Nailhead in a Willys?

Anyone know if a 401/425 Buick nailhead will fit in a 1941 Willys?

I know the big block chevy can be shoved in very tightly if the fenders are removed, modified and put in after the motor is in... My concern with the buick would be length....

Anyone have any input? Ever seen it done?


Thanks!

 

Can't say that I remember ever seeing it, but I'd like to...

 

Never seen it done, but it would be fun to have a 401 vs. 401 match race! Tilt the front end and you will have all kinds of room...

 

The answer is yes, it will fit. The question should be "what will I have to move around to get it to fit?"

 

Sorry Don, it's a 425 motor... And I am an AMC guy too, so I would have to let you win... hahahaha. Actually my 425 is a 2x4 stocker, but if you give me a small jump I might break out the Rumbler!

I was just told that the 401/425 is about the same as the BBC when both have pumps mounted. Still really tight.

Anymore input out there?

 

It's narrower at the bottom, but has a driver side starter. And that 425 puts out gobs of torque, to the tune of 465 ft.lbs. or so stock.

 

Never seen it done, but couldn't be any worse than the 455 Olds that went in my '40. It too has a driver side starter, and it wasn't really an issue. I left the cowling alone in mine for legroom (firewall stayed stock). Might even be a bit easier due to the front distributor, and the narrowness of the block/deck/heads. I loaned out my hydraulic shoehorn and it was never returned.....sorry....... it would make the install a lot easier.

 

There was an injected nailhead in a 37-42 coupe years ago. I think it was in the hard cover G***ers book. It is a little different with the injection though, different front cover and I am sure they didn't care what got cut out of a compe***ion car to make it work.

 

we just stuffed a big hemi in a 42 coupe. It too has a driver's side starter. Of course we got wild and moved the firewall back 12". Needed every bit of that to make the radiator and engine driven fan fit. Moved the seats all the way back and my 6'4" will fit.

Hope you decide to get wild with some injection or multiple carburation. Willys need to have lots of power/torque and a bit of wildness to be correct.

Keep us posted and have some fun.