Technical 401 nailhead into 58 chevy wagon?

Wrongway 58 · Jul 8, 2019

Thanks if a 421 fit then a 401 will as well........ Cheers !!!

Wrongway 58 · Jul 9, 2019

Hombre said: ↑

Just did a quick search and found a couple of places for some parts.

http://centervilleautorepair.com/rarebuickspeedparts

https://www.centuryperformance.com/exhaust-system/headers/headers-by-engine/buick/buick-nailhead/
Click to expand...

Great info and way of thinking my Nail is a 66 built 401 now 406 with a cam that will bring peak torque 1500 rpm's higher than stock and bump it up from 445 ft. lbs. to almost 500 this is why putting it in my 58 wagon seemed like a grand idea..Thank you again for your input !!!!!!!!!!

Hnstray said: ↑

Let me start by saying....I am a Buick fan and have been for decades, going back to my childhood.(in my case, that's a looong time). And, I like Nailheads. But I would be remiss if I didn’t pass along some possibly pertinent info. If you already know this stuff, well “never mind”.

First...a question. Have you chosen a nailhead first and foremost because of it’s ‘look’ ? If so, you need not read any further..

Still here? The Nailhead is a fairly heavy engine, about 675 lbs. The block configuration seriously limits transmission options unless an adapter is employed.

In ‘67 models, Buick introduced the first of the new generation of larger displacement engines, a 400 and 430 inch models soon followed by a 455 version. They are all physically the same relatively compact size and are quite lightweight.....75 to 100 lbs less than a 401 nailhead. Very little more than an SBC.
Distributor is in the front, they produce high torque, relatively inexpensive to buy when you find one and have the so-called BOP block bolt pattern. Stick bell housings from almost any BOP 90*V6 or V8 from 1964 up bolt on and so do most rear drive GM automatics. The exceptions being Powerglide and 700R4. However, the 2004R does fit and has a better ratio spread. Just something to be aware of.

In any case, the ‘58 wagon is a cool piece.

Ray
Click to expand...

Hnstray said: ↑

Let me start by saying....I am a Buick fan and have been for decades, going back to my childhood.(in my case, that's a looong time). And, I like Nailheads. But I would be remiss if I didn’t pass along some possibly pertinent info. If you already know this stuff, well “never mind”.

First...a question. Have you chosen a nailhead first and foremost because of it’s ‘look’ ? If so, you need not read any further..

Still here? The Nailhead is a fairly heavy engine, about 675 lbs. The block configuration seriously limits transmission options unless an adapter is employed.

In ‘67 models, Buick introduced the first of the new generation of larger displacement engines, a 400 and 430 inch models soon followed by a 455 version. They are all physically the same relatively compact size and are quite lightweight.....75 to 100 lbs less than a 401 nailhead. Very little more than an SBC.
Distributor is in the front, they produce high torque, relatively inexpensive to buy when you find one and have the so-called BOP block bolt pattern. Stick bell housings from almost any BOP 90*V6 or V8 from 1964 up bolt on and so do most rear drive GM automatics. The exceptions being Powerglide and 700R4. However, the 2004R does fit and has a better ratio spread. Just something to be aware of.

In any case, the ‘58 wagon is a cool piece.

Ray
Click to expand...

Thanks Ray my Nail is a 66 401 w/th400 and yes i do know they are Heavy but i want to set my wagon as a early 60's street/strip machine plan on updating the frame suspension and brakes figure a torque engine ins big car should move out pretty good !!!!!!!!!!

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Technical 401 nailhead into 58 chevy wagon?

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