Technical 401 Buick in a 49 merc

I am getting prepared to start a 49 merc and I am going to use a 401/st 400. I put a 425 in my last merc build using a nova rear steer subframe and had to make headers because cast iron manifolds wouldn't fit. This time I have a choice of two frames, one needs a subframe grafted on, but the other one is a mint stocker. I would like to use the stocker with an original steering box and cast iron manifolds. I would like to know if any body has done this with a 401 nailhead, and what the difficultys are? Also some good pics would be nice. Thanks

 

surely someone has done this swap?

 

Exhaust is the least of your worries. Use the mint stock frame. Worry about the exhaust later. Worst case scenario is custom fabbed headers.

 

I did custom fabbed headers on the last merc and was hoping to save a few days labour , but you may be right.

 

bttt, anyone done a 401 with cast iron manifolds in a stock 49-51 merc frame?

 

Back in the day a Buick/Merc swap was pretty common (as well as anything else/Merc swap) What did they do? Was 322's narrower than a 401-425?

 

322s are narrower and have smaller exhaust manifolds.

 

Didn't flamedabone put a nailhead in his old 51? He did have gm clip installed I believe though..

 

I put a 401 in my 40 Ford pickup with cast headers. There are several headers to choose from. Even from the 364 will fit.

I used this one on the drivers side to clear the steering.

 

Thanks slddnmatt, will check with flamedabone.

 

Thanks mj40s, do you know specificaly what car that exhaust manifold was used on ?

 

As I remember it was a 57 Buick 364 drivers side made for a crossover system.

 

Here is a better shot of mine. Here are some for sale but won't be cheap here.
http://nailheadbuick.com/exhaust