Nailhead identification

Hey, I did a few searches and didn't really find what I was looking for.

I'm going to look at a nailhead tomorrow. I was told it was a 1956 and the current owner was told it was a 425, but thought it was a 401. Any easy clues for the nube between a 425/401 or anything else. Casting numbers, accessory placement? I need to act on it fast(leave a deposit) if it's a good deal. Thankyou in advance! Paul

 

WEll if it is a 56 then it is a 322 maybe even a 264. Now if you meant from 65 yes it could be a 401 or 425.

Here's a link to cxasting numbers to help you figure out what it is.
http://www.buicks.net/shop/reference/nailhead_casting_numbers.html

If it's cheap enough get it whatever it is. If loooking for a good buck make sure it is what they say it is.

 

If it IS a '56 it would be a 322. All Buicks had that version of the Nailhead in '56.
The 425 & 401 came later, as TBone stated above.


JK

 

The easiest way to tell if it's a 401 or 425 are the codes on the pad in front of the valley pan. 425's were 63-66 Here are those codes.

1963
V-8 401* 2bbl JR
V-8 401* 4bbl JT
V-8 425* 4bbl JW
1964
V-8 401* KT
V-8 425* 4bbl KW
V-8 425* 2X4bbl KX
1965
V-8 400(401)* GS LR
V-8 401* LT
V-8 425* 4bbl LW
V-8 425* 2X4bbl LX
1966
V-8 401* GS 400 MR 325hp
V-8 401* GS 400 MS 11 to 1 comp.
V-8 401* GS 400 MU 356hp
V-8 401* MT 340hp
V-8 401* low comp. (export) MY 8.75:1 comp.
V-8 425* 4bbl MW
V-8 425* 2X4bbl MZ

 

Ya a little sideways last night. It is a '65. Thank you guys. I really appreciate it. Hopefully it turns out to be more than a nice boat anchor! Paul

 

If it is a '65, it's 401/425. Hardly a boat anchor..........

 

And just FYI a 401 is a great motor and there is really no compelling reason to go 425 over the 401, the 24c.i. does not make enough of a difference for the price difference people want for 425s

 

Z--where'd you get that info? I'm guessing there's a lot of other useful stuff from that source.

-Brad

 

I've kind of am***ed quite a bit from different sources. the Yahoo Nailhead list, v8buick.com, teambuick.com, buicks.net. I have a whole folder of stuff, not as much on the computer as on paper.