Hi, I'm looking at an older rod to buy and it has a Nailhead and a Lasalle 3 speed trans. What should I look for on the nailhead to indicate Year, size 401/425? Any guidance you can provide will be greatly appreciated. I didn't even know a nailhead existed last week But I searched the web and these engines are cool as "you know what" ! Thanks in advance.
Heatwave The 53 to 56 motors had motor number stamped opposite the oil dip stick ( it will look like I80I7464). The 57 to 66 motors had number stamped on block front between the water cross over and intake manifold at the front of the valley pan .
On the intake manifold between the front bolts 8 1/4 is a 264 or 322, 8 3/4 is a 364, and 9 is a 401 or 425. that'll narrow it down a bit.
I'm just guessing, but you most likely have a 322. I say this for several reasons: 1. Most of the dapters to the early trans were for the 264/322 engines. The bellhousing bolt pattern is different on these than the later 364, 401/425 engines. 2. The 322 is more powerful (bigger) and more common than the 264, so more likely to be swapped into a hot rod. 3. The 322 were much more common to have manual trans, the later 401/425 manual trans are quite rare (and very desireable). The nailheads are one of the best looking engines in a rod, lots of cool old speed parts were made for the 322's. Sounds like a neat old car you found, just keep it with that drivetrain, don't screw it up by swapping in a small block Chebby.
