425 Nailhead build or LS2

[LeatherFoot]

All,
I am currently planning the build on the first car I ever owned (66 Riviera purchased when 15 years old in 1989). When young I drove the wheels off of it performing frequent 50'+ posi burnouts . About 8 years ago I put it away where it has been since. Now it is time to wake it up. There is 2 options:

1. dual quad, bumpety bump cam, TA performance shorty Riv headers, and a 6 speed manual tremek trans, and of course a set of line locks since power brake burnouts will be much more difficult.

2. New LS2 out of a Corvette or GTO that will achieve good fuel milage, performance, and reliability, just lack the nailhead cool.

I would like to drive the car often, and run it at the strip occasionally on Friday nights. My questions:

- does anyone have any dyno sheets for a 401 or 425 nailhead with a similar build as above. I would like to look at anything available.

- Has anyone ever setup a 66 for performance and run it at the strip. What times did you achieve?

Thanks for your help.

LeatherFoot

[Diecast / Todd]

All,
I am currently planning the build on the first car I ever owned (66 Riviera purchased when 15 years old in 1989). When young I drove the wheels off of it performing frequent 50'+ posi burnouts . About 8 years ago I put it away where it has been since. Now it is time to wake it up. There is 2 options:

1. dual quad, bumpety bump cam, TA performance shorty Riv headers, and a 6 speed manual tremek trans, and of course a set of line locks since power brake burnouts will be much more difficult.

2. New LS2 out of a Corvette or GTO that will achieve good fuel milage, performance, and reliability, just lack the nailhead cool.

I would like to drive the car often, and run it at the strip occasionally on Friday nights. My questions:

- does anyone have any dyno sheets for a 401 or 425 nailhead with a similar build as above. I would like to look at anything available.

- Has anyone ever setup a 66 for performance and run it at the strip. What times did you achieve?

Thanks for your help.

LeatherFoot

IF you decide to go with the LS2 here is a complete documentary of my 1970 GSX Resto Mod which has an LS2. Link > LS2 GSX

Powerwise you can figure 600 + without any turbos/superchargers etc. . .
Definately better gas milage. Buick Motors are cool too so tough choice!! If TA's aluminum block would have been available I would have went that route.

Good luck either way!

[marxjunk]

I have an LS1 with a vortech supercharger and a richmond 5 speed in my 70 AMC Javelin. Its cool, but as of recent overdone, everyone is throwing LSX motors in everything, including 240SX's and Fox bodied mustangs etc etc so support is there....ya got a Buick, do a Buick motor, although the LS2 is probably a better choice for performance.

I think a bad a$$ turbo'd GN motor would be cooler, or maybe a stage 2 motor, but hey it all about how much money ya have to throw at it. And.. it s YOUR car do what YOU want, dont be swayed by mine or other peoples opinions, you gotta live with it, and you should enjoy it!!

[No Lift]

I don't know about anybody else but there is no way an LS engine looks as nice as a Nailhead all decked out. This particular example is one of the slickest looking ones I've ever seen. I love the AC and alternator setup. Very clean. Somebody finally spent some time doing something custom on a Nailhead. It was at the GS Nats in Bowling Green.
Add a set of coated headers and maybe some shiny Edelbrock carbs and that EELCO intake so you can pick up a few HP and you're cooking.
There's no way to get the power of an LS engine but depending on what kind of ET you want to run the Nailhead will make a good showing at the track. You can always add some nitrous when more power is demanded. If you put in some good pistons the engine will handle it easily. I'd go with the Offy intake if you were going that route though because of the more open plenum.
More people will wonder what kind of engine that is at a show than they will about an LS engine these days.

[Carl Rychlik]

Definately go with the Nailhead!!