322 nailhead modification questions

[ezspeedx]

I was wondering if ,since the later heads ,fit the earlier small block nailheads would you gain any Horsepower, if you swapped 401 heads on to the 322 , if possible, or would your compression be lowered,would a tripower induction kill your low end torque in the 322,is the stock RM carb better for the car??,also what rear ratio does the Roadmaster come with in 53'??

 

[Dr. Frankenbuick]

I can help you with part of this as there was a discussion of the 401 heads on a 322 on another site a few months back. The compression would drop severely, and the combustion chambers are different. A custom piston would be needed for the 322 to bring up the compression and better match the combustion chamber of the 401 head. Some low end may be lost as the bigger valves promote less velocity, and there may be a shrouding effect on the valves as a result of difference in the bore and valve size.

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Steve B.
GSCA #2173 (1986)
67 GS 525 Stg IV
66 GS Convertible
65 GS HT
63 Riv

 

[TODD]

The 53 Roadmaster had a 3.6 ratio as standard. There was a first and second type of rear end that year. It looks like the two types were made by different mfrs. On the second type, a 3.2 ratio was optional.

The ratio was 3.9 on the Special and Super cars with manual transmissions.