Nailhead Engines

Don't forget 64, 64 was the first year of the ST400.

 

If I were building a street car or open-motor Model A, I'd definitely go with a nailhead. Hands down one of the most aesthetically pleasing engines ever made, with loads of torque & ridiculous reliability once set up properly.

If I were looking to build a 1/4 mile car to stuff a bunch of nitrous into and rev to 7 or 8 grand, I'd pick the sbc.

My 2 cents.

 

The Nailhead is gonna go into a '50 Chevy 3100

 

My 401 is in a '50 Chevy Sedan Delivery

 

Do you have any pictures of the engine bay

 

I have a 264 , 322, and 401.. I put the 264 in my 33 Chevrolets with a 5 speed...in fact I just got home from Lebanon Tennessee from the Redneck Rumble its a 470 mile round trip. The 264 did great it will cruise in 5th at 80mph all day and has enough ass to pull in 5th all the way down to 30MPH ! I'm saving the 322 and 401 for other projects..OH and the 264 got 17 miles per gallon on this trip.

 

Thanks for all the info on these engine they have helped in deciding in getting one of these engines. I now feel I won't disappointed when I get one

 

Here's a pic

 

Man that's a tight fit. But at least I know it fits. Did you have to do anything secial to make it fit?

 

I just missed a Ford top-loader deal to mate up with my 401. I'll hook a 400 Turbo to it if I can find the right one (reasonably priced). My 401 has 61,000 Miles on it, & was pulled from a 61 Invicta ragtop. The main reason I bought it was because it would spin, & it cost a whole lot less than $1200.00! That's a little steep IMO;...on the other hand, if it's what you really want, go for it!

 

cut, beat, pry, yell, weld. I used the left hand exhaust manifold that was on the motor as it came out of the 65 wildcat and used a left hand exhaust off of a 62 Lesabre on the right side. Cut a little more of the front body mounts off than I liked but its in there and clears the factory steering.

 

ya I was told it was going to be a tight squeeze but it would work with eitehr headers or left side exhaust manifolds. I hope it's not to much work to put in my truck

 

Well last week i came into a financial situation that wasn't gonna let me get my engine. But thanks to my girlfriend I am gonna get my nailhead. It's a '61 401 out of an Electra.

 

Look what I got as a late birthday present from my Girlfriend





Got it from Russel Martin I picked it up yesterday. It's a 1961 401 Buick Nailhead

 

Good man that Russ is!!!!! He or I can get you just about anything you may want or need. Including any & all info related to the "Nail". You will probably need one of my "Mini-Starters" for left side exhaust & steering clearance issues. Then when it's time for more power a set of "My Roller Rockers". Not only can they look good they now have the ability to RUN as good as they look!!!!!!

Tom T.

 

Can I cut and grind smooth the hook on the water manifold or should I just get an earlier year

 

If you don't like the hook, I'd gladly trade you one without for that one.

 

when it comes down to it. its all about the look and what you want. never had one but know people who have. and they seem pretty torquey especially in a little coupe

 

Now here's a question how do I remove all the oil and grime to get it ready for paint?

 

If it's a runner then I'd suggest degreaser and a good stiff brush to start and a lot of elbow grease.

 

ya she's a runner just needs new rocker arms which i have

 

good luck with you nailhead one of the prettiest motor,s build,s

 

Thanks

 

Like Zman said, lots of elbow grease. I used a scraper, worn out cheapo screwdriver and wire brush to get all the crusty stuff off then naptha to clean it up good.

This is what I started out with



and this is how it ended up



I used Duplicolor Detroit Diesel Aqua Marine. Its not a perfect match to the factory color but its the closest thing you can find at the auto parts stores.

 

Good to know! Thanks!

 

What about covering up the open area's intake etc do I just cover them up with a rag what if I get water in there

 

POR 15 has the correct color if you're interested.
http://www.por15.com/ENGINE-ENAMEL/productinfo/EEPA/

 

I just picked up a '65, 401 yesterday myself. It will be going in a '49 Federal truck.

Just so happens there is a good Nailhead buildup article in the current issue of Hot Rod Deluxe too.

 

Loved those Ivo Buicks looked good and ran even better.

 

If you use a Nailhead, better put some iron behind it cause its not for the faint of heart. You need some heavy duty stuff, and they sound so bad even stock, they had a wild sound. LOVE em. You use the chevy and its OK, go with the Buick and it always BAD, and I mean GOOD. Iceman