1957 BUICK SUPER

Symptoms: Loud ticking or clattering on startup that may diminish when warm, Loss of power and rough idle, Low oil pressure readings, Sticky or collapsed hydraulic lifters from sitting or old oil

Fix: Requires intake manifold removal and lifter replacement. On the 364ci especially, accessing all lifters means 8-12 hours of labor. Often reveals worn pushrods and rocker arms needing replacement simultaneously.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,400

Symptoms: Delayed engagement when shifting to Drive, Slipping under acceleration especially when hot, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Transmission running hot enough to boil fluid

Fix: The single-speed Dynaflow generates massive heat. Oil cooler lines rot out or cooler itself clogs. Full rebuild with modern friction materials and mandatory cooler upgrade runs 18-24 hours. Many shops won't touch these—specialist required.

Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Deep knocking sound from bottom end that worsens under load, Metal shavings in oil or on magnetic drain plug, Oil pressure dropping significantly at idle, Vibration through entire car at certain RPM ranges

Fix: Nailhead blocks suffer from marginal oiling to rear main bearing. Requires full engine removal, crankshaft R&R, line boring if journals worn, and all new bearings. Machine shop work plus 30-40 hours labor total for removal, rebuild, reinstall.

Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Excessive crankcase pressure blowing out dipstick or valve covers, High oil consumption—quart every 300-500 miles, Fouled spark plugs on one or more cylinders

Fix: Rings stick from infrequent use or carbon buildup. Full ring job requires engine out, heads off, honing cylinders if not scored, new rings on all pistons. If cylinders are scored, needs full bore and oversized pistons. 25-35 hours labor minimum.

Estimated cost: $3,000-5,000

Symptoms: Hard starting especially when cold, Stalling at idle or when coming to stops, Surging or hesitation during acceleration, Flooding with fuel leaking from carburetor base

Fix: Rochester 4-barrel carbs on these gum up badly from ethanol and sitting. Tank typically has rust and sediment. Proper fix is tank removal and cleaning/sealing, new fuel pump, complete carburetor rebuild with kit. Fuel filter often disintegrates. 6-10 hours total.

Estimated cost: $800-1,500

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting into gear, Excessive engine movement visible when revving, Vibration through floorboards at idle, Driveline shudder on acceleration

Fix: Rubber mounts turn to powder after 60+ years. Transmission mount especially critical as Dynaflow is extremely heavy. Requires transmission support during replacement. 3-5 hours labor for both engine and transmission mounts.

Estimated cost: $400-700