I set the engine # 1 cylinder to top dead center by removing the valve cover and rotating the engine over by hand until the timing was at zero degrees on the harmonic balancer and checking that both the intake and exhaust valves were closed and then I checked the piston with the spark plug out to make sure it was at the top of its stroke. I rotated the engine over another 720 degrees with a pressure gauge just to double check that the #1 was a top dead center on the compression stroke with the valves intake and exhaust both closed.

I then installed the distributor and noted where the rotor was, and installed and marked the cap from 1 to 8, installed the plug wires on the cap in order and to the plugs following the firing order for the nail-head engine.

I will need to wire the ignition switch for 12vc to the distributor in the run position and install the coil wiring and ground, the starter wiring is all ready installed and tested

The Gasser should be ready to start soon. The fuel pump, carburetor and distributor, ignition coil are on the motor and the spark plugs, spark plug wires, radiator and hoses and ready to install. I will find top dead center on #1 compression stroke and install the plug leads and set 20-30 degrees of initial advance and give it a few bumps with new premium fuel and a shot of starter fluid to see if it will turn over.

With the starter and compression checks completed its time to get ready to start the 401ci Nailhead Motor

1. Check timing mark on balancer by finding top dead center of cylinder #1
2. With the motor at TDC on the compression stroke install the distributor and spark plugs.
3. Point rotor to where #1 will be on cap
4. Label distributor cap 1 to 8
5. Set initial advance to 25-30 degrees
6. Install spark plugs, and plug wires to the correct cylinders
7. Install wiring for ignition power to distributor and coil
8. Install new fuel pump, carburetor , fuel lines etc. and test pump with starter
9. Install radiator, thermostat and hoses to motor and fill with coolant
10. Install exhaust headers
11. Hook up timing light, vacuum gauge
12. A little starter fluid and see if it will start or a least try

The Gasser should be ready to start soon. The fuel pump, carburetor and distributor, ignition coil are on the motor and the spark plugs, spark plug wires, radiator and hoses and ready to install. I will find top dead center on #1 compression stroke and install the plug leads and set 20-30 degrees of initial advance and give it a few bumps with new premium fuel and a shot of starter fluid to see if it will turn over.

I picked up a new motor for the Gasser in San Diego from a wrecked 1964 Buick Riviera. After a clean up and having the carbs rebuilt I will do a compression check and see if it will run.

I have a new motor for the Gasser that I picked up in San Diego from a 1964 Buick Riviera. It is a 425ci dual 4 barrel carbs that was factory rated at 370 HP. The carbs are out for rebuild and I will do a compression check before I see if it will start and run.

I was able to pick up a 425 with dual 4’s in California from a wrecked 65 Buick Riviera that the owner said was running when the car was hit in the rear. I have it in the back of my pickup and will drop it into the Gasser frame with a transmission and then prep it for a test run by pulling the plugs, lubing the cylinders with Marvel Mystery Oil, turn it over by hand and letting it sit a few days.

I can then set the rough timing by finding top dead center of cylinder #1 and checking the timing mark on the harmonic balancer.

Engine Motor Mounts

The 425 needs different mounts to match the already existing frame mounts that were used for the engine that is in the machine shop. I ordered a new set of mounts from Speedway Motors that include the block mount bracket and hard rubber briskets and hardware.

After a long wait for machine shop rebuild and supply chain delays I think I have found a complete 425 Nail head in Orange CA for sale. I have contacted the owner and I am going to try and get over there with cash in hand and come home with an running engine. In preparation for getting this project moving again I gave the shell a good wash and moved it to shelter under my shade area between the garage and my storage unit.

Given the supply chain issues that seem to effect everything waiting 3 months for the rebuild bearings, rings, valve guides etc seems reasonable. Morrison Machine has the parts and will be putting the motor together so maybe with luck I may get the Nail-head back this year.

The Nailhead is in the machine shop waiting on parts. The supply chain delays that are part of the Covid19 pandemic has taken 3 months to deliver the rebuild parts.