I am trying to surprise my husband ( who loves old Buick engines ) with an engine to drop in his Rat Rod. I have found one the owner says it is a 1966 425 Nailhead. Big 66 double spring large port heads. A Kenna-Bell #270 cam. Duel four manifold, Offenhouser high rise. He said he completely rebuilt it and that everything is new from the oil pump to the valve train. I know very little about all that, I know it is as pretty as any jewel I've seen. Would this be a Great engine or a good engine or just a so-so one. What would be your idea of the approximate fair price to pay? Thanks for any help you can give me! Debi
You're a Doll to attempt the ultimate gift! Unfortunately - some things are too much of an investment and risk without approval from the big guy. If you do anything - be sure it can be restocked n/c prior or after shipping. Do you have a sister?
I agree. The workmanship on the inside is alot more important than the outward appearance. This is hard to determine without someone there that is very knowledgeable about the innards of an engine. Knowing who the machinist was that did the machine-work is very important as well; having the receipts for the work is even better. Some very experienced people hae been ripped off because they were mislead about what was inside of that pretty exterior. But also, some have made some very good deals.
Maybe you can get one of his car buddies to help you on the QT. Or the person that is selling could provide references. It sounds like it could be one hell of an engine. If it's too pretty, he might have to dirty it up a little to fit his rat rod theme. Good luck.
Thanks for your input. I really appreciate it. No, I do not have a sister, God only made one of me, some will shout Halleujah! to that I'm sure. And I hate shopping, too! Seriously, I do appreciate your post.
Just wanted to say thanks for your input. I really do trust this man, he has been a family friend for quite awhile and he is our Pastor. He is a perfectionists and Hot Rod extrordinaire. What he wanted me to do is see if I could get an idea of its worth and how much I should pay for it. He knows how much he has in it but, he doesn't feel comfortable setting a price for me. I don't want to low ball him at all. Thank you for your time and knowledge.
Thanks for your reply to my post. I do have a couple of guys here that are motor heads that I bounce things off from time to time. They too, feel it is a hoss of an engine and know the builders rep, but, are unsure of the value this kind of engine would have. Thanks again.
Debi, You sure are a thoughtful wife to do this for him. The 425 "nailhead" is a torque monster. I'm sure it looks very pretty w/ dual carbs. Please post your location as someone here would be willing to help with a looksee. These "car guys" you know may have a love for old cars, but whoever machined and assembled this N.H. sure had better know Buick engines!!!!! Meaning, MANY engine builders will do what they know of Chevy's but will wipe out a Buick in no time.ou: I feel you should ask him what he has in it and offer him that. :TU: Other than that you should also post in "DA Nailhead" section of the board. These guys are a fountainhead of info. Welcome aboard!!! And be sure you take pics and steer your hubby here...... :grin:
Deb, I figure $ 150.00 per cylinder for parts and machine work. The only other cost is labor of taking the engine apart and putting it back together. one day to tear down and one day to put it back together. This is for the tn. area. and a good mechanic. Assuming of course that this is a 'bench' job and the engine is already out of the car and the mech. doesnt have to put it back in the car.
