nailhead cylinder head question for the Guru's...

I would like to know if 401 heads from a 1964 Electra are the same as 425 cylinder heads from and Electra?

Are the only differences between the two engines the block (bore and stroke) and the cam??

yes

but there are several numbers

<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 width=300 bgColor=#ffff99><TBODY><TR><TD>1185485<!--part no. 1392747--></TD><TD>61-66</TD><TD>364/401/425</TD></TR><TR><TD>1190415<!--part no. 1392747--></TD><TD>62-66</TD><TD>364/401/425</TD></TR><TR><TD>1196914<!--part no. 1392747--></TD><TD>59-66</TD><TD>364/401/425</TD></TR><TR><TD>1374603</TD><TD>64-66</TD><TD>401/425</TD></TR><TR><TD>1376912</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>401/425</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

there are the 1196914J as well

all i have ever seen are the

914

914J

and the

603 heads

Greg

yes

but there are several numbers

<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 width=300 bgColor=#ffff99><TBODY><TR><TD>1185485<!--part no. 1392747--></TD><TD>61-66</TD><TD>364/401/425</TD></TR><TR><TD>1190415<!--part no. 1392747--></TD><TD>62-66</TD><TD>364/401/425</TD></TR><TR><TD>1196914<!--part no. 1392747--></TD><TD>59-66</TD><TD>364/401/425</TD></TR><TR><TD>1374603</TD><TD>64-66</TD><TD>401/425</TD></TR><TR><TD>1376912</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>401/425</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

there are the 1196914J as well

all i have ever seen are the

914

914J

and the

603 heads

Greg

All of the above casting numbers have the same size ports and valves EXCEPT the 137912 cylinder head. Actually, the casting number is B1376912D, known as the "D" head. The exhaust port is 1/2" taller. Only 47 heads (not sets) were made. Eventhough the NHRA designates the casting number as a 1966 model year, these heads never went into production and were made probably between 1963 to 1965.

Marty

Cool!

thanks,

With number 1196914J on 1964 Wildcat, is the engine a 364, 401 or 425. How do you tell what engine size it has?

With number 1196914J on 1964 Wildcat, is the engine a 364, 401 or 425. How do you tell what engine size it has?

You need the production code number stamped on the engine block on the passenger side in front of the valley cover and behind the thermostat housing to ID the engine. This shows where to find the number:

http://www.teambuick.com/forums/view.php?pg=indent_engine_where

Production codes are listed here (scroll down until you see them):

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?235947-How-you-tell-the-difference-bet-a-401-or-425&p=1924683&highlight=#post1924683

Buick used the same casting number for multiple years and/or engine sizes, so casting numbers are not the best way to ID an engine.

With number 1196914J on 1964 Wildcat, is the engine a 364, 401 or 425. How do you tell what engine size it has?

If you can't find the code number, you can measure the distance between the intake manifold bolts. The 401/425 has a higher deck so the heads are farther apart. The 364 has a higher deck that the 322/264. Just another source taken from the Team Buick site in their reference section.

Distance between intake manifold bolts for different cubic inch Buick Nailhead engines.

322 8 3/8"

364 8 7/8"

401-425 9 1/8"

I've got one not sure about. 401 pas side 3H2I0023 "61"? Drive side 4HI. Stock cylinder size but pistons have taller dome then my stock 401 "63" JT engine. I picked it up to replace cracked block. Crank does have large pilot hole for Dynoflow trans.

One other item to note this thing has a roller cam. Maybe building a high octane roller motor if I decide to get carried away. I've been known to do in the past.

Thanks as always

Gary NEW ROA member

Had to scroll down on phone for chart. Ok I either have a 364 10.25 or a 401 10.25. What's difference from 364 and 401 bore size?

Gary

It seems like you probably have a 1961 364 nailhead. On the nailhead the production code is always located on the passenger side, so that would be 3H followed by the digits indicating build sequence or date. On the nailhead, the serial number of the donor car is always located on the driver side and should be 9 digits long in 1961. It would decode like this:

4H1xxxxxx

4 = Series 4400 (LeSabre)

H = 1961

1 = built at Flint, MI

xxxxxx = sequential number range for Flint in 1961 was 001001 to 076526 for B and C body cars

In 1961, the 364 nailhead was the only engine available in the LeSabre (production codes L3H or 3H). The 364 has a 4 1/8 inch bore and the 401 has a 4 3/16 inch bore.

Man this is detailed info thanks. I get the numbers and yes the serial number info was there on the drive side I just omitted. The issue I have now is the 401 JT engine out of the 63 Riv has the same cylinder measurement as the 3H. Thoughts on this?

Gary

Measurements 4.185 which is basically 4 1/8.

4 1/8 = 4.125

4 3/16 = 4.1875

Measurements 4.185 which is basically 4 1/8.

Sorry that's wrong equals 4 3/8 or 401.

Wow I need to proof read sorry again 4 3/16 inch geez I'll get it eventually.

Could this be a 364 .060 over bore? I understand this would not be normal but some indication is this engine was built for performance e.g. Roller cam shaft.

Thanks for any help and sorry again for the mistakes in previous notes above

Gary

More Measruments confirmed 364 as stated above. With 401 pistons so yes it was bored over. So actually pretty cool should be like a 385 shorter stroke with large bore and whatever the roller cam is. I might consider moving forward on this unusual nailhead...

Thanks for the help.

Gary

I have a set of heads.if anyone is looking.