1953 Buick Specifications / Specs
This is a full list of available facts specs for your 53 Buick. No matter if you have a Special, Super or Roadmaster – these 1953 Buick Specifications will help you to keep your classic car in good running condition. And even more – if you love originals, these 53 Buick specs help you to go back in time and restore your car back to former glory!
Here you’ll find basic facts like wheelbase, length, height as well as very specific information about the Fireball V8 engine, major engine parts, transmissions (manual and automatic), clutch, radiator, wheels and much more! Have fun reading!
| General Information | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Wheelbase | 121.5" | 121.5" | 121.5" |
| Wheelbase - Models 52 and 72R | - | 125.5" | 125.5" |
| Tread - Front | 59.1" | 60.0" | 60.0" |
| Tread - Rear | 59.0" | 62.2" | 62.2" |
| Overall Length with Bumpers | 205.9" | 207.6" | 207.6" |
| Overall Length with Bumpers - Models 52 and 72R | - | 211.6" | 211.6" |
| Overall Width at Widest Point | 76" | 79.9" | 79.9" |
| Overall Maximum Width | 76" | 79.9" | 79.9" |
| Height - At Normal Load | 63.4" | 62.8" | 63.0" |
| Height - At Curb Weight | 65.3" | 64.8" | 64.8" |
| Minimum Road Clearance | 6.8" | 6.8" | 7.0" |
| Location of Engine Number | Stamped on raised boss on right side of crankcase below push rod cover. | Stamped on extension of top face of block on left hand bank of cylinder below cylinder head. | Stamped on extension of top face of block on left hand bank of cylinder below cylinder head. |
| Location of Serial Number | Plate on left front door pillar and stamped on left side - near front. | Plate on left front door pillar and stamped on left side - near front. | Plate on left front door pillar and stamped on left side - near front. |
| Chassis Springs | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type - Front and Rear | Coil | Coil | Coil |
| Material - Front and Rear | 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" |
| Normal Loaded Length - Rear | 9.562" | 9.562" | 9.562" |
| Shock Absorbers | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Make | Delco | Delco | Delco |
| Type - Front and Rear | Double Acting | Double Acting | Double Acting |
| Stabilizer | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Radius Rod | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Rear | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mounting | In Rubber | In Rubber | In Rubber |
| Type | Tubular Bar | Tubular Bar | Tubular Bar |
| Rear Axle | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type | Hypoid - Semi Floating | Hypoid - Semi Floating | Hypoid - Semi Floating |
| Gear Ratio - Synchromesh Transmission | 3.9 | 3.9 | - |
| Gear Ratio - Dynaflow Transmission | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| Drive Torque Taken Through | Torque Tube | Torque Tube | Torque Tube |
| Oil Capacity | 4.5 Pts. | 4.5 Pts. | 4.5 Pts. |
| Oil Grade Recommended | GM 4655M | GM 4655M | GM 4655M |
| Brakes | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type | Internal Expanding | Internal Expanding | Internal Expanding |
| Foot Brake Mechanism | Hydraulic | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Brake Drum Material | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron |
| Brake Drum Diameter | 12" | 12" | 12" |
| Brake Lining - Primary Type | Molded Extruded | Molded Extruded | Molded Extruded |
| Brake Lining - Secondary Type | Molded Extruded | Molded Extruded | Molded Extruded |
| Brake Lining - Width and Thickness - Front | 2.25" x .187" | 2.25" x .187" | 2.50" x .250" |
| Brake Lining - Width and Thickness - Rear | 1.75" x .187" | 1.75" x .187" | 2.25" x .187" |
| Total Brake Area Sq. Inches | 184.6" | 207.5" | 219" |
| Parking Brake Lever Operates | Rear Service Shoes | Rear Service Shoes | Rear Service Shoes |
| Parking Brake Type | StepOn | StepOn | StepOn |
| Engine - General Information | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Make | Buick | Buick | Buick |
| Number of Cylinders | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Valve Arrangement | In-Head | In-Head | In-Head |
| Cylinder Arrangement | In-Line | V | V |
| Bore and Stroke | 3 3/16" x 4 1/8" | 4" x 3.2" | 4" x 3.2" |
| Piston Displacement - Cu. Inches | 263.3 | 322 | 322 |
| Taxable Horsepower | 32.51 | 51.2 | 51.2 |
| Max. BHP - Synchromesh Transmission | 125 @ 3,800 RPM | 164 @ 4,000 RPM | - |
| Max. Torque (Ft. Lbs.) - Synchromesh Transmission | 224 @ 2,200 RPM | 286 @ 2,200 RPM | - |
| Compression Ratio - Synchromesh Transmission | 7.0 | 8.0 | - |
| Max. BHP - Dynaflow Transmission | 130 @ 3,800 RPM | 170 @ 4,000 RPM | 188 @ 4,000 RPM |
| Max. Torque (Ft. Lbs.) - Dynaflow Transmission | 230 @ 2.400 RPM | 292 @ 2,200 RPM | 300 @ 2,400 RPM |
| Compression Ratio - Dynaflow Transmission | 7.6 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Firing Order | 1-6-2-5-8-3-7-4 | 1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3 | 1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3 |
| Power Plant Mountings | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Power Plant Mountings | Hi-Poised | Hi-Poised | Hi-Poised |
| Cylinder Crankcase | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Main Bearings | Replaceable Liners | Replaceable Liners | Replaceable Liners |
| Bearing Material | Steel Backed Durex | Steel Backed Durex | Steel Backed Durex |
| Camshaft Bearing Material | Steel Backed Babbitt | Steel Backed Babbitt | Steel Backed Babbitt |
| Crankshaft | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Material | Steel Forging | Steel Forging | Steel Forging |
| Vibration Dampener | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type | Laminated Steel Flywheel Supported on Steel Leaf Springs | None | None |
| Location | Front End of Crankshaft | - | - |
| Camshaft | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Material | Forged Steel | Forged Steel | Forged Steel |
| Camshaft Drive Type | Chain | Chain | Chain |
| Make of Chain | Link Belt | Link Belt | Link Belt |
| Width of Chain | .812" | .688" | .688" |
| Pitch of Chain | .500" | .500" | .500" |
| Number of Links | 49 | 52 | 52 |
| Cam Sprocket - Make | Link Belt | Link Belt | Link Belt |
| Cam Sprocket - Material | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron |
| Crank Sprocket - Make | Link Belt | Link Belt | Link Belt |
| Crank Sprocket - Material | Cold Drawn Steel | Cold Drawn Steel | Cold Drawn Steel |
| Pistons, Pins and Rings | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Piston Material | Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum Alloy |
| Piston Surface Treatment | Anodized | Anodized | Anodized |
| Weight - Piston Only (oz.) | 13.44 | 21.76 | 21.76 |
| Piston Rings - Compression | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| No. Of Compression Rings per Cylinder | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Piston Rings - Oil Control | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| No. Of Oil Rings per Cylinder | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Type of Ring - 3rd Groove | Hi Duty - Slotted | - | - |
| Type of Ring - 4th Groove | Steel "U" Flex. | - | Steel "U" Flex. |
| Connecting Rods | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Connecting Rod Material | Forged Steel | Forged Steel | Forged Steel |
| Connecting Rod Bearing Material | Durex | Durex | Durex |
| Connecting Rod Bearing Length | 1.030" | .881" | .881" |
| Intake Valve | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Material - Head and Stem | Nickel Chrome Alloy Steel | Nickel Chrome Alloy Steel | Nickel Chrome Alloy Steel |
| Head Diameter | 1.531" | 1.750" | 1.750" |
| Overall Length | 5.109" | 4.346" | 4.346" |
| Valve Lift | .348" | .378" | .378" |
| Type of Lifters | Mechanical | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Exhaust Valve | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Material Head and Stem | Nickel Alloy Steel | Nickel Alloy Steel | Nickel Alloy Steel |
| Head Diameter | 1.344" | 1.25" | 1.25" |
| Overall Length | 5.109" | 4.346" | 4.346" |
| Valve Lift | .348" | .350" | .350" |
| Type of Lifters | Mechanical | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Valve Lash - Synchromesh Transmission | .015" | - | - |
| Valve Lash - Dynaflow Transmission | Hydraulic Valve Lifters | Hydraulic Valve Lifters | Hydraulic Valve Lifters |
| Engine Lubrication | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure |
| Pressure to Main Bearings | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure to Connecting Rod Bearings | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure to Piston Pins | No | No | No |
| Pressure to Camshaft Bearings | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure to Overhead Valve Mechanism | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Timing Gear - Lubrication | Nozzle | Nozzle | Nozzle |
| Oil Pump Type | Gear | Gear | Gear |
| Location of Oil Screen | Oil Pump | Oil Pump | Oil Pump |
| Oil Filter Make | 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 |
| Normal Oil Pressure (Pounds) | 35 @ 35 MPH | 35 @ 35 MPH | 35 @ 35 MPH |
| Capacity of Oil Reservoir - Refill | 5.5 Qts. | 6 Qts. | 6 Qts. |
| Cooling | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type of Cooling Circulation | Water Pump | Water Pump | Water Pump |
| Water Temperature Control | Thermostat and By-Pass | Thermostat and By-Pass | Thermostat and By-Pass |
| Radiator Pressure Control Valve (Pounds) | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Thermostat | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Opening Temperature of Atm. Pressure | 148 °F - 155 °F | 148 °F - 155 °F | 148 °F - 155 °F |
| Water Pump | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type | Sealed Double Row Ball Bearing | Sealed Double Row Ball Bearing | Sealed Double Row Ball Bearing |
| Radiator Core | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type of Core | Vee Cellular | Vee Cellular | Vee Cellular |
| Cooling System Capacity | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Less Heater - Synchromesh Transmission | 12 Qts. | 16.5 Qts. | - |
| With Heater - Synchromesh Transmission | 13.5 Qts. | 18.0 Qts. | - |
| Less Heater - Dynaflow Transmission | 13.5 Qts. | 18.0 Qts. | 18.0 Qts. |
| With Heater - Dynaflow Transmission | 15 Qts. | 19.5 Qts. | 19.5 Qts. |
| Fan | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Diameter of Fan | 18" | 18" | 18" |
| Number of Blades | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Fuel System | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons) | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Fuel Pump Type | Mechanical | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Heat Control - Type | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Choke Control Type | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Air Cleaner Type | Heavy Duty Oil Baths | Heavy Duty Oil Baths | Heavy Duty Oil Baths |
| Muffler Type | Straight Through Resonance | Dynamic Flow | Dynamic Flow |
| Tail Pipe - O.D. | 2" | 2.12" | 2.12" |
| Clutch | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Clutch Make | Buick | Buick | - |
| Type | Dry Plate | Dry Plate | - |
| Clutch Facing Material | Woven | Woven | - |
| Clutch Facing Diameter - Inside | 6" | 6.5" | - |
| Clutch Facing Diameter - Outside | 10" | 10.5" | - |
| Total Frictional Area of Facing | 100.6 Sq. In. | 106.8 Sq. In. | - |
| Sychromesh Transmission | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Transmission Type | Synchro-Mesh | Synchro-Mesh | - |
| Type of Gearing | All Helical | All Helical | - |
| Number of Forward Speeds | 3 | 3 | - |
| Transmission Oil Capacity | 1.75 Pts. | 2.50 Pts. | - |
| Dynaflow Transmission | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Transmission Type | Torque Converter with Gears | ||
| Total Oil Capacity | 20 Pts. | ||
| Steering Gear | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Steering Gear Type | Ball Bearing and Worm and Nut | Ball Bearing and Worm and Nut | Ball Bearing and Worm and Nut |
| Steering Gear Ratio - Overall | 26-1* | 29-1 | 29-1 |
| Steering Wheel Diameter | 18" | 18" | 18" |
| Steering Wheel Type | Hard Rubber with Steel Core | Flexible Banjo Type with Steel Spokes** | |
| Turning Circle Diameter (Ft. ) Nominal Left | 39.5 | 39.5 | 39.5 |
| Turning Circle Diameter (Ft. ) Nominal Left - Models 52 and 72R | - | 41.5 | 41.5 |
| Turning Circle Diameter (Ft. ) Nominal Right | 39.5 | 39.5 | 39.5 |
| Turning Circle Diameter (Ft. ) Nominal Right - Models 52 and 72R | - | 41.5 | 41.5 |
| Toe-In at Outside of Tire - Inches | .062 to .125 | .062 to .125 | .062 to .125 |
| Toe-In at Inner Edge of Tire - Inches | .062 to .125 | .062 to .125 | .062 to .125 |
| Caster - Degrees | .50 Neg. to .75 Pos. | .50 Neg. to .75 Pos. | .50 Neg. to .75 Pos. |
| Camber - Degrees | .875 Pos. to .625 Pos. | .875 Pos. to .625 Pos. | .875 Pos. to .625 Pos. |
| Wheels and Tires | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Wheel - Type | Disc | Disc | Disc |
| Rim Diameter and Width | 15" x 6" L | 15" x 6 1/2" L | 15" x 6 1/2" L |
| Tire Size | 7.60 - 15" | 7.60 - 15" | 8.00 - 15" |
| Number of Plies | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Tire Pressure - Front and Rear - Cold | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Tire Revs. Per Mile at 30 MPH | 727.7 | 728.2 | 711.8 |
| Electrical - Battery | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Make | Delco | Delco | Delco |
| Which Terminal is Grounded? | Negative | Negative | Negative |
| Location and Type of Mounting | Right Side of Frame, Under Hood | Left Front Fender Skirt, Under Hood | Left Front Fender Skirt, Under Hood |
| Ignition System | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Distributor - Make | Delco-Remy | Delco-Remy | Delco-Remy |
| Timing Degree Spark Full Advance | 4° | 5° | 5° |
| Ignition Coil | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Make | Delco-Remy | Delco-Remy | Delco-Remy |
| Spark Plug | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Make and Model | AC 46X | AC 44-5 | AC 44-5 |
| Thread | 14 MM | 14 MM | 14 MM |
| Gap | .023" - .028" | .030" - .035" | .030" - .035" |
| Generator | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Make | Delco-Remy | Delco-Remy | Delco-Remy |
| Cutout Relay and Voltage and Current Regulator | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Make | Delco-Remy | Delco-Remy | Delco-Remy |
| Starting Motor | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Make | Delco-Remy | Delco-Remy | Delco-Remy |
| Horn | Special Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type | Vibrator | Vibrator | Vibrator |