I want to put a nailhead in a 41 Studebaker Champion coupe: The question is which nailhead: A baby nail head, with Alum heads and intake, complete, w/auto, trans and engine crossmemebers, or a full size nailhead with a dynaflow auto trans, driveshaft, complete. Does either enigine have unusual things to be on the look out for? Both engines have under 70k miles and cost about the same $600-$700...
The 300 isn't a nail head. The nail heads were the two different families of early Buick bent 8's from 53-66 in 264, 322, 364, 400 (which was really the 401 renamed when GM decided that they shouldn't have any engines over 400" in mid sized cars), 401, and 425 sizes. The 215 and 300 are part of the small block Buick family that lasted from 61-71. Although the valve cover position was similar to the Nail Heads, they use a perimeter style hold down, not the distinctive 2 bolt through the center of the true nail heads. They also do not have the vertical valves that gave the nail head its nickname.
Hotrodon is absolutely right. the 215" and 300" buick engines are not part of the nailhead group. Jerome
It's all according. I would prefer the small engine IF the aluminum heads are not corroded. Lighter, nicer to drive, better mileage, all around nicer in a light car for street use. The bigger engine, more HP but sucks down more gas, more weight on the front end means harder steering and more nose heavy handling. The big engine, hard to find parts for, the small one, even harder. You would probably be better off with a Chev, or if you can't stand the thought of another Chev 350, a Buick V6. Or for something really unusual a Studebaker V8.
The 215 had an oddball bell housing pattern. It's pattern I believe was also used on the Fireball 198 V6 engines of 62-63. It is NOT the same as the BUICK NAILHEADS. They had their own pattern. The 300 engines had the more popular BOP pattern, which you should be able to mate up to the more modern automatics.
Here is some information that you might find useful. A decent sized small block, and only weighs about 350 lbs, or you could go with a block that is about the size of a typical 6, but with the bark of a V8. http://www.britishv8.org/Articles/Affordable-Stroker-V8.htm
the 215 was sold to british leyland and found its way into lots of rovers and the triumph tr8 . it should be easy to find parts for that engine since it was in production into the 90s
A s a Studebaker guy the Studebaker V8 would be cool. Since you already have the others I vote for the 401. I like old Buick'stoo!
What are your goals? I've used both and each has advantages, as previously mentioned. The smaller Buicks use less fuel and the larger ones make more power. If you get the aluminum block small block, the auto transmissions are weak, but will work for a cruiser. jack vines
i had a 264 in my 55 and loved that damn engine og motor never rebuilt and pulled that heavy ass car with no issues
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