Chevy 409 OR 401 Buick Nailhead ?

Nailhead! I think that a dressed-up nailhead is the best-looking engine by far!
And as far as power goes - I would put a built-up nailhead against a 409 any day... I broke the motor mounts on my old Electra a couple of times...
Can you say TORQUE?

 

**** man whoever says lamaar waldon is outta his mind. You wanna pay ****in crazy amounts for ALL RACE parts? Didn't think so.
You ever seen an oil pan for a 401 go for 100 bucks like many **** *** 409 ones have at a swap meet? I'm not tryin to be a **** or anything, I just want you to save your money. Learn a lot about 409s before you go hunting for parts. I have seen many men get ****ed over for truck 348 parts that they thought were 409 parts. If you're thinkin of a High Performance 409, why not put that money into a 440 chrysler? Bet ya could get nearly 600 hp for the price of 500 hp in the 409. Also, I think the 401 would be more dependable than the 409. The only reason why Lamaar Waldon is in business, is because he keeps the racers ***ure that their 10 grand W motor isnt gonna blow the **** up at 5600 rpm or the fact that he makes 6 thousand dollar cylinder heads.
Off topic a lil I guess. I find it funny that they haven't started repopping the 409 Blocks. Just get a tall deck big block and "re-angle" the deck surface...

Oh yeah, for all you making references about "409" by The Beach Boys, that was a 348 they were windin up in the song!

 

Yes Johnny, but you are thinking like lots of folks and it is wrong. We dont NEED all the hi zoot race parts to have fun in these light cars! A mild 401 or W motor will pin you in the seat AND be reliable! Guys get to wound up in the go fast goodies and end up with a porcelin doll thay dont wanna drive 500 miles!

 

Oh yeah, for all you making references about "409" by The Beach Boys, that was a 348 they were windin up in the song!
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I was just makin' a joke..
I actually thought it was a pontiac in the song..
thanks for the info..

I will tottaly agree with you on the cost of parts. I've been checking out this **** for a few years now so when it come's time to build mine i don't have a heart attack..
Mine will be a pretty wild motor when done..more than likely will stroke it with a 454 crank etc...
The only thing i'd have to disagree on is the nailhead being more reliable. I'd think that a well built mill, regardless of if it's a nailhead, 409, or many other's would be as reliable as the quality of the parts used, the machine shop doing the work and the builder.

I know a couple guy's that have driven flatheads across the country..more than once.

I do know that getting certain parts for a W motor would be a little easier on the road than a nailhead..There are parts that interchange with both small block and big block chevy's..
Dumb thing's, if i remember correctly. Like, the timing chain is a big block, but the gears are small block.. oil pumps a small block i think.. I can't remember it all right now, i'd have to find my info..

I'm in no way busting your balls.. just stating my own oppinioon.. which probably dosn't mean **** anyway..

Tony

 

409's are alot of work, and probably much more expensive to build, the Nail will also fit better in a 32, I'd go with the 401.

 

Frank: I'd suggest talking to some Bucik club people. We all know most Chev club guys are tools here....and they think their **** is worth a tonne. On the other hand, Buick people WISH their stuff was worth heaps.

 

I got one! Am I popular now?

 

hey man,

the endless ***** over your flatheads just gone away...and now you hit me with this!!!



Danny

 

Guys hey great response....!!

Yeah, I love BOTH engines. I know u can get parts easily enough for the Nailhead and that the 409 is harder to find initially.

I also know a lot of SBC and BBC parts can interchange, so that will keep the cost down somewhat. As was mentioned, trans options for a Buick can be a bit dicey, Id prefer a 4-5 spd than a slushbox so theat = $$$

Tman ...that 409 in your ride looks insane....of course, I AM biased somewhat !!

Johnny B I hear what youre sayin' but there will be lowlifes around whatever your doin, trick is to spotem.

IMHO, if I was gonna go Nailhead, itd be a 401 or if I can find one, a 425. I have my contacts Stateside maybe even a Hamber will be be willing to part with one or know someone who has one.

If a 409 core costs 2000 clams, I may as well start looking around for a HEMI...if you know what I mean.

Pros and cons in both.....$$ for $$ I reckon itll be cheeper to get the grunt from a Nailhead b/.c of the initial outlay to get a 409 rebuilder. But a built 409 looks just as kool as a dressed Nailhead.

Any more thoughts... ? Guess i ll just have to keep lookin'.....boredom is an evil thing NO??

Rat

 

Nailhead 445!!

Dare to be different!! cool engine for cool cars

 

W. Here is my 348. Notice how dirty it is? It was my daily driver (switching cars now but keeping the 348). And this particular one cost me a grand total of about $600.

Travis