Nailhead Parts

[Adam Whitman]

What are the best sources for nailhead parts. Bearings, pistons, etc ?

Don't some of the bearings, etc interchange with some of the newer Buicks?


I know TA is starting to show some interest in the nailheads so for those who haven't looked there, check it out.

Also, I had read on the yahoo nailhead board they are looking at getting roller-lifters repro'd. Any idea on the progress?

[Mark Ascher]

Adam,

I bought pistons for my 401 from Kenne Bell. They were .030 over hyperutectic, I don't think they cost over $200. But, I don't know what else is out there either so I don't know what a nice forged set goes for. Best scources I know are KB, Carmen, Egge Machine, although I've never bought anything from Egge. I do know that the timing cover and rear main are interchangable with the 455 (rear) and I think the 3800 (timing cover).
I never went wrong getting stuff from Carmen though.

Mark

[JESUPERCAT]

Adam the 425 shares most parts with the 401, but the 425 cast pistons are just about a thing of the past.
As for intakes an injected intake would be nice ( then we can pump the air through the motor )
Carmen has been a primary source of parts in our shop with a great rep.
A good trans adapter would be great for an overdrive set up.
John

[Adam Whitman]

John, Mark, Is Carmen on the 'net at all? We were hoping to get him over this way to moderate, or at least visit. He is a super nice guy from the one time I talked with him years ago. He sold me some steel 430 head gaskets.

If he is not, be sure to post his phone number here, and maybe in the vendor's section?

Anyway, let him know we reserved a place for him here, and he didn't even have to show up or ask!

[Adam Whitman]

Originally posted by Mark Ascher
Adam,

I bought pistons for my 401 from Kenne Bell. They were .030 over hyperutectic, I don't think they cost over $200
Mark

Hypertechs for the 401? REALLY? I'd prefer a 425, but I'm shocked they had hypertechs for a 401.

[Mark Ascher]

Adam,

I don't think Carmen has a net presence. He can be contacted at:

716.693.4090 -
J&C's Parts
7127 Ward Road
North Tonawanda, NY 14120

I've been to his house a couple times. His basement is floor to ceiling Buick engine parts!

The KB catalog I have is kinda old - mid 90's at best. They list a hypereutectic (correct spelling) cast piston for the 401 AND 425, +.030 only. 10.2 comp. ratio. I have no clue what the current availability is, but may be worth a call.
909.941.0985 for tech assistance.

Hope that helps Adam.

Mark

[DugsSin]

Adam in reguard to your question about the roller tip rockers. They are being done by Tom Telesco, the same nailheader that produced the mini-starter for our beloved nailheads.
Last thing I saw was he ready to take orders (read "show me the money and quit your complaining). Price whould be a result of how many firm orders he got.
I'm sure Tom will be buy and let us know the progress.
:beer I love it!

[Adam Whitman]

Great stuff goig on for the nailhead. When some of us get better with this board, I hope to try and put a resource section in to keep this info easily available.

Please encourage all the guys that are building this stuff and looking for it too to join up with us. "a nailhead is a terrible thing to waste" :gt:

[JESUPERCAT]

Give Carmen Faso a call at 716-693-4090 between 9AM---8PM.
He has parts for Nailheads and Other GS and Buick performance parts,body parts too.
He will be on the Net eventually.
Again he is a great source of parts and answers.

[Sled225]

Hi Everyone!
Very glad to see this forum. Gives us who are not in to strict restorations a place to exchange ideas. I have a 65 Electra convertible, its not a customized car, but it will never be a total restoration show car either. I love using it.

I recently made a HEI adaption for it and for a fellow nailheader. They work great! I am strongly considering making some more in a small production run, also maybe for the Buick 300 engine. Anyone interested? It does add a bit more kick! Thanks again and talk to you all later!

Jim

[Adam Whitman]

Jim, that's a geat deal on the Nailhead HEI. How do you make them?

As a heads-up, the 350 Buick HEI will drop right in the 215-300-340 engines excepting the need to use a shallow headed intake manifold bolt and maybe some slight grinding for clearance. The V-6 units can be made up to fit using V-8 electronics and distributor gear. The 400-430-455 is the same too except having a distributor gear of its own. In a nutshell, any of the f ront-distributor engines can be altered to fit the rest with a possible distributor gear change or adaptation from 6 to 8 cylinder configurations.:sleep: hope I didn't bore you to death.

[Sled225]

Adam
You did not bore me at all, as a matter of fact I needed to know what would fit the Buick 300 engines... so a 350 HEI will go right in? I take it other guys must have done this with there cars, so maybe it isnt worth me pursiung making up rebuilt units for these engines.

As far as the nailheads go, I use a Chevy HEI (easier to find and plenty around) and machine it to size, add a sleeve I machine, also I modify the dist shaft. Its a bit of work, but works great in my Electra, and also for someone elses 64 Riv.

I am considering making up 10 or so and selling them. The only trouble I find is the dist hold down. I simply turn it upside down! But I may make a new one to make it easier to install.

The HEI makes a hotter spark, burns better and gives a bit more punch. Anyone interested?? Thanks Adam.

[Buick Power]

TA Performance has every size (cast) piston for the 401 & 425 Nailheads, including std bore, .030, .040 and some .020 & .060. We also are one of the few places that has NEW camshafts. We also carry brand new Mallory Unilite distributors for the Nailheads. One of our more popular items is a high performance oil pump that no one else offers! We have all of the other support items also, like neo seals, gaskets, bearings and valve train parts. We are always adding new items.


SHORTY HEADERS COMING SOON!!!!!!!!!!

[JohnK]

Dave,

Glad to see you on board! Any news yet on exhaust systems for the 63-65 Rivieras? And about the nailhead cams - I can't find any specs anywhere for them, website or catalog. Do you think that can be added to TA's website?

[SpecialWagon65]

I can't figure out why this thread is here, last post is so long ago. BUT! I am installing TA's 2.5 exhaust on my 65 Riv. Will post some pix when I am done if anybody is interested. Only modification so far is a little spacerto seal the 2.5 ball to the stock 2.25 manifold outlet

[oziriv64]

I am interested to see and hear how it goes. I have seen quite a bit of interest shown in them, but have not read any actual feedback yet.

Regards
Kevin

[mogfix]

Tell me what it takes to put forged 455 slugs in a 425?
The bore diameter is nearly the same, rings are interchangeable...
Ah, heck, maybe I should just put the block girdle on the 455 and pretend it's as strong as a nailhead.

[JohnK]

The 425 pistons are domed considerably, the dome sticks up above the deck to fill up a portion of the hemispherical head. The 455 pistons are dished or flat up to about 11:1 CR, head has a wedge combustion chamber. I'm sure one of the high-end custom piston manufacturers will be glad to take your money to make a set of custom forged for the 425. They'll be light weight and take a better ring package than the low-end 455 forgings.

[mogfix]

Thanks, John. Once I read your post I realized that the vertical valves in the nailhead made for big chambers that needed filled, but to put 2 and 2 together in my head....

I was [and am] just trying to find a set of $600 pistons and make them fit instead of the $900 custom made ones. In my desperation, I even wondered how far the heads could be milled to reduce chamber volume....

Right up there with my pitiful attempts to design a 300 that will run 6500 rpm under 20 pounds boost !

Before I start, I want to make sure the engines don't have to be built with unobtainium alloy machined with diamond tooling under the light of a full moon during the winter solstice.

Just the way I am, but I'd rather machine 57 varieties of Rover, Oldsmobile, Holden and Zil parts to fit than buy custom-made or off-the-shelf SBC stuff at the local automart.

Silly, huh ?

[nailheadina67]

When buying Nailhead pistons, be careful not to pay too much.....they are not out of production.........I got mine from Egge.....paid $200 for the whole set of 425 cast pistons, quality was excellent. :bglasses:

[wkillgs]

Maddog Racing is planning to STOCK Ross FORGED pistons for the 425...they are currently taking orders in an e-bay auction. Price will be $649 per set, $599 if ordered now. Note the pics are not of the 425 piston, as stated in their description....
Lets hope for more great products for our beloved Nailheads!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=33623&item=2473045782&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT

[inlovewitabuick]

well, although they already exist. why can't someone else produce a set of finned aluminum valve covers that cost less than $250-$200. maybe they could make some that say powered by nailhead or something. just something to bring down demand and cost. I would give a$100 for some any day..but it is hard to justify something that isn't mechanicaly functional. also, i would like to see an updated belt and accessory set up. maybe electric water pump. the whole front section would be sweet but probably not cost effective. while we are filling out our christmas list lets throw in some lightwieght, high performance aluminum heads. oh, and a new flux capacitor. also, can anybody answer me this...are the stock pistons on a 64 riviera 425 cast or forged? later

[nailheadina67]

Stock pistons should be cast, but Carmen would be able to answer that question for you better than me. He also sells repro cast alluminum nailhead valve covers that look original........give him a call, tell him I sent you, I don't know how much he gets for them. His phone is (716) 693-4090. :bglasses:

[Bald Menace]

I spoke with TA performance yesterday regarding the nailhead roller rockers and i was told that they are waiting for the prototype to come back so they can inspect and make any changes before going into production. very possibly will be this winter before they become available. The price will be in the same range as 455 roller rockers which puts them at around 650.00

[doc]

Years ago TRW made forged ones for the nailhead but finally dropped them. :rant: Poston has the Hypppperuuuutectecic [ I cant say that word] :pp for about $200.00. All the stock pistons I have ever seen are cast. A while back some one was on line asking to identify a piston , it looked like one of the old TRW s. forged. A man might get REAL lucky and find a set of those.

[Damian Kolosik]

t/a said they can make a custom forged set for my 401 for $955 with the wrist pins, rings and everything dunno if thats bad or good of a deal but ive bought most of my parts from them.

[DaFraz]

Where you guys finding these cheap (aka inexpensive) pistons at? I checked with some of the sources listed and they either laughed at me or quoted a price 2-3x what is listed in the post.

In all seriousness, I'm looking for a set of reasonable 30 over 401 pistons, preferably hypereutectic, as I'd have to sell a kidney for the forged ones. If I could find a set for $200 like some of you have, I'd be all over it.

[Bald Menace]

Heres a complete set of pistons with rings and rod bearings on ebay for a very cheap buy it now price of 239.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33620&item=7922868801&rd=1

[wkillgs]

Zollner/Hastings piston sets were available on e-bay from Maddog Racing. Zollner recently changed ownership, much of their stock had been sold off at blow-out prices.
Maddog does presently have alot available....Forged Ross pistons are made to order.....somewhere around $600 a set. Master rebuild kits for a 401 with Sealed Power cast pistons start at $780. With Ross forged pistons, it's $1250. 425 slightly less.
For one-stop shopping take a look at their e-bay store:
http://stores.ebay.com/Maddog-Racing-and-Fastengineparts_Buick-Nailhead_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZQ2d1QQsclZallQQsotimedispl ayZ2QQtZkm
It looks like nailhead parts ARE becoming available! Our nailheads seem to be gaining in popularity. 'Bout time, huh?
BTW, NAPA carries Sealed Power..... Autozone carries Fel-Pro, and I'll bet TA or Carmen Faso will also get you those same parts. They're out there! so just shop around.....and pick your favorite vendor.

[4toe]

Don't leave us out of the mix on nailhead speed parts. Our 6x2 manifold and gasket kits are done as well as finned valley pans. Bellhousings for T5 T6 and the other GM trans. 2x4 and 3x2 manifolds. As well as all the linkage for your other brand multi carb manifolds. Header flanges too!

www.eelco-usa.com

[65badcat]

Don't leave us out of the mix on nailhead speed parts. Our 6x2 manifold and gasket kits are done as well as finned valley pans. Bellhousings for T5 T6 and the other GM trans. is just weeks away.

www.nwspeedequipment.com
Hey, is this you Marty? I need to give you a call about my order. I have a question for the group. One of the sites(might be this one) was trying to see the fesablilaty(sp) of getting the Edelbrock manifold remade for a group buy. Does anybody know anything about this. Also, I have the Offy dual quad manifold(have been running it on my 425), but what are your opinions about the Offy vs. Edelbrock?

Mike

[telriv]

All NailHeaders. The production run of Adjustable Roller Tip Rocker Arms is about to begin. I expect to be shipping these by the middle of Nov. sometime. For all those who have not mailed in a deposit for whatever reason, you can still get in on the 1st. run price if you will mail in full payment of $753.00 before production starts, Postal Money Order ONLY. For those who have mailed in deposits of $475.00 the balance is $278.00. This includes shipping & insurance in the US 48 States. After production starts, of course, the price will increase. This has been a LONG time coming & I for one am very excited. I am finally satisfied with all the goals I have set & feel I have acheived the results & performance increase we all have been looking for. These Rockers will not solve all of our beloved Nails ailments, of which there is only one, but is a definete improvement over what has been available in the past. They will bolt on in place of the stock Rockers, using all the same components. They will give an improvement in HP no matter what they are used in even a 264.
Nows the time to step up to the plate so to say. Get your payments in now. The more that can be made this 1st. run the better it will be to have another run.
Make PMO out to myself & mail to:

Tom Telesco
C/O Classic & MUscle Automotive
465 Glenbrook Rd.
Stamford, Ct. 06906-1820

Any questions my phone at work is:

203-324-6045

Thanks to all those that have trusted me with their hard earned $$$$$, some for more than 3 years now. It is finally coming to fruition.


Tom Telesco

[wkillgs]

Great news Tom! :TU:
I know you worked very hard on the rockers to get the design perfect, with no compromises! Nice work! I suspect (and hope) they will sell well once word gets out....

A few questions...
Will these require specific pushrods?
And does camshaft selection criteria change when using these rockers? ie, would a slightly milder cam be used to compensate for the rockers' higher lift and longer ('under the curve') duration? Which cams do you recommend? ....or will you also be introducing your own line of cams? :Brow:

And most importantly, did you get my deposit? ! ( I did clean out my PM box!)

I can't wait!.... :grin:
:TU:

[telriv]

Walt, My Rocker Arms will bolt-in place of the stockers with no other mods. Valves, pushrods, springs, shafts, stands, etc. etc. etc. all remain the same stock parts. One thing I am checking on getting pricing for is new Rocker Shafts. There are no more available in the U.S. as of about 2 months ago. A rebuilt shaft that has been hard chromed is too hard for stock rockers & seems to wear out the rockers in short order. Sealed Power, who was making new shafts, has no plans to make anymore as of this time or in the near future. So to try & prevent using old shafts or hard chromed rebuilt shafts I am hoping to get a reasonable price on new shafts to supply those who may need some for these new Rocker Arms, or old stockers if nec.
It will no longer be nec. to try & get as tall a lobe lift on a camshaft as was required in the past to get decent lift from the cam with these Rockers. When you try & get as much lift as you can by going to a taller lobe lift cam you are going way beyond the original design of the stock rocker arms. Not only does this cost extra $$$$ for the cam, you don't get the lift you are looking for anyway because of the original design & also causes many other problems not foreseen until you try & go with a taller lobe lift. With these Rockers you shouldn't need to go any higher than a .350" lobe lift cam to get .600"+ lift at the valve. For example on my slightly worn exhaust cam lobe on my Riv. engine at a .276" camshaft lobe lift I should have had a lift at the valve of .441". In reality, measured at the valve, I only had about .408" lift at the valve. With my Adjustable Roller Tip Rocker Arms I now have a lift of .494" at the valve. Another example is the camshaft in my friend Bob's engine. The lobe lift at the cam is .340" for an "Advertised" lift of .544" with the stock 1.6 aluminum rocker arm. In reality there was only .490" lift. With my Rocker there is now over .600" lift. We got the old heads to flow best around .550" lift, so this relates to me a loss of HP & 1/4 mile performance. It showed on the engine dyno. All other things remaining the same, anytime we added My Rockers there was almost in every instance a 20HP improvement. We specd another cam & got 20 more HP. Added My Rockers & added another 20HP. This is a pretty well modified 401/+.030 motor. My Riv. which for the most part was rebuilt stock back in the early 70's seemed to benefit the most with a HP & torque improvement on the chassis dyno of 26.6HP & 15.1 ft. lbs. of torque increase to the rear wheels. In both cases the HP & torque peaks remained at the same RPM's only higher. So a change from the camshaft you are now using is not nec. Unless of course it is the wrong one to begin with. The Nails act differently than most other engines in the way the cam is made. The Nail WANTS MORE AIR!!!!! & this is one of the ways to help increase the air supply.
And yes, I did get your in full payment for the Rockers on 9/17/05, including shipping & insurance. I thought I had sent you a private e-mail, but if your box was full you didn't receive the notice. I am trying to keep up with all the demands as best as possible along with all the other things life has to offer.
Any more questions you or others may have, I'm here, just ask.

Thanks for your support, & the support of many others,

Tom Telesco

[GranSportSedan]

I'm interested in a set but i have a couple questions

1) how much hp gain on a stock engine? dont want to spend 750.00 for 6 hp
2) will they clear stock sheet metal valve covers?
3)is the whole rocker rollerized or just the tips? are they like TA 455 rockers?

Bob Gibbs

[telriv]

1)-Bob, on my friends modified engine there was almost always a 20HP improvement on the engine dyno. On my stock Riv. engine there was a 26.6Hp & 15.1 ft. lbs. of torque improvement to the rear wheels.
2)-Yes
3)-Just the tips. The engine dyno guy feels it would be a waste of time & money because of the application & also feels that the needles will not last because of the crazy angles associated with the valvetrain setup. Also because you will not a 3/4" of valve lift from the ole "Nail" the rollers will get a set & not roll anyway. Why go for the extra cost if an expert tells you it's a waste?????
And no they DO NOT look like a T/A rocker.

[GranSportSedan]

Tom
didnt mean to imply anything by the TA rocker question.. what i was getting at was were they a shaft design with roller bearings where they ride on the shaft.. you have answered all my questions.. thank you. Bob

[telriv]

No Bob, they will only have a Roller Tip. No Rollers on the shafts. And no I did not take offense. Just trying to clarify.
Tom

[Babeola]

No Bob, they will only have a Roller Tip. No Rollers on the shafts. And no I did not take offense. Just trying to clarify.
Tom


I have seen what those needles can do loose inside a race engine. I am glad you didn't use them.

Cheryl :)

[bhclark]

Not to change the subject to much, but for those of us interested in a less expensive alternative, has anybody had experience with those Maddog complete engine rebuild kits?
Current Buy it Now on Ebay is at $829. Is there any better deal/quality around for a complete rebuild kit?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=7914816937&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT
Also, what is the benefit from spending the almost $500 extra for the forged pistons over the cast? If it's a driver or a show car instead of a racer, does it matter?

Thanks!
:spank:

[Jim Wall]

Hello,
For a vehicle that will not see heavy duty use there is really no benefit in specing forged pistons. In short forged pistons offer more strength. Go with cast for your use.
Jim :Comp:

[58buickspecial]

would also like to know what expereince people have had with maddog rebouild kits any ideas of others?

[Terry Lucas]

I am desparately searching for a good timing cover from a 62-66 401 or 425 Nailhead engine. Also need a set of motor mounts for the same engine in a 66 Skylark.
I cannot put my car back together without these parts so if you know anyone who can help, please contact me ASAP.
Thank You,
Terry Lucas
twlucas@cox.net

[frydfsh]

Terry, I have seen several timing covers recently on ebay, check out under parts and accessories/ nailhead.:Comp:

[rbadillo]

can anyone point me in the right direction? I am restoring a 1964 wildcat convertible and need the moldings.

[TATTOO BILL]

Which Moldings Are You Looking For?

Bill

[my55buick]

I want to see someone sell a good Towing Cam for a 264/322 and a decent 4 barrel intake. Headers to fit in the 50s cars with those engines would be great too. I feel like the 264/and 322 are forsaken motors no one wants to make things for them. Mean while how many hundred thousand were made come on....

[John Codman]

I want to see someone sell a good Towing Cam for a 264/322 and a decent 4 barrel intake. Headers to fit in the 50s cars with those engines would be great too. I feel like the 264/and 322 are forsaken motors no one wants to make things for them. Mean while how many hundred thousand were made come on....

I have long felt that the 264 was the greatest of the Nailheads. having said that, I must confess that my Buchev pickup is 425 (.30 over) 431 cu. in. Nailhead. I would be ecstatic to swap it for a perfect 264 (plus all parts required to do the swap, plus shipping/pickup).