Fellow HAMBer's...I recently bought a running, 88k mile buick V8 engine/Powerglide combo...(the owner built a hot rod out of the Skylark that it came in, now it sports a 355 Chevy and NOS ) I want to install it in one of the Model A's... Years back I bought a Jeepster, 1970 that originally came with the Buick 225 V6, the hot tip back then was to swap in a longer 300 V8 which was evidently 2 more cylinders...all you had to do was add onto the exhaust pipe and move the radiator forward a little... So I have that "unknown, right out of the junkyard" engine also for spares if necessary. I actually got a ride around in that Jeep around the yard, so it did run back in 85, then sat inside all of those years. What's available out there in the finned valve cover department? I have the stock air clearer and all of the accessories. Engine mounts look like they'll adapt, unless I can get a pair from Ch***is Engineering. Any helps/hints/ideas are welcome. (I'm basically a Ford guy.) Thanks, Mark PS Is this little Buick V8 also properly called a "nailhead" due to it's vertical valves?..or is that term reserved for the larger 401"s?
If it isn't a nailhead, it sure as hell looks like one to me. My 66 Special has the 300/Super turbine 300 2speed combo and it scoots right down the road nicely. Not a hot rod, but what can I expect for nearly 2 tons and maybe 200 HP. Check TeamBuick.com for any parts. They have separate sections of the forum for the different engine families. I hope this isn't considered spam.
I believe that Offenhauser still sells aluminum valve covers for it. If it's a '64 engine, it will have aluminum heads and intake. If it's all cast iron, it's '65-'67. There are no aftermarket intake manifolds for it, to my knowledge. An H.E.I. from a Buick 350 can be used in it, though.
It is not a nailhead. Some refer to it as the "pinhead". They can be made to go very fast. Google "Sean Etson".