Technical Buick Nailhead Home Fabbed 4 Speed Swap

Hello All,

I know there are experts and companies that make bolt together with an emphasis on 3 speeds, but I am interested in hearing from folks here who have done similar. I have done some pretty complex trans swaps for other projects.

I bought out a ton of Nailhead parts a few years back, built motor, various intakes etc. They owner had passed away but the son who was a car guy facilitated the estate sale of all the car parts.

It came with a T10 Borg Warner with a Hurst shifter and I was told it was all set up for the Nailhead. The flyhweel and pilot bushing/besring could not be located. The transmission is a 69 AMC Borg Warner T10.

The motor is a 364 and I picked up the right flywheel awhile back and will have it balanced as needed when I go through the motor.

What I am interested in learning and seeing pics are as follows:

1. Any pics of custom made / adapted bellhousings mating a 4 speed GM or other trans to a Nailhead?

2. I know on a SBC Chevy the Flywheel is fairly close to the edge of the block face where bellhousing bolts on but the Nailhead the flywheel is further in - anyone have pics of how far the end of the input shaft comes in relation to the face of the bellhousing where it bolts to the engine block? no Is it even, does it come out a bit?

Thanks, Tim

 

I currently have a Muncie 4-speed attached to a nailhead 322. The first adapter goes from the nailhead to a Ford pattern, sorry I couldn't find a picture of it. I purchased that from Russ at Centerville Auto Repair, I believe their website is buicknailhead.com. The other adapter goes from the Ford pattern to the Muncie, I purchased that from Speedway. The overall depth of the two adapters, if I remember correctly, is 1/2" less than the SBC bell housing that came with the Muncie.

Larry

 

I'm running a 401 Nailhead with a WC T-5. To achieve this I have an Offy Nailhead to early Ford bellhousing then an MEC Early Ford to Mustang Pattern T-5 bellhousing. The MEC casting can be drilled to suit Chev pattern T-5. Are Chev patterns the same for T-5 and Muncie?

 

I'll see if I can tear myself away from the TV and go out and get you a picture of the input shaft..

Larry

 

That would be helpful, no rush, thanks

 

The second picture is a bit blurry but it measures 9/16". Hope this helps.

Larry

 

This is very helpful thanks!

 

Speed gems sells a bell housing for $395 for the 364/401/425
Centerville (Russ Martin) has one for $345
Used ones pop fairly often.
They are out there and I see no need to put a couple adapters together instead of an actual bellhousing.
And it looks like the actual bellhousing is less than two adapters

 

I've got
One of those Buick adapters I'd let go cheap if you're interested.the thin one that goes to the flathead bolt pattern

 

I went with the two pieces because I had been in contact with Russ for close to a year trying to find a one piece bellhousing. Russ was able to acquire the adapter that attached to the nailhead and suggested I go that route. My problem was I have a 322 not the more common 364/401/425.

Larry

 

And now there are three on eBay. It's the way.

 

For what it's worth, this popped up on my MyFace feed today.
https://www.facebook.com/commerce/listing/886380780063834

Mike