Hey all! I am performing my first real hot rod build. For the power plant I am planning on using a 322 nailhead from a 1956 Century. Only problem is that it has a dead piston! I attempted to order one online and got sent a 364 piston instead. I now can't seem to find anywhere that sells only one. Only full sets are available which, due to money issues (of course), I am trying to avoid. I am hoping that someone here either has one they are willing to part with, or can direct me to somewhere/someone who does. Its a 9.1 compression motor with domed pistons if that helps as, apparently, there were two different compression motors in '56. Oh those quirky nailies! Thanks for any and all help! P.s. this was also posted in the "wanted" section. Sorry for the double post. If this needs to be deleted I understand. Thanks again!
Have you called EGGE? Possibly Speedway(it's a long shot, but any port in a storm). Another way to look is: pin to head distance/piston dia/pin dia(if you have access to a machine shop a smaller pin dia. can be bored out to fit ; I know that this is desperation, but sometimes that's what this takes!!) If a piston(or set at a reasonable price)can be found that is the correct dia(or reasonable oversize), correct pin height & dia., correct weight, neither the piston or motor really care about what brand they are labeled with. On these tough ones OUTSIDE THE BOX is sometimes all we have.
Look up Centerville Auto on the good ole interweb, they specialize in Nailheads and the Martins are great to deal with. If you type in Egge in the search function on here you will see many people who have had problems with Egge pistons. Just my .02. The 322 is a good motor and I've built a few for some of my customers and for myself. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I tried EGGE and they only have sets of 8. I too noticed that multiple people have had issues with their products. Shame, they were pretty local to me. I will give Centerville a shot. Hopefully they have one! Drtrcr, at least now there is a way to get a working piston in there. Thanks for the tip! I am gonna try for a stock piston (obviously) but it's good to know that I have more options. Thanks guys! I'll let ya know if I end up getting one from Centerville.
Another idea: call a couple of the major big time vendors like JE/SRP or Ross, etc.& ask if they have a 'dead/obsolete stock' dept : if they do, they may be happy to make something 'go away' at a reduced price(it might be an oversize, but if the price is right.... ) all it takes is a phone call(& a little 'chutzpah'?) I don't know Buicks, but how much different is the next size up motor(bore dia/pin height/etc) & could yours be bored to that size & use those pistons? Remember: "Outside the Box"
Another thought is to put your needs in the "parts wanted" or "WTB" cl***ified section of H.A.M.B. OR ..... look in the "BUICK section in the AACA, many diehard BUICK guys there.
Kanter lists 322 pistons by the each. No differentiation by compression ratio, though. Certainly seems worth a call.
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