As my Avatar reveals, I have two 1940 Buick 56s coupes. The second one was supposed to be a parts car, but it is too solid to do that, so double builds begin... First one (named the Lieutenant Dan Buick) is slated for a 401 Nailhead/ ST 400/ 9" Edsel drive train, and most parts to do that are gathered. Second one (named 240) is where my quandary lies. Even though I have a spare 364 Nail, I want to be different. Narrowed choices are 394 Olds, 390 (pre-63) Caddy, or W series (348-409) Chevy. I admit I am dumb as a box of rocks on the ins and outs on these engines. I did look at a 64 Starfire 394 (JS code) today, but still not decided. I realize there are transmission challenges with all. What are the "opportunities" with these choices?
348 and 409 Chevy will take the same transmission as a small block Chev...or are you wanting to adapt to the stock trans in your car??
a Buick was a scaled down luxury car, so it would appear it would appreciate a "luxury" engine-i.e. caddy or olds. Either way, it'll be a bear to mount in the narrow frame of a 40.
Ya think the Buick side of GM considered these 'narrow '40s' future 'hot rods' when designing the narrow "Nailheads"? Naaaahhh...
Mark, I guess I needed to clarify. Stock transmission or rear will not be used. Want a HAMB friendly open rear. I also do not want to cut the frame or firewall. That's just me.
Opinions; everyone has at least one. My first is the 40l is different enough. As long as you don't pick a bowtie, not that there is anything wrong there. Second if you want looks. Be different with a 406. Never seen that combo.
The nailhead is much narrower than the others you mentioned. That would certainly make a swap easier. There's nothing "bellybutton" about a nailhead, and face it..... a '40 Buick isn't "bellybutton" either, so the car WILL be unique. I don't have one on file, but I've seen charts that give overall dimensions of various engine. If you can find one (google), it will probably make your decision easier. Good luck!
I want to know more about that straight 8. That has to be the cleanest one I have seen yet as far as routing and such.
^^^ After looking at how yours looks in the 61, I am tempted. Actually have added another choice to the mix- a 292 Chevy 6
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