'57 356 Nailhead

[pabstbellly]

I have an oppurtunity get a 356 nailhead for $50. It is a complete motor but is pretty bad need of a rebuild. It is going to go in a Model A roadster. I'm just looking for information about this motor if anyone knows anything about them. Primaraly whether or not this motor is even worth the effort to rebuild them. I really know nothing about Buicks.

[leadsleadolds]

Nailheads arent cheap to rebuild but they are high torque and are some of the coolest looking engines all chromed out. I'd get it if I were you 50 bucks is a steal. If its a four barrel those intakes fetch a good amount. and you could buy a offenhauser set up or contact www.northwestcustoms.net (http://www.northwestcustoms.net) he has some cool nailhead shit 3 duce 6 duce 2 fours. The only big drawback is a tranny adapter cost a bit and you dont want to use a dynaslow in a hotrod. Or you can find a good tranny off a I think 64-66 nailhead that has a switch pitch 400. If you get it I'll let you know all the part supliers.

[zman]

I would check on that nailhead as they didn't make a 356, maybe a 364... good motor had one im my '57, but have since replaced it with a 425. The TH400 out of a later Rivi is the hot tranny ticket.

[suedesled]

I'm sure you have a 364 and you can put a Th400 behind it. you just need the case which I have. The Northwest Customs site has moved to www.nwspeedequipment.com. (http://www.nwspeedequipment.com.) Currently working on injection and aluminum heads for that motor as well as the 401-425. Welcome to board

[trey]

[ QUOTE ]
. you just need the case which I have.

[/ QUOTE ]

what kinda price would that be?

trey

[suedesled]

Id sell the tranny for 250.00 but it's the shipping you have to worry about. I could gut the case and ship it and you can find a chevy donor for the guts.

[Judd]

Isn't the Dynaflow crank bolt pattern different than the T400 flex plate? I seem to remember you had to do some machine work on the end of Dynaflow crank to use T400.
Judd

[pabstbellly]

Sorry, typo on the engine size. I've decided that a nailhead is a little out of my price range as far as rebuilding costs and such. If anyone is interesed PM me and I will give you the link I found it at, I believe the motor is in fremont CA

[zman]

[ QUOTE ]
Isn't the Dynaflow crank bolt pattern different than the T400 flex plate? I seem to remember you had to do some machine work on the end of Dynaflow crank to use T400.
Judd

[/ QUOTE ]

Just FYI for anyone else.

The bolt pattern is the same but the hole in the flexplate for the TH400 needs be enlarged or the crank turned down for it to fit. You also need a bushing for the converter to sit correctly. Here is where you get it.
Carmen Faso
716.693.4090 -
J&C's Parts
7127 Ward Road
North Tonawanda, NY 14120

Also remember that the balance is different between the 364 and the 401/425. Hence the flexpalte should be balanced for the engine. If you're gonna do it don't so it half assed..