Hey guys some of you may laugh at me for considering this but I really want to try. There is basically nothing out there for the 264 and 322 Nailhead. I have a 264 in my 55 Special with the Dynaflow trans. It has very weak bottom end torque even after swapping to a 4 barrel and recurving the distributor. Yes, I could swap to a 322, or 3-speed stick but finding the parts in NJ or nearby is nearly impossible, I don't want to redesign the whole suspension to swap in a Buick 455 or anything like that, so let's work with what we've got. I was thinking about the old Chryslers that long-runner runner cross ram manifolds. I have basic welding skills and 2 Holley 500cfm carbs, I was thinking why not try building one to fit on the Nail. Does anyone know how long they should be or how big of a plenum I need? Is there a formula?
Do you have dual exhausts? If not do that first, it needs to Breath. I had a 54 Special convert with the same engine, put on duals and a 4bbl and was amazed what a difference it made, even with the Dynaflow.
To go along with the good point that @BJR made, is your heat riser plate in the exhaust manifold stuck partially closed? The manifold (center in the attached pic) is for a 55 special, and has ample flow. A good diameter dual exhaust system works wonders for a Nail, provided the engine is in good condition. Have you done a compression test? Cam timing correct? Twin 500 CFM carbs would be heavy for a 264. Longer runners or spacer plates create a loss of power according to Russ Martin.
The Jalopy Journal
