So to entertain the idea of keeping the nail head, what would be my options for a carb as the current one I'm not trusting much at all.
You're on the WRONG WEBSITE to be asking about installing an LS. This site is dedicated to traditional rods and customs only. If you were leaving the nailhead in it, then you'd be in the right place. PS: My avatar '55 truck now has an LQ4/4l85e so I no longer post about it, period.
When you view your own post, there should be a small print line at the very bottom.’edit’ ...’delete’...’report’.....just click on ‘delete’ and a request to confirm delete pops up. Click on that and ‘poof’, it’s gone. Ray
Keep the nailhead and modernize elsewhere. The LS is compact power sure, but that nailhead is no slouch either. I’d see about adapting a Newer overdrive auto to it, changing rear end ratios to take advantage of that OD, getting disc brakes on the car and lowering it. It will still look traditional while fixing some of the major shortcomings of the car performance wise. Got pictures? Let us talk you out of the LS.
I do I'll post some later, But the cost of the adapter alone I could buy an engine. It was my first goal I figured cost wise it would just be cheaper in the short/long run to swap it out.
I own a 55 Buick and am swapping the trans and rear, got an adapter used that kind of fell in my lap! Do some research, 56 shares the diff housing with layer cars, I think I read where you can change just the Center section and go to open drive with a “newer” drynsflow and a driveshaft Either way the nail head is way cool, fit and is one of the prettiest engines ever made Remember one thing when deviating from stock it’s not the big purchases that cost ( engine, trans etc) it’s the nickel and dime expenses that add up ( wiring, mounts, lines, hoses , lights, etc etc) $50 here $100 bucks there next thing you know you have spent some serious cash on odds and ends. What ever the price on the engine and trans is double it to get the job done. I’m going with a jag rear, open drive with an adapter to the stock nailhead , possibly a jag front clip also
Well I'm working on getting a garage built at the moment, So it will give me time to research this. Maybe a daily nailhead might be cool. But that dynaglide and torque tube rear end would have to go lol I Got an explorer rear end already (With Disc brakes). As well as wildwood brakes and a 8" power booster that ive been researching, I just need to find the right pedal I Think.
Lots of smoke being blown here on the HAMB regarding rear end swaps on mid-50s Buicks. There is no "drop-in-and-go" rear suspension swap for these cars as has been suggested here many times before by people who've never done it. Beware "advice" from those who have no idea what they are talking about if you value your car. Too many ideas that sound good but turn out to be really bad. If in doubt talk to the guy who OWNS the car and ask for his honest opinion of how the car RIDES, DRIVES AND CORNERS. Gluing an axle to the bottom of the car is easy. Doing it right not so much.
When I had a 54 Buick Special convert, I swapped on a 4 bbl and manifold from a 55 Century, and installed a Pertronics ignition. I could not believe the difference it made. The car was fun to drive even with the Dynaflow. It would lay rubber in low!
BJR is spot on, all you need to do is like I did on my '56, rebuild the carb, put on a set of dual exhaust, and a Petronics, and you'll be lighten' up!
I agree this is mine in it's poor state [emoji23][emoji23] Sent from my Pixel XL using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
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