Nailhead 322 - Advice Before Purchase

I found a 322 that has been hot tanked, mangafluxed and crank is prepped. Motor needs new pistons, rings, and valves. Comes with new finned valley pan, finned spark plug covers and stainless bolt kit. Guy is asking $1,000 for the whole thing which includes original intake, carb, brackets, and pulleys. May need hone job once everything goes together.

a. Is this a good price?
b. Anything else I should look for, hard to find parts, etc.
c. Is the Dynaflow trans the only one I can run with this motor?
d. Are there any aftermarket cams for the 322?

Excited about the possibilities but I don't want to be foolish either.

Kevin

 

I would say that is a little pricey for an engine needing that much work.Pistons,etc. are going to cost a bunch. I've seen "rebuilt" 322's for that much. Also look carefully at the valve train - worn shafts and rockers can get very expensive.

Dynaflow or Buick manual (rare) are only thing that fits without an adaptor - but those are still available for many trannys, depending what you want. A lot of info on the HAMB - search!

Cams are still available if you look hard enough, or your core can be reground.

 

If it needs valves. thats a head job. and sounds kind of high. make sure you get a flywheel and starter.

 

Look at price this way: a "good core" (needing rebuilding) should be $2-400. Your engine has several hundred dollars in machine shop work above that, which will tell you its value. This all will vary depending on your location.

Keep looking on the HAMB classifieds and search them - engines and adaptors are on there all the time ( a 364 with adaptor to old Ford trans on there now). Or post a "wanted" ad. I did that several years ago and got a lot of response, ended up buying a running 322 rebuilder with manual trans set-up for GM 4 speed for - I think - $550. AVOID stuck engines - usually a lot of money to bring them back.

Good luck !