Need Nailhead Advise

Thinking about building a nailhead and wanted a little advise from the Buick guys as to which year models and cubic inch/size would be the one to build. Dependability and parts availability.

I also want to run a standard transmission with this motor and I know that some years are hard to find bellhousings and flywheels for. Thought I had better throw that in just incase that makes a difference in your advice.

Thanks Don

 

Don,
Only the 65-66 have the regular BOP bellhousing pattern...and would be my first choice since you want to run a stick...older engine are more plentiful...but, adapting a stick can be expensive.
Bill

 

no they do NOT have the BOP pattern!

later nailheads are harder to find a stick setup for(364,401,425) but are the most powerful/largest, that's what i'd build. bellhousings aren't THAT hard to find for them, don't expect to go down to the swap meet and find one for $50, but it won't cost you any more than sticking a decent manual behind any other engine. earlier nailheads came from the factory more often with sticks, but engine parts will be harder to find than later ones.

 

65-66 do not have the bop bellhousing. They have the nailhead. round.

 

Ha ha... now that's funny....

Yes the 264/322 are easier to get manual bellhousings for... You can still buy adapters for them to other... you can get plenty of manifolds for them...

The 364 is to itself really... same bellhousing pattern as the 401/425 but different balance so the 401/425 flywheels need to be rebalanced... real 364 flywheels are hard to find...

The 401/425 is the easiest to find engine parts for but bellhousings are getting hard to find and bring good money... I'm hoarding mine so don't ask...

 

Here is a website that sells trans adapter kits for the nailhead kind of pricey but what the hell it info.http://www.transmissionadapters.com/53-66_nailhead.htm

mike

 

I put a 401 together last year and this is exactly what I found.
Fred

 

The adapters ****... if you plan on making any sort of power with your motor go ahead and find the RIGHT stuff. An extra flexplate and that damn bushing are silly. It may work for an automatic but there is no way I would trust it for a manual...

What needs to be manufactured is a Super Bell for the Nailhead. I've talked to Jeffrey at J&W about it and he just doesn't see the demand for it, but it would be the way to do it...

 

Just a little bump to keep the information flowing.
Thanks Don