motor in the attachment is close to what I'm going for.
Here's something I recently learned. The '56 exhaust manifolds have a much bigger opening (2.5 inches vs the 1 7/8 or whatever the '54/'55 are), better intake manifold design, higher compression from the factory, and highest HP of all the 322s. Also, the cam lifters and dizzy drive gear are interchangeable with all the later Nailheads. I'm pretty sure the '56 322 high compression version motor had a dynaflow behind it and the low comp. version had a manual trans. If I'm wrong about this someone please correct me.
Rocky You are correct on the exhaust manifolds, they also had dual exhaust manifolds availlable on all models but the standard shift. The 56 cam is a one year only, it will interchange with the earlier 322's if you use the cam lifters distributor gear and push rods. The 56 cam is cast iron like the newer nailhead cams but it has the same bearing journals ( changed in 57 ) as the earlier nailheads. 50/60/70 series motors in 56 had 9.5 to 1 compression, the 40 series with Dynaflow had 8.9 to 1, and the stick cars had 7.6 to 1. The 40 series standard shift cars also had a different cam grind but I'm not sure what the difference is. The 40 series had different pistons and I think the standard shift used the low compression gaskets to get the 7.6 to 1 compression.
if you guys are looking for a flywheel and bell housing from a 56-322 i am parting this motor out make decent offers and the parts will go to you and the intake is not the right one some 117 number instead of 116 like the heads and block thanks Greg
