Nailhead 8 to small block chevy engine swap?

[Louie]

I'm looking at purchasing a 1953 buick special. It has the nailhead 8, and isn't running. Is there an easy way way for me to swap a small-block Chevy and manual tranny into it? I know I'm offending some purists here, but that's how I roll.

Thanks for your help.

[shoprat]

It should be an easy swap, lot's of room, no harder than putting a SBC in any other car. Its pretty rare to find a nailhead in a '53 Special.

[Buickguru]

This is NOT an easy swap. Putting the motor and trans in is the easy part. Then you need to swap out the rearend and install and open driveline. Make sure the trans is properly located so your driveline does not rub on the frames X-member. Mounts for parallel leaf or 4 link suspension will also need to be fabricated.

If you want simple; Rebuild the nailhead or buy a good running one and swap it out.

[gearhead46]

If I'm not mistaken (not that that has ever happened before!!) the 53 Special still had the straight 8. I thought the only 53's with nailheads were the Skylarks. If I am correct and you really do have a nailhead, it was a later addition.

Regardless, this is a booger of a swap due to the rear axle and replacing the torque tube.

Pardon me for being a butthead, but I fail to see the need to replace a nailhead with a SBC. Nailheads are really great engines and they are easily available and parts are available through NAPA, by and large. Rings, bearings, valves, cams, etc are not hard to come by and are not particularly expensive.

Keep the Buick in the Buick and show it with pride!!

[bigblock68]

TA Performance makes Nailhead performance parts too.

[njlimbaugh]

Gearhead46 is correct. The last Buick with the straight 8 was the 1953 Special. Every other 53 used the new V-8.