Just starting on a 64 skylark. Question? I have what I believe is a 300 motor as it has a number of KL399. Is this a 300 and what is a nail head? Thanks Ed
Ed Hencz, The code KL is a 64 300 st engine. The nailhead is a larger engine for larger cars, however, it was installed in the 65 & 66 Skylark body to make a muscle car known as the Grand Sport. The nailhead used valves that were small for the cubic inch size engine, they were placed in a vertical postion. This made a narrow engine and could be put in Hot Rods very easily. The engine size was from 322 to 425. Last two years had a 400 SP turbo transmission in larger cars, many people put it in the GS. SP = dual speed stall conveter. Diver
Diver thanks can i put a bigger engine in the 64 or is the motor compartment too small. If I build the 300 will I be able to put a four barrel on it and can I get headers? As you can tell I am just a first timer. Ed
I had a 396/TH400 in my original '64 Skylark years ago with headers for a Chevelle and it fit like a glove. I had a '65 that someone put a 400 Pontiac engine in too so don't worry about what motor to get, they'll fit. Don't forget, they're mostly the same parts (Skylark, Chevelle/Malibu, LeMans/GTO, Cutlass) especially the frame and running gear with mostly cosmetic outer sheetmetal differences.
Hi Ed, Welcome to the board. There is lots of info on this site about putting a Buick 455, 430 or 400 into a 64, all these motors share the same basic platform, motor mount locations, transmission mount bolt hole pattern. Just do a search. The Buick 350 is also an easy fit into a 64. Anything you can't find just ask. Bruce
Thanks I m already starting to make sense out of what will exchange. I bought a buick Used parts buyers guide but haven't been able to make much sense out of it.
The engine size was from 322 to 425 and used valves that were small for the cubic inch size engine, they were placed in a vertical postion. The term nailhead is a reference to the very small valves that looked like nailheads instead of the larger valves other engines had. Here are some pictures of my 455 Buick in my 64 skylark convertible.
Ed. You can get a 4 barrell intake for the 64 300. It was a stock item on the higher compression engine. They are a little hard to find, but, put the word out and maybe someone has one for sale. Some people think the little 300 was not enough power, however, it has the same stroke as the 231 V6 and two more cylinders. Some parts will fit, but not the even-fire pistons and rods due to offset. Search this site for more information, I think someone has one turning in 10.s or 11.s in 1/4. Some people use parts of the 300 in the 215/Rover engine. Diver
Thanks Guys, After looking at the 455 sitting in so nice I'm thinking the 300 has to go. Wouldn't it be a lot easier to get parts for a 455 than for the 300?
That is a BOP turbo 400 with a switch pitch TQ converter from Tri Shield Performance. I have the engine dynoed and its 520 HP and 556 TQ with a 12 bolt 3.73 rear end. Here is a picture with some stuff installed. I used TA frame mounts and pads, TA headers (had to clearance them some) and grind a little 1/4 inch off the passenger upper arm, and find a hose for the upper rear heater core because it was close to the valve cover.
TA is that toston? I found 455 engine that they think is out of a 68 buick wildcat for 300.00 hope it will work
This is TA and they are different than Postons. http://www.taperformance.com/ A 68 would have a 430 in it and could have big port heads but they are oiled through the rockers shafts. I believe the rocker shafts are 1.59 to 1 where the 455 rocker ratio is 1.55. As far as the whole car its still going together.
