Possible nailhead find....

Was out driving the old roads today, and came across something that peaked my interest. I normally do not even bother pulling over to look at 4 door cars. However I ran across a 4 door hardtop 61 Lesabre today. I could not find anyone home, so I did nto snoop to hard. But it had "$1200 Runs" written on the front window. I'm thinking its a 401 nailhead car. pretty sweet looking car, would make a neat custom. But at that price, would it be worth picking up just for the motor? I have not seen where I coudl build a nailhead for less than $2500. Granted I have not heard it run yet, and dop not know how well it will run. But assuming that it needs a full gasket set, is it still a descent buy?

What tranny options are available for it, since they did not go to a turbo 400 until 65?

 

I'll find you damn near ANY worn-out/ core motor you want for $1200.00

 

think i saw a 401 for sale in the wichita paper for $400 will try and find the ad again if you are interested

 

The '61 LeSabre came with a 364 cube two barrel nailhead and Dynaflow (open drive). The car might be worth it, but the engine alone is not. Frank

 

I think Tuck has one here for $500. Sounds like it could be a runner with little work....

 

About the only thing on the car that would be worth anything besides the engine is the finned front drims.

 

I bought a 425 core and switchpitch for $600 from our very own Flat-Top Bob.

Buy it for the car not just the motor....

 

I picked up a 401 wildcat for $100 bucks. It was in a '61 4dr LeSabre. Could be a good find.

 

You could part the car out on ebay and make money, thus getting the engine for free.

Beginning in '59, Buick used the VIN as the engine numer. For '61, if the first digits of the VIN are 3H, it's a 250 horse 364; if it's L3H, it's a 235 horse 364, and if it's 4H, it's a 401.

1lowlesabre has one nice 61 LeSabre, done Bellflower style. If you can see a pic, you might get some cool ideas.

 

There are a couple of options on converting the tranny. You can get an adapter that you can hook any chevy bolt pattern to but you can also use this. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1958-63-buick-nailhead-tubo-400-adapter-62-61-60-59_W0QQitemZ260028841012QQihZ016QQcategoryZ46098QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

I'm gonna go look at a '53 322 Nailhead tomorrow. Its been out of the car for 3 years, ran when pulled, complete with air cleaner and carb. Asking price is 350.00

I may need to replace that flathead in the 34 coupe... HMMMM

T