The Buick V-8 engine was released around the same time that other GM divisions were releasing theirs, but it was amazingly unique when compared to the others. It was labeled as the "Nailhead" V-8 for this reason.

The first generation of V-8 engines released by Buick was used from 1953 to 1956. These were OHV pushrod engines similar to the Rocket V-8 made by Oldsmobile. The Buick engines were called "Nailhead" engines because they had small valves that resembled nails and were uniquely positioned vertically. They also had a camshaft with longer duration and higher lift to offset the valves.

From 1954 to 1955, Buick used a 264-cubic-inch V-8 engine, which replaced the 263-cubic-inch straight-8 in the division's large models. Also, a 322-cubic-inch V-8 was produced by Buick for senior series</span> cars from 1953 to 1956.

In 1962, the compression ratio for the four-barrel 215 engine increased again to 11.0:1 and the power rating to 190 horsepower at 4800 RPM. The torque rating was 235 foot-pound of torque at 3000 RPM. The two-barrel engine remained the same. In 1963, the four-barrel engine was increased to 200 horsepower at 5000 RPM with 240 foot-pound of torque at 3200 RPM.

The aluminum engine was cancelled during the year 1963 due to high costs and several other problems. One problem was the tendency for the engine radiators to clog because the antifreeze mixtures were incompatible with aluminum. Another was oil leaks. Casting leaks during the manufacturing process were also a problem.


Edited by: hermy

 

Thanks for the input. A bit of discontinuity on the aluminum engine, however. Ibelieve they were different from most Buick V8's (which I thinkwere always iron), and were only used on the mid-sized cars.