Its not an engine this body style ever had installed in it. So you ask is it an overwelming task?? EVERYTHING about it will need to be manufactured to fit. Im just saying.
There was a guy on the board for a while that put a 425 in a 67 riv with good results... do a search for NAILHEADINA67 ....
What works best for me when trying to figure out something like this conversion is to put the two cars in question side by side, and get out the tape measure. You can see the differences and the similarities much easier that way. So if you can find a 65-66 Skylark GS to look at I think it would help you decide what you want to do. Then you can make a parts list and get some prices.....
The nailhead in a '67 Riv wouldn't be that big of a project. The '66 Riv, which came with a nailhead, shares the same chassis as the '67. You'd probably get by swapping frame pads, center link, and the wiring harness from a '66. There are a couple of Youtube videos of a guy who's running a 425 nailhead in a later model Regal; somewhere around an 83 - 85. Type nailhead regal in Youtube's search window and you can find it. Ed
I couldn't be much closer. Medway is the next town to Norfolk. There's even a Medway Street in Norfolk. I won't have a chance to check until tonight, but I might conceivably have a rear-sump pan in the pit that I laughingly refer to as my Buick parts dept. With the rear sump pan, you also need a rear sump oil pickup. Not sure about that, but I'll look. BTW: I'm not trying to talk you into anything. You gotta do what you really want to do. All I said is what I would do. Incidentally, Tom Telesco has said that new oil pickup screens are not available. If you run across a good one, hang onto it.
I understand that I could do a number of things. 1. Pull the motor send it to a performance shop and be done. 2. Buy a 455 and put it in or something in between. However I own what I consider to be the coolest v8 there is. I know the motor it runs great looks great and is ready to go. My goal is to size the effort and make an informed decision. Therefore answers that are very specific to the challenges are more useful than person preferances. That said I will measure etc as I prepare to execute on this. Im trying to get the large stumbling blocks out of the way first. Thanks so much for the input and keep it coming. Now will someone please answer the rear sump question. Do I just get a pan and a pump from another year or what? :0) -John
The rear sump pan is EXACTLY what it sounds like the lowest point of the pan for getting the oil is at the rear of the engine. The other option is a MID sump pan. Thats what is on most Rivs the sump is in the middle and the ends (front and back) are tucked upwards for suspension clearance. The skylark (71) is set up for a rear sump only oil pan. Hope this helps. I am only saying this with love but dude really? You are going to need alot of help if you tackle this project. Please dont do it...... I feel like you are in WAY over your head
It's amazing how fast plans change. I had the chance to check my "parts dept." and found that I do have a rear-sump pan and a new rear-sump oil pump pickup. I really don't want to sell them, but I will do so if you really want to go the Nailhead route. Think carefully, then if you really want the rear-sump pan and pump, send me a PM. JC
go for it!!! why not put a nailhead in a 71 lark. i have one in my 66skylark gs and i live in acushnet mass. you are welcome to come down to take a peak at the setup. i built a nailhead and turbo it. why not is what i say. eveything you will need i what i have on the car. if you wanted to build big power and be like everyone else you might as well put a ls1 engine and make 600hp like it is nothing. go for the nailhead!! it wont be as hard as you think.. hell i might be getting rid of my full length header setup with rear mount turbo and put my turbo under the hood. paul 66larkgs turbo401nailhead
Great idea. Can you PM me your address? I think I will come by with my notebook and camera. Thanks for the offer! -John
i have a nailhead in my car but for the money the bbb is a better option ive even thought about it in my car. parts is cheap trans is cheap.
If you want a cooler setup, you are willing to do some thinking to figure out how to make certain things work, and don't care about being the fastest car in the area, the nailhead is a great way to go. When I say not the fasted car in the area, don't think that the nailhead isn't a great motor with good power, just that you can go farther with another engine. If you want to save some money and be able to simply order what you want, then maybe the 455 is the route to go. You won't have nearly as cool of an engine (in my opinion) but it is much easier to get parts for and you can make gobs of power. Based on your what's a rear sump pan question, I assume that you have somewhat limited mechanical experience so take the fact that the parts and method to put the 455 in are readily available in consideration. I would rather have the nailhead, but there is a different correct answer for different people.
Thanks. I have the tranny and yoke. I have some but not all of the technical skills but can access them. I don't think there are any show stoppers yet. It seems the biggest obstacle so far are the motor mounts. Feedback here is great. I understand the pros and cons of a 455 vs the 401 but I want to make an educated decision before i give up on the 401. It is the way i want to go but I am realistic. So far i dont see anything I cannot solve. I welcome comments regarding thoughts on the biggest PIA to solve. Many smaller complicated issues don't bother me. Thanks- John
John, based on what you just wrote, I think you have the right perspective and mindset for the job; more power to you and I think the folks here will help the best they can as always. Devon
Thanks. So far so good with help. I am suprised that it hasnt been done already by someone on this board. But ill take a look at the 67 and see what needs to happen. Anyone know of other issues please provide the details. -John
