1957 Buick Specifications / Specs
Its tough to find a publication with all major 1957 Buick Specifications – but we at Hometown Buick have done this for you! The following list of 1957 Buick Specifications are part of the 57 Buick Dealer Facts Book and are therefore proven original info.
Learn more technical aspects of your 57 Buick. Here you find tuning specs, used materials and measurements for: Wheelbase, car length, car height, engine, crankcase, engine cooling, crankshaft, engine lubricare, fuel system, gas tank, exhaust system, muffler, starter motor, Dynaflow transmission, Synchromesh transmission, brakes, rear axle, horns, lights and much much more!
| General Information | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Wheelbase (all models) | 122" | 122" | 127.5" | 127.5" |
| Tread - front | 59.5" | 59.5" | 59.5" | 59.5" |
| Tread - rear | 59" | 59" | 61.0" | 61.0" |
| Overall length with bumpers | 208.4" | 208.4" | 215.3" | 215.3" |
| Overall maximum width | 74.8" | 74.8" | 77.6" | 77.6" |
| Height (at normal load) | 58.4" | 58.7" | 59.4" | 59.6" |
| Minimum road clearance | 6.3" | 6.6" | 6.5" | 6.7" |
| Location of engine number | On cylinder block - front edge of valve push rod cover on drivers side | On cylinder block - front edge of valve push rod cover on drivers side | On cylinder block - front edge of valve push rod cover on drivers side | On cylinder block - front edge of valve push rod cover on drivers side |
| 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 |
| Engine - General | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Engine type and make | Buick 90 degree V8 | Buick 90 degree V8 | Buick 90 degree V8 | Buick 90 degree V8 |
| Valve arrangement | Vertical in-head | Vertical in-head | Vertical in-head | Vertical in-head |
| Bore and stroke | 4.125" x 3.4" | 4.125" x 3.4" | 4.125" x 3.4" | 4.125" x 3.4" |
| Piston displacement | 364 cui | 364 cui | 364 cui | 364 cui |
| Cylinder numbering, front to rear - left | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 |
| Cylinder numbering, front to rear - right | 1-3-5-7 | 1-3-5-7 | 1-3-5-7 | 1-3-5-7 |
| Firing order | 1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3 | 1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3 | 1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3 | 1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3 |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 to 1 | 10.0 to 1 | 10.0 to 1 | 10.0 to 1 |
| Number of mounting points | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Taxable horsepower | 54.45 | 54.45 | 54.45 | 54.45 |
| Maximum horsepower | 250 @ 4,400 RPM | 300 @ 4,600 RPM | 300 @ 4,600 RPM | 300 @ 4,600 RPM |
| Maximum torque | 380 @ 2,400 RPM | 400 @ 3,200 RPM | 400 @ 3,200 RPM | 400 @ 3,200 RPM |
| Engine - Block or Crankcase | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Material | Special Alloy Cast Iron | Special Alloy Cast Iron | Special Alloy Cast Iron | Special Alloy Cast Iron |
| Design | Deep-flange, Rib-reinforced | Deep-flange, Rib-reinforced | Deep-flange, Rib-reinforced | Deep-flange, Rib-reinforced |
| Camshaft Material | Alloy cast iron | Alloy cast iron | Alloy cast iron | Alloy cast iron |
| Bearing number and material | 5, Steel-backed Babbitt | 5, Steel-backed Babbitt | 5, Steel-backed Babbitt | 5, Steel-backed Babbitt |
| Type and make of drive | Chain, Link Belt | Chain, Link Belt | Chain, Link Belt | Chain, Link Belt |
| Engine - Connecting Rods | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Material | High manganese alloy forged steel | High manganese alloy forged steel | High manganese alloy forged steel | High manganese alloy forged steel |
| Bearing Material | Steel-backed Moraine 400 | Steel-backed Moraine 400 | Steel-backed Moraine 400 | Steel-backed Moraine 400 |
| Rod length, center to center | 6.1" | 6.1" | 6.1" | 6.1" |
| Engine - Cooling System | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Cooling System | Water Pump Pressure | Water Pump Pressure | Water Pump Pressure | Water Pump Pressure |
| Radiator Pressure Control Valve | 13 lbs. | 13 lbs. | 13 lbs. | 13 lbs. |
| Water Temperature Control | Thermostat and Choke | Thermostat and Choke | Thermostat and Choke | Thermostat and Choke |
| Circulation starts to open at | 157-162 °F | 157-162 °F | 157-162 °F | 157-162 °F |
| Water pump type | Centrifugal | Centrifugal | Centrifugal | Centrifugal |
| Water pump bearing type | Sealed, double row ball bearing | Sealed, double row ball bearing | Sealed, double row ball bearing | Sealed, double row ball bearing |
| By-pass recirculation | Internal | Internal | Internal | Internal |
| Radiator core type | Tube and Center | Tube and Center | Tube and Center | Tube and Center |
| Water all around cylinders | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Number of fan blades | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Fan diameter | 18" | 18" | 18" | 18" |
| Cooling system capacity - less heater | 16.5 qts. | 16.5 qts. | 16.5 qts. | 16.5 qts. |
| Cooling system capacity - with heater | 18.0 qts. | 18.0 qts. | 18.0 qts. | 18.0 qts. |
| Engine - Crankshaft | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Material | High manganese alloy forged steel SAE 1145 | High manganese alloy forged steel SAE 1145 | High manganese alloy forged steel SAE 1145 | High manganese alloy forged steel SAE 1145 |
| Weight | 59.0 pounds | 59.0 pounds | 59.0 pounds | 59.0 pounds |
| Main bearing material | 4 front Moraine 400, rear Durex 100A | 4 front Moraine 400, rear Durex 100A | 4 front Moraine 400, rear Durex 100A | 4 front Moraine 400, rear Durex 100A |
| Main bearing journal diameter | 2.4985" | 2.4985" | 2.4985" | 2.4985" |
| Engine - Exhaust System | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Exhaust system type* | Single with cross-over | Single with cross-over | Single with cross-over | Dual |
| Muffler Type | 2-stage Reverse Flow | 2-stage Reverse Flow | 2-stage Reverse Flow | 2-stage Reverse Flow with Resonators |
| Engine - Fuel System | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Fuel tank capacity | 20 galons | 20 galons | 20 galons | 20 galons |
| Fuel pump type | Mechanical, inverted | Mechanical, inverted | Mechanical, inverted | Mechanical, inverted |
| Vacuum booster | Standard (on oil pump) | Standard (on oil pump) | Standard (on oil pump) | Standard (on oil pump) |
| Fuel filter type and location | Woven stainless steel wire in fuel tank | Woven stainless steel wire in fuel tank | Woven stainless steel wire in fuel tank | Woven stainless steel wire in fuel tank |
| Carburetor type | 2-barrel Downdraft | 4-barrel Downdraft | 4-barrel Downdraft | 4-barrel Downdraft |
| Intake manifold heat control | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Automatic choke type | Integral | Integral | Integral | Integral |
| Standard air cleaner type | Heavy Duty Oil Bath | Heavy Duty Oil Bath | Heavy Duty Oil Bath | Heavy Duty Oil Bath |
| Engine - Lubrication System | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Main bearing lubrication | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure |
| Connecting rod lubrication | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure |
| Piston pin lubrication | Splash | Splash | Splash | Splash |
| Camshaft lubrication | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure |
| Tappet lubrication | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure |
| Timing chain lubrication | Drip from front camshaft bearing | Drip from front camshaft bearing | Drip from front camshaft bearing | Drip from front camshaft bearing |
| Cylinder wall lubrication | Splash and Nozzle | Splash and Nozzle | Splash and Nozzle | Splash and Nozzle |
| Oil pump type | Gear | Gear | Gear | Gear |
| Normal oil pressure | 40 lb. @ 1,600 rpm | 40 lb. @ 1,600 rpm | 40 lb. @ 1,600 rpm | 40 lb. @ 1,600 rpm |
| Type oil intake | Stationary | Stationary | Stationary | Stationary |
| Standard oil filter type | Full Flow | Full Flow | Full Flow | Full Flow |
| Capacity of oil reservoir - refill | 5 qts. | 5 qts. | 5 qts. | 5 qts. |
| Engine - Pistons | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Material | Permanent-Mold Aluminum Alloy, Tin Plated | Permanent-Mold Aluminum Alloy, Tin Plated | Permanent-Mold Aluminum Alloy, Tin Plated | Permanent-Mold Aluminum Alloy, Tin Plated |
| Description and finish | Cam ground - Transverse Slot - Divorced Skirt - Tin Plated | Cam ground - Transverse Slot - Divorced Skirt - Tin Plated | Cam ground - Transverse Slot - Divorced Skirt - Tin Plated | Cam ground - Transverse Slot - Divorced Skirt - Tin Plated |
| Weight (piston only) | 1.385 lbs. | 1.385 lbs. | 1.385 lbs. | 1.385 lbs. |
| Engine - Piston Rings | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Compression rings per cylinder | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Compression ring material | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron |
| Oil rings per cylinder | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Oil ring material | Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel |
| Number of rings above piston pin | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Engine - Valve System | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Hydraulic lifters | All Engines | All Engines | All Engines | All Engines |
| Operating tappet clearance | None | None | None | None |
| Intake valve material | Nickel-Chrome Alloy Steel | Nickel-Chrome Alloy Steel | Nickel-Chrome Alloy Steel | Nickel-Chrome Alloy Steel |
| Exhaust valve material | GM 81940 or 2155N | GM 81940 or 2155N | GM 81940 or 2155N | GM 81940 or 2155N |
| Intake and exhaust valve overall length | 4.704" | 4.704" | 4.704" | 4.704" |
| Intake valve head diameter | 1.875" | 1.875" | 1.875" | 1.875" |
| Exhaust valve head diameter | 1.437" | 1.437" | 1.437" | 1.437" |
| Intake and exhaust valve seat angle | 45 degrees | 45 degrees | 45 degrees | 45 degrees |
| Intake valve lift | .423" | .423" | .423" | .423" |
| Exhaust valve lift | .423" | .423" | .423" | .423" |
| Electrical - Ignition System | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Coil and distributor make | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy |
| Spark plug make and model | AC 44 | AC 44 | AC 44 | AC 44 |
| Spark plug gap | .030"-.035" | .030"-.035" | .030"-.035" | .030"-.035" |
| Spark plug protection | Neoprene Boot | Neoprene Boot | Neoprene Boot | Neoprene Boot |
| Electrical supression | Distributor, Coil, Generator, Voltage Regulator | Distributor, Coil, Generator, Voltage Regulator | Distributor, Coil, Generator, Voltage Regulator | Distributor, Coil, Generator, Voltage Regulator |
| Electrical - Starting System | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Starting motor make | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy |
| Engine cranking speed | Appr. 160 rpm | Appr. 160 rpm | Appr. 160 rpm | Appr. 160 rpm |
| Motor control switch, 3-position | Selenoid | Selenoid | Selenoid | Selenoid |
| Motor starting procedure | Turn on ignition - Depress accelerator | Turn on ignition - Depress accelerator | Turn on ignition - Depress accelerator | Turn on ignition - Depress accelerator |
| Electrical - Supply System | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Battery make | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy |
| Battery voltage | 12-volt, 11-plate | 12-volt, 11-plate | 12-volt, 11-plate | 12-volt, 11-plate |
| Battery location | Left front fender skirt, under hood | Left front fender skirt, under hood | Left front fender skirt, under hood | Left front fender skirt, under hood |
| Battery terminal grounded | Negative | Negative | Negative | Negative |
| Generator make | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy |
| Generator type | Shunt | Shunt | Shunt | Shunt |
| Regulator make | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy |
| Regulator type | Voltage and Current Control | Voltage and Current Control | Voltage and Current Control | Voltage and Current Control |
| Electrical - Horns, Lights | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Dual horn type | Selenoid | Selenoid | Selenoid | Selenoid |
| Outside and instrument panel lighting | Unified single-switch control | Unified single-switch control | Unified single-switch control | Unified single-switch control |
| Drive Units - Propeller Shaft | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Number and type | 2-Section, enclosed in Torque Tube | 2-Section, enclosed in Torque Tube | 2-Section, enclosed in Torque Tube | 2-Section, enclosed in Torque Tube |
| Drive thrust taken through | Torque Tube | Torque Tube | Torque Tube | Torque Tube |
| Torque thrust taken through | Torque Tube | Torque Tube | Torque Tube | Torque Tube |
| Drive Units - Rear Axle | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type and gearing | Semi-Floating, Hypoid | Semi-Floating, Hypoid | Semi-Floating, Hypoid | Semi-Floating, Hypoid |
| Gear ratio, Synchromesh | 3.58 (43-12) | - | - | - |
| Gear ratio, Dynaflow | 3.07 (43-14) | 3.07 (43-14) | 3.07 (43-14) | 3.07 (43-14) |
| Drive Units - Dynaflow Transmission | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Trade name | Variable Pitch Dynaflow | Variable Pitch Dynaflow | Variable Pitch Dynaflow | Variable Pitch Dynaflow |
| Transmission type | Torque Converter | Torque Converter | Torque Converter | Torque Converter |
| Acceleration shifting | Stator blades shift to "performance" pitch past full throttle, but no gear-change as in conventional drives | Stator blades shift to "performance" pitch past full throttle, but no gear-change as in conventional drives | Stator blades shift to "performance" pitch past full throttle, but no gear-change as in conventional drives | Stator blades shift to "performance" pitch past full throttle, but no gear-change as in conventional drives |
| Governor shifting involuntary | No | No | No | No |
| Manual downshift through range selector | Not recommended over 40 mph | Not recommended over 40 mph | Not recommended over 40 mph | Not recommended over 40 mph |
| Mechanical lockup in direct drive | None | None | None | None |
| Type of transmission cooling | Water-cooled | Water-cooled | Water-cooled | Water-cooled |
| Total oil capacity | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| Drive Units - Synchromesh Transmission | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Clutch make and type | Long Mfg., dry plate | - | - | - |
| Clutch facing material | Woven | - | - | - |
| Clutch inside and outside diameters | 7.0"-11.0" | - | - | - |
| Total effective facing area | 113.0 sq. in. | - | - | - |
| Number of forward speeds | 3 | - | - | - |
| Helical gears | In all speeds | - | - | - |
| Lubricant capacity | 2.5 | - | - | - |
| Chassis - Brakes, Service & Parking | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Service brake type | Hydraulic - Internal Expanding | Hydraulic - Internal Expanding | Hydraulic - Internal Expanding | Hydraulic - Internal Expanding |
| Power brake with vacuum booster | Optional all Series with Dynaflow | Optional all Series with Dynaflow | Optional all Series with Dynaflow | Optional all Series with Dynaflow |
| Brake drum material | Cast iron | Cast iron | Cast iron | Cast iron |
| Brake drum diameter, front and rear | 12.02" | 12.02" | 12.02" | 12.02" |
| Brake lining material | Molded Extruded | Molded Extruded | Molded Extruded | Molded Extruded |
| Brake lining length, width and thickness, front | 23.063" x 2.25" x .187" | 23.063" x 2.25" x .187" | 23.063" x 2.25" x .187" | 23.063" x 2.25" x .187" |
| Brake lining length, width and thickness, rear | 23.063" x 2.25" x .187" | 23.063" x 2.25" x .187" | 23.063" x 2.25" x .187" | 23.063" x 2.50" x .265" |
| Parking brake operates through | Rear service shoes | Rear service shoes | Rear service shoes | Rear service shoes |
| Parking brake is set through | Left Foot Pedal | Left Foot Pedal | Left Foot Pedal | Left Foot Pedal |
| Parking brake is released through | Lever under instrument panel | Lever under instrument panel | Lever under instrument panel | Lever under instrument panel |
| Parking brake warning light, automatic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Chassis - Frame | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Type and description | Channel Side Bars, X-reinforced, 5 cross-member | Channel Side Bars, X-reinforced, 5 cross-member | Channel Side Bars, X-reinforced, 5 cross-member | Channel Side Bars, X-reinforced, 5 cross-member |
| Chassis - Steering | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Steering type used | Mechanical**** | Mechanical**** | Power | Power |
| Steering wheel diameter | 17.5" | 17.5" | 17.5" | 17.5" |
| Steering gear type, both mechanical and power | Recirculation ball nut | Recirculation ball nut | Recirculation ball nut | Recirculation ball nut |
| Manual steering gear ratio | 28.8:1 | 28.8:1 | - | - |
| Power steering gear ratio | 19.7:1 | 19.7:1 | 19.7:1 | 19.7:1 |
| Turn diameter, curb to curb | 43.2' | 43.2' | 44.5' | 44.5' |
| Steering linkage type | Parallelogram | Parallelogram | Parallelogram | Parallelogram |
| Linkage tie rods | Two, with Transverse drag link | Two, with Transverse drag link | Two, with Transverse drag link | Two, with Transverse drag link |
| Chassis - Suspension, Front | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Front suspension type | Ball Joint with Coil Springs | Ball Joint with Coil Springs | Ball Joint with Coil Springs | Ball Joint with Coil Springs |
| Front coil spring material | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel |
| Shock absorbers | Direct Type | Direct Type | Direct Type | Direct Type |
| Front stabilizer | Link type mounted in rubber | Link type mounted in rubber | Link type mounted in rubber | Link type mounted in rubber |
| Chassis - Suspension, Rear | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Rear suspension type | Coil Springing, Drive and Torque taken through Torque Tube | Coil Springing, Drive and Torque taken through Torque Tube | Coil Springing, Drive and Torque taken through Torque Tube | Coil Springing, Drive and Torque taken through Torque Tube |
| Rear coil spring material | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel |
| Shock absorbers | Direct Type | Direct Type | Direct Type | Direct Type |
| Rear sidesway control | Tubular steel radius rod mounted in rubber | Tubular steel radius rod mounted in rubber | Tubular steel radius rod mounted in rubber | Tubular steel radius rod mounted in rubber |
| Chassis - Wheels and Tires | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Wheel type | Disc | Disc | Disc | Disc |
| Wheel size | 15 x 5.50 | 15 x 6.00 | 15 x 6.00 | 15 x 6.00 |
| Tire type | Tubeless | Tubeless | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tire size | 7.10-15***** | 7.60-15 | 7.60-15 | 8.00-15 |
| Tire revs. per mile at 30 mph | 750 | 735 | 735 | 723 |
| Tire pressure, front and rear, cold | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Visibility - Glass Area | Special Series | Century Series | Super Series | Roadmaster Series |
| Windshield (4-door riviera) | 1,356.9 sq. in. | 1,356.9 sq. in. | 1,412.1 sq. in. | 1,412.1 sq. in. |
| Total area (4-door riviera) | 3,872.3 sq. in. | 3,872.3 sq. in. | 3,949.6 sq. in. | 3,949.6 sq. in. |
| Windshield wiper make and type | Trico, Vacuum, Wide Angle | Trico, Vacuum, Wide Angle | Trico, Vacuum, Wide Angle | Trico, Vacuum, Wide Angle |