Features Running 364 nailhead and tranny value?

Have a chance to buy a la sabre, it runs and drives, wondering the value of the engine/ trans.
Thanks.

 

Don't know but I know someone is gonna want to put that in their model A. Cool engine!

 

Depends on mileage, condition etc... Trans is a dynaflo, assuming it is automatic-not very desirable. Stick shift is another story. Clutch flywheel and bellhousing are worth as much as the engine.
I have sold cores for $350 half disassembled and needing complete rebuild incl pistons, boring, etc... and have purchased running 401 w/sp400 for less than $600 in last 2 years.
Rough numbers would be $500-$1000 depending on mileage, condition etc...
Most 364 were 2bbl intakes. Except for log style or stack injection such as Hilborn intakes, the 364 does not share intakes with either the 264-322 nor the 401-425. 4bbl intakes for a 364 are fairly hard to find and can bring $100 or more on the auction site.

 

LeSabre would be 1959 or newer. They were the low priced full size Buick with a 364 cu in engine of 210 - 250 HP in 1959 - 1961 depending on compression ratio.

1962 - 1966 would be a 401 of 265 - 325HP . IF it has a real "nailhead". The 64 - 66 models used the more modern 300 cu in engine of the Special as their base engine.

 

DQ55 nailed this.

The Dynaflow transmission is a low value. The Dynaflow is expensive to rebuild & are inefficient. A 64 – 66 Buick ST400 auto transmission will bolt to the 364 for a strong set up. The Dynaflow rebuild was a recent conversation here. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1957-buick-dynaflow-rebuild-5k.989746/#post-11147736

IMO the 364 Nailhead is a very good engine & I would take a good one. The 57 & 58 364's with 10:1 compression were 300hp while the 250 was 9.5:1. There are later 364's with 10:1 compression that made less than 300hp with a 2bbl carb. There are some later 9.5:1 s as well. A 364 engine with 10:1 compression should upgrade to 300hp easily and would be more desirable. The 9.5:1 uses a different piston.

I was just chasing a 57 Buick 364 engine that was in good shape & hesitated to lose it. The engine was a complete 9.5:1 250 hp with a Dynaflow. It was a really fair price but I let the Dynaflow distract me. I knew that a newer GM transmission could be adapted but I learned that the 64-66 Buick ST400 bolt up to make a good set up. In hindsight the fact that the engine was in good condition would have made it perfect. Add a 4bbl carb to perk it up & it would have been more than enough engine for my old Ford. A kid in 1960 would have grabbed that 57 engine in a heartbeat as 250 horses would be a real prize over a tired flathead. Coulda woulda . . .

Nailheads are different and can be expensive to find parts or work on. They are an engine that are more one of a personal tastes when it comes to a transplant. The starter is on the left & with the steering box is tight so it is good to get the left side exhaust manifold for a 57. The positives are they are a naturally strong engine so they make a good transplant, run cool & they dress up to be one of the nicest looking engine next to a well dressed flathead..

This is a link to the Buick brochures that give the models with the engine spec's. It may help determine the engine for the Buick prospect. http://www.lov2xlr8.no/buick.html

The engine in the Buick you are looking at is a driver, is complete & if it's engine has life remaining then that is a plus.
All the best,

 

well, im not going to purchase the Buick. Too much $ for me. $3800.00 running driving with the original paint, interior, dust and no rust. anybody else interested let me know. i got some pictures and can get more if wanted. the car is just outside of Albuquerque, NM

 

Just an FYI for those saying a ST400 or SP400 from 64-66 nailhead application will bolt up. The answer is "mostly right". You need an adapter for the torque converter pilot in the crank, dynaslow is larger than ST/SP. You also need the SP/ST flexplate. It is true the bellhousing pattern will bolt up and is the same as the 364 has. It is not the same bellhousing pattern as the smaller 264 and 322 nailhead has.

 

Is that 64-66 only? In other words did they change the block/trans interface for the new trans?

 

66 was last year for the nailhead, in 67 they brought out the new OHV Buick V8's that were used up into mid-70's. The new Buick V8 uses the same bellhousing pattern as the Cadillac, Oldsmobile and Pontiac engines. Nailhead bellhousing is unique to nailhead. 64 was the first year for the nailhead turbo 400 based trans, called the Super Turbine 400 (ST400, 64-66) and Switch Pitch 400 (SP400, 65-66). So 64-66 were the only years for the turbo 400 based nailhead trans.

Also, as a comment since we are discussing nailheads. The 215/300 versions are sometimes called "baby nailheads", but they are not nailhead engine family. Only the 264/322 (smaller) and 364/401/425 (larger) are the nailheads. The only thing the 215/300 have in common is the valve covers are also vertical, like the real nailheads have.

 

But the bell housings for all 1957-1966 Buick 364-401-425 are the same. But the 364 has a slightly different amount of balance on the flywheel. I am thinking it is about .50 oz or so more than the 401-425. Has been a few years since I did them.
The sp/st400 will bolt to the 364 but will need the mods as mentioned before plus will need the starter spaced out about 5/8 in ch. This is actuall y true for all 364-401 with the dynaflo.