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Technical Nailhead in a ‘60 Chevy?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by J Man, Aug 17, 2020.

  1. J Man
    Joined: Dec 11, 2003
    Posts: 4,131

    J Man
    Member
    from Angola, IN

    I am getting a ‘60 Biscayne and would like to put a nailhead in it of the 401/425 variety, has anyone done this before? This is a follow up question to my last one where it was determined that the Riv had a x frame so I would think it will fit in the Chevy x frame as well. Being that they also had 348/409 motors in them as well I would think they can handle the power. Thoughts?


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  2. BLACKNRED
    Joined: May 8, 2010
    Posts: 366

    BLACKNRED
    Member

    Why not, I new a guy who put an 8BA flathead ford in a 60 Chev sedan many years ago.
    Should be plenty of room.
     
  3. Hnstray
    Joined: Aug 23, 2009
    Posts: 12,355

    Hnstray
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Quincy, IL

    Thoughts? i think you should edit your profile page birthday date...:D

    Otherwise, carry on with your plan. Sounds reasonable to me. best wishes. ;)

    Ray
     
  4. belair
    Joined: Jul 10, 2006
    Posts: 9,013

    belair
    Member

    What trans?
     

  5. saltflats
    Joined: Aug 14, 2007
    Posts: 12,594

    saltflats
    Member
    from Missouri

    The Buick X frame is nothing like a Chevy X frame.
     
  6. J Man
    Joined: Dec 11, 2003
    Posts: 4,131

    J Man
    Member
    from Angola, IN

    It will not allow me to change it. Before I took a break from messing with cars I use to make it look like I was turning 1 every year.


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  7. J Man
    Joined: Dec 11, 2003
    Posts: 4,131

    J Man
    Member
    from Angola, IN

    I would like to find one with the SP400 but I do know of a consonant that makes adapters for others.


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  8. J Man
    Joined: Dec 11, 2003
    Posts: 4,131

    J Man
    Member
    from Angola, IN

    What are the differences that would make it potentially not fit or work?


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  9. I can't help with fitment but I love the idea. I had a 425 with a sp400, I wanted to put it in a 57 chevy but the stars never aligned.
     
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  10. chevyfordman
    Joined: Oct 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,354

    chevyfordman
    Member

    I put a 364 in a 57 Chevy but hooking it up to my 3 speed was expensive even though the engine was only $50 but it looked cool in there and was a lot faster than the 283.
     
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  11. Hnstray
    Joined: Aug 23, 2009
    Posts: 12,355

    Hnstray
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Quincy, IL

    A tape measure will be your best friend to answer that question. Given the Chevy’s X frame configuration, transmission length will be the critical factor, at least in my opinion.

    edit: unless, of course, you are willing and able to do a LOT of frame alteration.

    Ray
     
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  12. Gman0046
    Joined: Jul 24, 2005
    Posts: 6,256

    Gman0046
    Member

    I've never done a Nailhead in a 60 Chevy and have never seen it done but I sure do like the idea of it. 60 Chevy's were available with W motors and I wouldn't think a 401/425 would be that much of a problem but not sure about exhaust manifolds or steering interference. Keep us posted if your going to perform the swap. I'd like to see it.

    I wouldn't worry too much about the X frame handling the power. Lots of Chevies and some 60's Pontiacs also have X frames along with plenty of power. Chevy rear ends were always the first thing to go long before the X frame.
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2020
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  13. Hnstray
    Joined: Aug 23, 2009
    Posts: 12,355

    Hnstray
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Quincy, IL

    @Gman0046 ....at least in my case, it is NOT the strength of the X frame that is the issue, rather the question is, in my mind, whether or not there is sufficient room for the ST400 transmission. There may very well be, I am just suggesting that is the more critical issue if the Buick automatic is to be used in this application. I agree with that choice, just pointing out it is a concern until investigated.

    Ray
     
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  14. J Man
    Joined: Dec 11, 2003
    Posts: 4,131

    J Man
    Member
    from Angola, IN

    I am picking the car up on Labor Day weekend. Then I will have to be in the hunt for a motor/trans combo.


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