My boss has a '64 Buick Special that belonged to his dad. I've done a lot of maintenance on it, but it needs a few things and he wants to get rid of it. It's got a 300 V8 in it. What's the story on this engine? It has a 2-speed trans behind it. I know about 401 and 425 nailheads, but not much about the 300... It runs great and seems to have some power. Anyone?
it's a little engine, mostly based on the aluminum 215 V8 that was made from 61-63. It has the "normal" BOP bolt pattern, so you can put normal trannys behind it (common manual bellhousings or TH350/400/200-4R/etc). Some models had aluminum heads, they all had iron blocks. later it morphed into the 340 V8 (the buick version, not the dodge). 300 was made in 64-65, 340 in 66-67. the two speed trans behind it is probably a switch pitch 300, kind of cross between a powerglide and th350, with a variable stall speed torque converter.
Cool... Any horsepower estimates? The car only has about 46k on it and I'm toying with the idea of using the drivetrain. It's a 4 door Buick Special, nice little car... If I decide not to, I'll put it up here on the board.
The 340-4 was powerful enough that it was used in full-size LeSabres, my buddy has one that has the 340 in it (though wether or not it's original who knows, the car is a '68)
The '64 300 was the only one with aluminum heads and intake--if you want to convert it to a 4bbl, you must use a '64 intake. '65-'67 300s were all cast iron. Since it uses the common B-O-P pattern, you can ditch the Super Turbine 300 trans in favor of a TH350 or 400.
I had a 66 300 with a four barrell carb- it ran great. Although these are not considered a Nailhead I would not let that dissuade me. A neailhead is an extinct overpriced relic that no resonably priced parts fit- and.........IN MY OPINION ,the 300 is far superior and for the most part the "appearance" difference ,is negligible. Id install it in my ride, if I were you......
I'm putting one in my 28 RPU right now. They have head issues if the aluminum heads are still on it, so be careful-esp. if there is just water in it. The new head gasket technology is better than it was in 64. They're a couple inches shorter than a SBC and lighter, too. A GS buick with a 340 in it was a very quick car.
Solid, reliable. Drive train is a good match for the car. I've got the same car, but with the V6. Shares aluminum timing cover, pistons, rings and other components w/ 225 V6 of same vintage (the V6 was llater sold to AMC in late 60's / early 70's for use in Jeep with a very heavy flywheel and called the Dauntless -- I mention it only as a parts source). I think the valve set-up does not utilize seals, so there may be a little puff of blue on restarts. The larger timing gear may be nylon teeth molded over aluminum. With age, if placed under stress, the nylon can break and the timing chain slip a few cogs and fill the pan with plastic and the oilways with aluminum shreds. $30 to switch to a steel set is worth the investment now. Lots of Buick resto guys still run this drivetrain in their Skylarks, esp. the convertibles, for light, reliable cruising.
still lots of parts out there for them if you know where to look, and have some patience.Lots of the odd-fire v6 brackets{alt,power strng,}from the mid seventys rwd cars fit this engine. waterpumps,timing sets and covers,fuel pumps all interchange,but only if you ask for stuff for the 231 ODD-FIRE engine with a two bbl carb. I got one in my daily driver and am very happy with it. R.R.
Well, it looks like I won't be buying it since we're going to be moving eventually (I'm trying to downsize)... I really wanted that drivetrain... Anyway, I posted it in the For Sale area if you'ld like to see it.
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