I think 401-425's vs 340-350's would make a great class of their own. Due to the small nailhead valves in the 401-425, the 350's can make more HP per cubic inch and ballance things out. TORQUE VS HORSEPOWER. This should create a new surge in products and inovations for the owners. Also, it would be fun for those of us watching the challenges between them. Keep the cam at 16" vac for 1000 RPM, and 3700 lb min.
Race? In the mid 80's I raced my 30,000 mile orginal GS340 at the Nationals a couple of years and remember out running several "nailheads" in headsup races. It ran in the 15's at about 90mph. Not a bad idea but I don't have either car now. Jim N.
nailhead dragster I remember seeing a nailhead 322 dragster in the early 60's. I saw it in a shop, not at the track, but I have never forgotten it. I went back later to buy it but it was gone. My 54 Buick ran high 15's with a 56 century 322 engine at 4200 lbs. I love nailheads and would like to see them at the track. To avoid too many classes, I figured the best way to get them racing is to lump all sbb and nailhead Buicks in ONE CLASS and let'em go to it.
WOW!!!! Where have you guys been??? How's 'bout a '66 Skylark GS, original owner, around 3400 pounds, will idle at 850RPM's with 17" vacuum, still registered & street driveable to cruises. 11/20/05 at Attco Dragway in N.J. ran an 11.08ET at 122MPH with my Adjustable NailHead Roller Tip Rocker Arms with NO traction no less. This was at a Buick vs. Ford day & many Buick's were there & watching. Ask someone for a copy of the "Buildshett" Nov./Dec. (or maybe it was Jan/Feb) Ain't nothing better than to have to spot a Stage 1 with 462+ cubes & run'em down with only 406.8 cubes using 40+ year old technology. Or another, my '64 Riv. of which I'm also the original owner, at 4413 pounds, 180K + since the engine was rebuilt in the early 70's to stock specs & at that time lowered compression at the same Dragway in '04 ran a 13.902ET at just under 98MPH with my Rocker Arms. Lee Schlien is in the process of building a front engine NailHead powered Dragster also using my Rockers. Lee also helped Tommy Ivo restore his twin engine "NailHead" powered dragster. And there are more out there coming. The "Ole Nail" is making a comeback in many a Hot Rod as all are getting bored of the ho-hum 350/350. Ain't nothing looks better than a "Nail" all dressed up. It IS the best lookin' dressed up engine in existence & now with the addition of My Rocker Arms can run the numbers with the best of them dispite the poor breathing. Today the manufacturing of My Rocker Arms started & will be in peoples hands shortly. THE "NAIL" IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!
F.e.d. a hilborn injected 300 in a front engine dragster is my dream . i have the hiborn and a handfull of 300's . one can dream
