Why is the Buick nailhead so popular as a rod engine? I have to admit they look great when dressed right, but are they that dependable and easy to install. The first rod I saw with a nailhead was a 29 roadster pickup, LaSalle trans, dual quads. Looked great. Was bought in Ft. Polk La. in around 64. Just wondering why the fascination.
Gobs of torque and as you mentioned they clean up real well. Tommy Ivo may have single-handedly been responsible for starting their popularity in rods when he put one in a T roadster in the mid fifties.
torque torque torque did I say torque I think i did plus it's narrow so it will fit under and between the hood sides of a lot of the early cars power-to-weight not to sure about that a nailhead weights as much as a BBC or maybe a little more and they dont make alot of HP more of a torque monster you will be lucky to have 340 HP but it will make close to 450 foot pounds I know my engine stand don't like it when there a nailhead on it especially when I have my blower on it and last but not lease is the fact that a fully dressed nailhead is the BEST looking motor ever built that's just my option but there are a lot of Buick heads out there that will agree with me Tom
We built a 425 nailhead powered model A at my shop. I didnt know what to expect from it. Let me tell you that thing hauls the mail. It doesnt make any power past 4500 but thats all that it needs. I think they are a pretty good engine. Jimmy White
It's such a unique looking engine as well as a torque monster like everyone is saying. I've had a few of them and I was hooked for life after my first experience with one. I think they would've been around past 1966 but as I understand, the engineers that designed the nailhead retired and the company wanted to compete with the sbc. They definately look great in hot rods. Here's mine
My '48 F-1 was a 60's survivor that sported a 322 Nailhead. Around town, with the stock rear, I never had to shift outta 3rd (direct) gear unless I had to stop...the thing would turn corners in 3rd at 5 mph...even with a load in the bed. I swapped in a 9" with a 3.50 gear....still no shifting. Only after I put in a 3.00 gear did I have to start shifting... tons of torque even with a 322. Great gas mileage, too. The near perfect hot rod engine...
Seen this picture several times, but maybe someone could tell some info about this eeeh... gadget? Who, when, how, results, more pics..?
I first saw this shot years ago, it always cracks me up. No disrespect but he looks like a friggin' milk man with that bow tie! ( For those of us old enough to remember the milk man...........)
TV Tommy Ivo. He built this car for exhibition runs at nat'l events. 4 engines and 4 wheel drive. It was later fitted with a Riviera turned station wagon 'gl*** body. I read in an interview that the thing was hard to drive and had zero suspension movement...everything solid! At one event the track had a decent bump in the middle or something and earned TV Tom a herniated disc. There's a substantial amount of history surrounding this car. I'm sure a search would help. Also as I recall, his TV/acting contract had a clause regarding no participation in motorsports "compe***ion". Since this was a exhibition car he was honoring the contract but bending the terms, by a bunch!
As I remember, this shot was in Hot Rod magazine in the early sixties. At that time, Tommy had the role of the boyfriend on a TV series called "Margie". He appeared in the shots for this spread in his costume from the TV show, thus the bowtie.
Thanks HIGHLANDER! I knew Tommy Ivo only for his model T with injected nailhead. Referring to this next picture, it seems that this 4x nailhead really worked! It must have been very interesting to drive with that thing when front wheels are smokin'... I have also thought few times that what kind of benefict will offer reversed-port engine..? Visual effect would be main reason... and that is good enough reason why one would be built! But in reality, is there anything else?
Back in the early 60's, Buick, Olds and Caddy engines were cheap and plentyfull in the junkyards. Easy and cheap power. Mine has a 1955 322 right out of the boneyard.-MIKE
There is a nail head for sale on ebay today it is located in northern ill. If it was closer i would try to get it. It is listed under rat rod Engine. Has two four intake aftermarket valve covers and chrome spark plug covers.OldWolf
I had forgotten about the Marjie series. I also remember Tommy Ivo in about a 1958 L***ie episode as a rowdy hot rodder who drove a SBC powered highboy roadster and ran over a mother rac****. His Nailhead powered T roadster was featured briefly in a Mickey Mouse Club serial from around the same time called Annette (with Annette Funicello). It was driven by Tim Considine (Spin from Spin and Marty) and at the time it had six carbs instead of the injection. I have those two on VHS tapes somewhere. I wonder if he or his T were in any other 50's TV shows.
These "Nailheads"are one of the best looking units to use with an "open-hooded" roadster/street-rod. Right after the early "Hemi's". Might actually be nicer, depends on one's point of view! Have both in here now to build, a 425" "Nail" and a 354" hemi. Both destined for some "rods'! Actually am involved in a "finished & running" "Nailhead" here in the Northeast. A real "old-school" deal in a "J"! Ride runs consistent 11.50's on pump and is both 100% "reliable & streetable"! I'll put a few shot's below here! Thanks, Gary in N.Y. P.S. Hard to beat this "combo" for sure!
what converted me to switch from the 48 flathead in my 32 5window coupe ,was when my buddy showed up with his fathers new 1957 buick century.it was head and shoulders ,faster than other car at that time.that straight line speedometer would fly past 120 anytime.the first one that was wrecked that year went into my 32.getting the power to the pavement was another story.changing the intake manifold in 10 minutes and never having to worry about oil leaks was a big advantage for the nailhead.still have that old engine buried in my shop.(2 fours,isky roller cam with hi rev kit,spalding flame thrower.balanced,jahns pistons,shafer flywheel,clutch and preasure plate,finned valve covers and valley cover,)i guess it`s time to start thinking about putting one of my 3 windows back to gather and blowing some cobwebs out of the old nailhead.i have been looking for a set of adjustible rocker arms(it was a bear to adjust the adjustible pushrods that are in the engine now.)chris
The intake port is almost a straight shot, while the exhaust port has a dog-leg in it. Looking at that pic, I guess the forced induction would overcome that dogleg, while the straight shot out the former intake port would improve flow. That'd be my guess, anyway. -Brad
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