1954 Buick Specifications / Specs
Welcome to the 1954 Buick Specifications – home of all major facts & figures for your 54 Buick Special, Century, Super, Roadmaster or the one-of-a-kind 1954 Buick Syklark! If you want original specs to restore your ‘Beautiful Buy’ – as the 54 Buick was called back in 54 – you have found the right place. The following 1954 Buick Specifications are part of the 1954 Buick Facts Book that was given to dealers and salesmen to teach them the new model line for 54.
The biggest part of the 1954 Buick Specifications is about the Fireball V8 engine. Read this page and you’ll probably win every tech trivia competition at car shows! Camshaft, Crankshaft, Bore and Stroke, Piston Displacement, Engine Lubrication, Intake Manifold, Exhaust – everything is here. But in addition, there are also specs for the electrical units and system like the generator, distributor, horn and much more here. Have fun exploring!
| General Information | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Wheelbase (all models) | 122" | 122" | 127" | 127" |
| Tread - front | 59" | 59" | 59" | 59" |
| Tread - rear | 59" | 59" | 62.2" | 62.2" |
| Overall length with bumpers | 206.3" | 206.3" | 216.8" | 216.8" |
| Overall maximum width | 76.8" | 76.8" | 79.9" | 79.9" |
| Height (at normal load) | 60.5" | 60.5" | 62.4" | 62.6" |
| Height (at curb weight) | 62.3" | 62.3" | 64.2" | 64.4" |
| Minimum road clearance | 6.5" | 6.5" | 6.5" | 6.7" |
| Location of engine number | Stamped on extension of top face of block on left hand of cylinders below cylinder head | Stamped on extension of top face of block on left hand of cylinders below cylinder head | Stamped on extension of top face of block on left hand of cylinders below cylinder head | Stamped on extension of top face of block on left hand of cylinders below cylinder head |
| Location of serial number | Plate of left front pillar and stamped on left side rail - near front | Plate of left front pillar and stamped on left side rail - near front | Plate of left front pillar and stamped on left side rail - near front | Plate of left front pillar and stamped on left side rail - near front |
| Brakes | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type | Internal Expanding | Internal Expanding | Internal Expanding | Internal Expanding |
| Foot Brake Mechanism | Hydraulic | Hydraulic | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Brake Drum Material | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron |
| Brake Drum Diameter | 12" | 12" | 12" | 12" |
| Brake Lining - Primary Type | Molded Extruded | Molded Extruded | Molded Extruded | Molded Extruded |
| Brake Lining - Secondary Type | Molded Extruded | Molded Extruded | Molded Extruded | Molded Extruded |
| Brake Lining - Width & Thickness - Front | 2.25" x .187" | 2.25" x .187" | 2.25" x .187" | 2.50" x .250" |
| Brake Lining - Width & Thickness - Rear | 1.75" x .187" | 2.25" x .187" | 2.25" x .187" | 2.25" x .187" |
| Total Brake Area | 184.6" sq. in. | 207.5" sq. in. | 207.5" sq. in. | 219.0" sq. in. |
| Parking Brake Lever Operates | Rear Service Shoes | Rear Service Shoes | Rear Service Shoes | Rear Service Shoes |
| Parking Brake Type | StepOn | StepOn | StepOn | StepOn |
| Camshaft | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Material | Forged Steel | Forged Steel | Forged Steel | Forged Steel |
| Camshaft Drive Type | Chain | Chain | Chain | Chain |
| Make of Chain | Link Belt | Link Belt | Link Belt | Link Belt |
| Width of Chain | .688" | .688" | .688" | .688" |
| Pitch of Chain | .500" | .500" | .500" | .500" |
| Number of Links | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 |
| Cam Sprocket - Make | Link Belt | Link Belt | Link Belt | Link Belt |
| Cam Sprocket - Material | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron |
| Crank Sprocket - Make | Link Belt | Link Belt | Link Belt | Link Belt |
| Crank Sprocket - Material | Cold Drawn Steel | Cold Drawn Steel | Cold Drawn Steel | Cold Drawn Steel |
| Chassis Springs | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type - Front and Rear | Coil | Coil | Coil | Coil |
| Material - Front and Rear | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel |
| Normal Loaded Length - Front | 9.25" | 9.25" | 9.25" | 9.25" |
| Normal Loaded Length - Rear | 9.562" | 9.562" | 9.562" | 9.562" |
| Clutch | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Clutch Make | Buick | Buick | Buick | - |
| Type | Dry Plate | Dry Plate | Dry Plate | - |
| Clutch Facing Material | Woven | Woven | Woven | - |
| Clutch Facing Diameter - Inside | 6" | 6.5" | 6.5" | - |
| Clutch Facing Diameter - Outside | 10" | 10.5" | 10.5" | - |
| Total Frictional Area of Facing | 100.6 sq. in. | 106.8 sq. in. | 106.8 sq. in. | - |
| Connecting Rods | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Connecting Rod Material | Forged Steel | Forged Steel | Forged Steel | Forged Steel |
| Connecting Rod Bearing Material | Durex | Durex | Durex | Durex |
| Connecting Rod Bearing Length | .681" | .881" | .881" | .881" |
| Cooling | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type of Cooling Circulation | Water Pump Pressure System | Water Pump Pressure System | Water Pump Pressure System | Water Pump Pressure System |
| Water Temperature Control | Thermostat and By-Pass | Thermostat and By-Pass | Thermostat and By-Pass | Thermostat and By-Pass |
| Radiator Pressure Control Valve | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Cooling System Capacity | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Synchromesh Transmission Less Heater | 16. Mai | 16. Mai | 16. Mai | - |
| Synchromesh Transmission With Heater | 18.0 | 18.0 | 18.0 | - |
| Dynaflow Transmission Less Heater | 18. Mai | 18. Mai | 18. Mai | 18. Mai |
| Dynaflow Transmission With Heater | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Crankshaft | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Material | Forged Steel | Forged Steel | Forged Steel | Forged Steel |
| Cutout Relay and Voltage and Current Regulator | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Make | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy |
| Location | Left Front Fender Skirt | Left Front Fender Skirt | Left Front Fender Skirt | Left Front Fender Skirt |
| Cylinder Crankcase | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Main Bearings | Replaceable Liners | Replaceable Liners | Replaceable Liners | Replaceable Liners |
| Bearing Material | Steel Backed Durex | Steel Backed Durex | Steel Backed Durex | Steel Backed Durex |
| Camshaft Bearing Material | Steel Backed Babbitt | Steel Backed Babbitt | Steel Backed Babbitt | Steel Backed Babbitt |
| Engine - General Information | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Make | Buick | Buick | Buick | Buick |
| Number of Cylinders | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Valve Arrangement | V | V | V | V |
| Cylinder Arrangement | In-Head | In-Head | In-Head | In-Head |
| Bore and Stroke | 3.625" x 3.2" | 4" x 3.2" | 4" x 3.2" | 4" x 3.2" |
| Piston Displacement | 264 | 322 | 322 | 322 |
| Taxable Horsepower | 42.05 | 51.2 | 51.2 | 51.2 |
| Max BHP - Synchromesh | 143 @ 4,200 rpm | 195 @ 4,100 rpm | 177 @ 4,100 rpm | - |
| Max Torque - Synchromesh | 228 @ 2,400 rpm | 302 @ 2,400 rpm | 295 @ 2,000 rpm | - |
| Compression Ratio - Synchromesh | 7.2 | 8.0 | 8.0 | - |
| Max BHP - Dynaflow | 150 @ 4,200 rpm | 200 @ 4,100 rpm | 182 @ 4,100 rpm | 200 @ 4,100 rpm |
| Max Torque - Dynaflow | 240 @ 2,400 rpm | 309 @ 2,400 rpm | 300 @ 2,000 rpm | 309 @ 2,400 rpm |
| Compression Ratio - Dynaflow | 8.1 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Firing Order | ||||
| Electrical - Battery | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Make | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy |
| Which Terminal is Grounded? | Negative | Negative | Negative | Negative |
| Location and Type of Mounting | Left Front Fender Skirt, Under Hood | Left Front Fender Skirt, Under Hood | Left Front Fender Skirt, Under Hood | Left Front Fender Skirt, Under Hood |
| Engine Lubrication | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure |
| Pressure to Main Bearings | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure to Connecting Rod Bearings | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure to Piston Pins | Splash | Splash | Splash | Splash |
| Pressure to Camshaft Bearings | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure to Overhead Valve Mechanism | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Timing Gear - Lubrication | Nozzle | Nozzle | Nozzle | Nozzle |
| Oil Pump Type | Gear | Gear | Gear | Gear |
| Location of Oil Screen | Oil Pump | Oil Pump | Oil Pump | Oil Pump |
| Oil Filter Make | A.C. | A.C. | A.C. | A.C. |
| Oil Level Gauge - Type and Location | Dip Stick on Right Side of Crankcase | Dip Stick on Right Side of Crankcase | Dip Stick on Right Side of Crankcase | Dip Stick on Right Side of Crankcase |
| Normal Oil Pressure | 35 @ 35mph | 35 @ 35mph | 35 @ 35mph | 35 @ 35mph |
| Capacity of Oil Reservoir | 6 qts | 6 qts | 6 qts | 6 qts |
| Exhaust Valve | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Material Head and Stem | Nickel-Chrome Steel Alloy | Nickel-Chrome Steel Alloy | Nickel-Chrome Steel Alloy | Nickel-Chrome Steel Alloy |
| Head Diameter | 1.25" | 1.25" | 1.25" | 1.25" |
| Overall Length | 4.346" | 4.346" | 4.346" | 4.346" |
| Valve Lift | .350" | .350" | .350" | .350" |
| Valve Lash - Synchromesh | Hydraulic Valve Lifters | Hydraulic Valve Lifters | Hydraulic Valve Lifters | Hydraulic Valve Lifters |
| Valve Lash - Dynaflow | Hydraulic Valve Lifters | Hydraulic Valve Lifters | Hydraulic Valve Lifters | Hydraulic Valve Lifters |
| Fan | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Diameter of Fan | 18" | 18" | 18" | 18" |
| Number of Blades | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Fuel System | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 Gallons | 19 Gallons | 19 Gallons | 19 Gallons |
| Fuel Pump Type | Mechanical | Mechanical | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Heat Control Type | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Choke Control Type | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Air Cleaner Type | Heavy Duty Oil Bath | Heavy Duty Oil Bath | Heavy Duty Oil Bath | Heavy Duty Oil Bath |
| Muffler Type | Dynamic Flow | Dynamic Flow | Dynamic Flow | Dynamic Flow |
| Tail Pipe - O.D. | 2.0" | 2.0" | 2.12" | 2.12" |
| Generator | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Make | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy |
| Type | Shunt | Shunt | Shunt | Shunt |
| Horn | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type | Vibrator | Vibrator | Vibrator | Vibrator |
| Ignition Coil | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Make | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy |
| Ignition System | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Distributor - Make | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy |
| Timing Degree Spark Full Adv. | 5° | 5° | 5° | 5° |
| Intake Valve | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Material - Head and Stem | Nickel-Chrome Steel Alloy | Nickel-Chrome Steel Alloy | Nickel-Chrome Steel Alloy | Nickel-Chrome Steel Alloy |
| Head Diameter | 1.750" | 1.750" | 1.750" | 1.750" |
| Overall Length | 4.346" | 4.346" | 4.346" | 4.346" |
| Valve Lift | .378" | .378" | .378" | .378" |
| Pistons, Pins and Rings | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Piston Material | Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum Alloy |
| Piston Surface Treatment | Anodized | Anodized | Anodized | Anodized |
| Weight (Piston only) | 19.20 oz. | 21.76 oz. | 21.76 oz. | 21.76 oz. |
| Piston Rings - Compression | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Compression Rings per Cylinder | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Piston Rings - Oil Control | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Oil Rings per Cylinder | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Type of Ring - 3rd Groove | Multiple-Piece Rail Type | Multiple-Piece Rail Type | Multiple-Piece Rail Type | Multiple-Piece Rail Type |
| Power Plant Mountings | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Power Plant Mountings | Hi-Poised | Hi-Poised | Hi-Poised | Hi-Poised |
| Radiator Core | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Radiator Core | Vee Cellular | Vee Cellular | Vee Cellular | Vee Cellular |
| Radius Rod | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Rear Mounting Type | Tubular Bar Mounted in Rubber | Tubular Bar Mounted in Rubber | Tubular Bar Mounted in Rubber | Tubular Bar Mounted in Rubber |
| Rear Axle | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type | Hipoid - Semi-Floating | |||
| Gear Ratio - Synchromesh Transmission | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 | - |
| Gear Ratio - Dynaflow Transmission | 3.6 | 3.4 | 3.4 | 3.4 |
| Drive Torque Taken Through | Torque Tube | Torque Tube | Torque Tube | Torque Tube |
| Oil Capacity | 4.5 Pts. | 4.5 Pts. | 4.5 Pts. | 4.5 Pts. |
| Oil Grade Recommended | GM 4655M | GM 4655M | GM 4655M | GM 4655M |
| Shock Absorbers | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Make | Delco | Delco | Delco | Delco |
| Type - Front | Direct | Direct | Direct | Direct |
| Type - Rear | Lever | Lever | Lever | Lever |
| Spark Plug | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Make and Model | AC 44-5 | AC 44-5 | AC 44-5 | AC 44-5 |
| Thread | 14MM | 14MM | 14MM | 14MM |
| Gap | .030" - .035" | .030" - .035" | .030" - .035" | .030" - .035" |
| Stabilizer | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Front | Link Type Mounted in Rubber | Link Type Mounted in Rubber | Link Type Mounted in Rubber | Link Type Mounted in Rubber |
| Starting Motor | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Make | Delco-Remy | Delco-Remy | Delco-Remy | Delco-Remy |
| Steering Gear | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Steering Gear Type | Ball Bearing Worm and Nut | Ball Bearing Worm and Nut | Ball Bearing Worm and Nut | Ball Bearing Worm and Nut |
| Steering Gear Ratio overall | 26.7-1 | 26.7-1 | 26.7-1 | 24.1-1 |
| Steering Wheel Diameter | 18" | 18" | 18" | 18" |
| Steering Wheel Type | Flexible Banjo Type with Steel Spokes | Flexible Banjo Type with Steel Spokes | Flexible Banjo Type with Steel Spokes | Flexible Banjo Type with Steel Spokes |
| Turning Circle Diameter Nominal | 41'.3" Ft. | 41'.3" Ft. | 43' Ft. | 43' Ft. |
| Toe-in at Outside of Tire | .000" to .0625" | .000" to .0625" | .000" to .0625" | .000" to .0625" |
| Caster | .50° Pos. to .75° Neg. | .50° Pos. to .75° Neg. | .50° Pos. to .75° Neg. | .50° Pos. to .75° Neg. |
| Camber | .875° Pos. to .625° Neg. | .875° Pos. to .625° Neg. | .875° Pos. to .625° Neg. | .875° Pos. to .625° Neg. |
| Thermostat | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Opening Temp. of Atm. Pressure | 157° - 162°F | 157° - 162°F | 157° - 162°F | 157° - 162°F |
| Transmission - Synchromesh | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Transmission - Type | Synchromesh | Synchromesh | Synchromesh | - |
| Type of Gearing | All Helical | All Helical | All Helical | - |
| Number of Forward Speeds | 3 | 3 | 3 | - |
| Transmission Oil Capacity | 1.75 Pts. | 2.50 Pts. | 2.50 Pts. | - |
| Transmission - Dynaflow | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Transmission - Type | Torque Converter With Gears | Torque Converter With Gears | Torque Converter With Gears | Torque Converter With Gears |
| Total Oil Capacity | 20 Pts. | 20 Pts. | 20 Pts. | 20 Pts. |
| Vibration Dampener | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type | Rubber Absorbtion | Rubber Absorbtion | Rubber Absorbtion | Rubber Absorbtion |
| Location | Front End of Crankshaft | Front End of Crankshaft | Front End of Crankshaft | Front End of Crankshaft |
| Water Pump | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type | Sealed, Double Row Ball Bearing | Sealed, Double Row Ball Bearing | Sealed, Double Row Ball Bearing | Sealed, Double Row Ball Bearing |
| Weight | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Shipping | 3714 pounds | 3786 pounds | 4020 pounds | 4212 pounds |
| Wheels and Tires | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Wheel - Type | Disc | Disc | Disc | Disc |
| Rim Diameter and Width | 15" x 6" L | 15" x 6" L | 15" x 6" L | 15" x 6" L |
| Tire Size | 7.60 - 15" | 7.60 - 15" | 7.60 - 15" | 8.00 - 15" |
| Number of Plies | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Tire Pressure - Front and Rear (Cold) | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Tire Revs. per Mile at 30mph | 728.4 | 728.4 | 729.4 | 718.6 |