I have a hard decision to make. A local yard has a 66 electra with a 425 nailhead in it, and I was there the day it drove in. It sounded smooth but the rest of the car was a real mess. The guy wants $375 for the engine and trans. Theres another yard that has a 455 from a 70 electra and he wants $250 for a 1970 455 without a trans or carb. Its supposed to run good. Which would you buy for a 65 skylark? The poor thing is just too slow for me right now. Im aware that there is almost no aftermarket for the nailhead. But its also seems like its picking up at the same time. Im really undecieded and I'd like to hear some input from people who have had both. ________ Washington medical marijuana dispensary
Get the 425 and trans without question! 425's are few and far between these days, especially in good running order. You will also need to find a rear sump pan and pickup tube for the nailhead. The exhaust manifolds are also different on the A body nailhead. Since you've heard the nailhead run, stick with the known quantity.
Read some of the other threads here in this forum. Jim Burek at PAE tells us that nailhead head castings can flow as well as the 455 castings. Nailheads have a stronger bottom end. Nailheads were setting the NHRA et and mph records while rats and hemis were on the drawing boards. There is an aftermarket for the Nailhead engines, check the sticky at the top of this forum. If it were me, I'd go with the 425 if I had a 65 GS. Oh wait! I do have a 425 :Brow:
If it where me there would be no contest. the 425 is the only way to go. Once you have the motor mounts and sump/oil-pickup sorted out you will have a super car on your hands. I wish I was in your position. I'd buy the 425 today.
Even though i have a 455 in my `67 and i have a 401 in my `65 i think you should go for the 425 just because the `65`s came with Nailheads even though i still think a 455 will make more power. Thanks
NO question for me if i were in your shoes. a good running 425" for $375 ? SOLD !!! in fact if i were closer i would tell you to get the 455", so i could buy the 425",lol. there are some parts out there but it will require some research and work on your part. if speed is all your after then 455". more parts there. BUT , i would go "shock factor", a dual quad 425" in a 65', maybe a 4-sp.......OH YEA !:bglasses: :bglasses: later..................
Well I went to the yard again today. I had some casting number written down to look for and it turns out to be a 63 401 engine. Im just gonna wait it out and just play with my 300 for a while. Thanks for all the input. ________ butt Cams
