Hi, If you are still looking to install a nailhead there is one in the parts section with the Skylark only parts needed: https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/1965-gs-401-nailhead-motor-trans-radiator-complete.382000/ Regards, Jim
Thank you for the lead. I'm talking with a local guy who has a 340 and a 401 out of a 66 GS. He said the 401 is complete, he pulled it out of a rotted out GS back in the 80s. He tells me it's probably stuck from poor storage but he seems to think its complete. If it has the manifolds and rear sump pan I'll buy it just to have the donor parts. Otherwise I'll take a good look at the 340..
If I could have found a decent 340 back when I started butterface that's what it would have in it now. I loved my 66 Skylark that had the 340.
I am really wanting something that will drink 87 octane and offer decent mileage. I'm also thinking of putting the 2004r in from the Apollo. It won't last long behind the warm 430 thats in front of it anyway..
I was able to look at those motors yesterday. This guy has his own junkyard. The 401 was laying in the mud out behind the shop with some plywood over it. He didn't want to sell it as he still has the 66 GS it came out of. It had been in the mud a long time. I'm sure it's stuck. the rear sump pan was submerged and the exhaust manifolds were gone. Interestingly there was another nailhead in the mud with a center sump pan and a manual trans flywheel. That was out of a wildcat. The 340 was inside under the bench. That was complete with the 4 barrel carb and manifolds. The intake was not bolted down. The engine looks fairly clean on the inside but unfortunately wouldn't turn. This might be a waste of $$, but I made a deal on it. I'll pick it up next weekend. Up next is a decision on the trans.. that 2004r would work well but maybe a manual trans would be better? I've always been a 4 speed guy..
No. If you want cast-iron manifolds you will need the GS manifolds. You can probably find a set on this forum, but they are GS only (rare) and will be pricey.
I present the 340. I figure the intake and carb are worth what I paid for it. I have one head off. Cylinder #2 has some water and rust issues. Doesn't look life threatening. More pics to come.
i would have a found a 350 tbh if i was doing a small block. they bolt in the same spot as the 340 and parts are cheap and plentiful as are the motors vs the 340. i almost kick myself for starting a nailhead swap on mine. as you see its still not finished after many years. now that i have my own shop for the first time in my life you may see some progress at least.
I've done a few 350s already. The goal was to do something new to me. The fact that I was able to source the 340 less than 10 miles from house sealed the deal.
If it has the manifolds I would buy them. I know that someone posted that they have just about everything that you need, but the manifolds are GS specific. If you don't use them, you will have no trouble selling them.
