looking for pics and info in swapping a buick nailhead into my 33 coupe..good or bad? Your input on this is greatly appreciated! post pics if you got em!
I have run nailheads for the last 30years, and have put them in a variety of cars. What is your concern? Here are a couple of pics of my current rides.
401 or a 425 is what I'm thinking. What type of mounting are you using ? sidemount or front hurst style? will it clear a stock steerring setup?(probably not)
this is kinda but not really on topic here. I put a 401 in my 38 pickup on 32 rails. it fit fine. tight with the f1 box and starter, but doable. ran chassis engineering mounts on the block and flat puck mounts on the frame. Great motors bags of torque. I've got 750-16s on the back and a 273 gear set and it still launches out of the whole and will do 70mph real comfortably. killer mills!
I am using original Hurst side mounts. Both my cars have vega steering in them. I think it will clear stock steering but not sure if the starter will. I have never tried it.
Using the Speedway motor mounts and the mini starter with my VW steering box. Home made frame, pinched from firewall to front crossmember.
Not a 33-34, just a Model A, but a picture showing the tight spots. Steering shaft to header was very close. Had to be careful running the starter cable, it runs to the rear of starter then over to the frame. Steering box is a 125 Saginaw and U-joint assembly is Chevy Astro van. Hope this is of some help. Canuck
Thanks for the pics and info guys! Wondering if anyone is using a 4 speed trans behind their nailhead? what trans/bellhousing? Ha ha! Yes, I built a car from a bunch of scrap metal,but I'm not above asking for help!.. Got any early pontiacs lying around?
I used a 401 with speed gems/bendtsens bellhousing adapter with a t-5. Its tight at motor mount and vega box and starter area
I made the engine mounts using early ford motor mount cushions from speedway. The clutch is hydraulic with slave cylinder from speedway also, pedals are 60 chevy truck swing down, shortened pedals. I would be happy to post any pics or answer any questions for you. That is the second car i have had that engine installed in. To get the engine low in chassis the firewall must be setback or recessed, that is how i liked it.
Thanks for the info and pics! I've never put a nailhead in an early chassis so I appreciate you showing me how you did it.
A good friend of mine had a 425 nailhead in his 34 Ford sedan. He built this car in the late 60's. It was a super car, very dependable, and ran like a scalded dog. I wish I had some pictures to post.
I'm thinking he has probably forgotten about the buick situation.Did you see the Arduns?Thanks for the pics though
Thanks for the pics of my car, I never seem to take pics of it. I have put Nailheads in everything I personally have built for the past 30yrs. My 29 roadster has a 401 ,I had a 50 Chevy pickup with a 401 and I am putting 401 in my 33 roadster. I also have a 425 with a 671 blower that I plan on putting in something.They are very dependable and have a stink amount of torque. Plus I think they look cool.
No problem..Just got a little sidetracked with the Arduns...Love the look of a Nailhead in early hotrod and want to put one in this car..I'm looking for a suitable engine/trans..I'd prefer a 401 but won't rule out any. If I have to rebuild one,any thoughts on which size engine(if any) to stay away from? rebuild parts available across the board or ?
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