From the Reference Section:
- Carter Dual 4-Barrel Carburetor Idle Adjustment
- Carter Dual 4-Barrel Carburetor Adjustment
- Carter Dual 4-barrel Carburetors, Linkage Sticking
- Buick Cam Specifications for 401 and 425 nailheads
- Buick Cams from Kenne Bell, 401, 425
    - Nailhead Engine Specifications
- Head Flow Chart
- Nailhead Oil Pump
- Nailhead cam specs and cam selection
- Nailhead Parts Interchange
Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: 401 rebuild specs and other info

  1. #1

    401 rebuild specs and other info

    I'm planning on rebuilding a 401 for my 31 Ford A coupe hot-rod project, and have a few questions.

    Most importantly, does anyone know a good resource for all the dimensions and clearances for reassembling these motors? I would like to "blueprint" this engine as much as possible while I assemble it. I'm looking for a very reliable, long lasting motor for the street and highway, that I can beat on once in a while (but never abuse)

    Has anyone had any experience converting Nailheads to internal balance? Are there any performance or durability tricks specific to these engines? I have worked on (and killed) a few SBCs but this will be my first Nailhead build. This will also be the first time I assemble the rotating assembly and valve-train by myself.

    I've been reading a lot of cam advice with differing opinions. I'm looking for a cam that sounds a little lumpier than stock, but don't want to give up the great low and mid-range torque these engines are famous for. I'm curios to hear more debate on what cam shaft would be ideal for my combo.

    I plan on running a 700r4 trans with a mild 1800-2000 stall converter, 3x2 carbs, cleaned up stock heads, and modern HEI style ignition. Obviously with a '32 style grille, the rad won't be very big. It will be a light car with big rear tires. I'd love to get as much power over stock as I can. but not at the cost of reliability or low end torque. This motor will be built for pump gas.

    Any help is greatly appreciated!

  2. #2
    Most of the specs you probably want are found in the reference section here:
    http://www.teambuick.com/reference/n...ine_specs.html

    There are also 1960 and 1966 Chassis manuals with the 401 in them in the reference section.

    You might like to use the Team Buick engine build sheet found here:
    http://www.teambuick.com/reference/e...ild_sheet.html


    WEBNOTE: When inserting an email in a posting, use the "smilie" @ so that web robots don't pick up your address and send you more junk mail!
    Members can be contacted by clicking on their "handle", but you are much better off to post to the thread!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Olympia WA
    Posts
    275
    Rep Power
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by projectbeaumont View Post
    I'm planning on rebuilding a 401 for my 31 Ford A coupe hot-rod project, and have a few questions.


    I've been reading a lot of cam advice with differing opinions. I'm looking for a cam that sounds a little lumpier than stock, but don't want to give up the great low and mid-range torque these engines are famous for. I'm curios to hear more debate on what cam shaft would be ideal for my combo.
    If you use a cam that has a narrow Lobe Separation Angle (less than 110 degrees), you increase
    the valve overlap giving you a lumpy idle and the low rpm sound you are looking for.

    However with a narrow LSA, the intake valve closes sooner and the exhaust valve opens later which increases low end torque.
    You can have lumpy idle and low end torque as a bonus

    The downside of a lot of valve overlap is lower manifold vacuum for power brakes.

    The Comp Thumper series is based on this principle.
    This cam will give you a lot of midrange torque.

    http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/c...csid=1515&sb=2

    A 9.5:1 static compression ratio with the above cam will give you a dynamic compression ratio of 7.7:1
    for good pump gas tolerance without detonation.

    Paul
    Last edited by pmuller9; 12-14-2011 at 12:04 PM.

  4. #4
    Thanks for the help guys!

    Bob, I'm ordering a couple books, including a reprint of the chassis manual. I knew they existed, just wasn't sure how specific the drive-train info was in them. The resources and info you have made avail here on the site never ceases to amaze me! I used the Nailhead casting #s resource quite a bit when buying all the components and looking at used blocks and heads. You guys have put together a fantastic site, Keep up the good work!

    Paul, thanks for the cam advice. I was pretty much headed in that direction, but it's always reassuring to hear it confirmed by someone more knowledgeable. I have heard people refer to "dynamic compression" before, but I don't understand it's relationship to Static Compression. I usually shoot for a 10:1 static compression when building motors (we have a station near us that sells 94 octane).
    Are there any assumptions I might be making from my experience with SBC motors that are not transferable to the nailhead?

    Also if anyone else out there has any Nailhead specific words of wisdom, I'd be extremely grateful.

    Has anyone had any experience converting a Nailhead to internal balance? I'd like to know if it's worth the trouble, or even feasible at all...

    Thanks again
    - Pro.beau.

    Gettin the most smiles per gallon!

Similar Threads

  1. 401/425 specs
    By RussKing in forum Nailhead: 264, 322, 364, 401, 425
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 12-13-2010, 11:14 AM
  2. '64 Riv timing specs
    By jchagop@yahoo.com in forum Nailhead: 264, 322, 364, 401, 425
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 12-14-2009, 10:18 AM
  3. '54 - 322 to '56 Specs
    By gnoub in forum Nailhead: 264, 322, 364, 401, 425
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 12-07-2008, 05:47 AM
  4. 401 cam specs
    By Judd in forum Nailhead: 264, 322, 364, 401, 425
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-07-2005, 05:04 AM
  5. Torque specs?
    By 48Silverstreak in forum Nailhead: 264, 322, 364, 401, 425
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 07-29-2004, 04:31 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
TeamBuick.com Privacy Policy