Hammering Home the Buick Nailhead, Part I
By noderel:
The builder of this nostalgic looking ’32 Ford hot rod relied on Buick nailhead power for plenty of motivation and a good-looking underhood appearance.
When Cadillac introduced its high-compression overhead valve V-8 in 1949, it set the auto industry on its ear and started a trend that would ultimately eliminate flathead V-8s and straight eights and produce a variety of classic power plants from Mopar Hemis to Ford Y-Blocks and small-block Chevy V-8s. By 1955, even holdouts like Packard and Pontiac would find themselves offering overhead valve V-8s. Todeay, that Cadillac motor, the Olds Rocket V-8 and the Buick nailhead are becoming icons in the hot rodding field, along with a few of the non-GM engines mentioned above. In this column we’ll tell you the Buick nailhead story and the next time we’ll cover the hottest nailhead ever built.
Buick issued many chrome parts for later nailheads and aftermarket parts are also available from suppliers such as CARS, Egge, and Speedway Motors.
Introduced in some Buick models in 1953, the “nailhead” V-6 had distinctions from the other overhead valve V-8s that General Motors offered in Cadillacs and Oldsmobiles. The biggest difference was the vertically-positioned valves with small diameter heads that gave the Buick engine its nickname. Nailheads also had a high-lift long-duration cam to let more air thru the small valves. The small-diameter valves and intake runners increased torque ratings.
Due to the nailhead V-8s thin, vertical-valve design, it’s important to increase the efficiency of the unique Buick “air pump” by adding equipment that will force additional air in and allow it to escape.
The original 322-cid nailhead V-8 was used in the larger 1953 Buicks including Century, Super, Roadmaster and Skylark models. It had a 4 x 3.2-in. bore and stroke and brought Buick into the growing number of makes using V-8 engines after World War II. A smaller 264-cid nailhead was introduced for the Buick Special in 1954, but in 1956 the 322-cid nailhead was also used in Specials. The 264 had a 3.625 x 3.2-in. bore and stroke
A 364-cid nailhead V-8 was brought out in 1957. It had a 4.125 x 3.40 in. bore and stroke. In Specials it was fitted with a smaller two-barrel carburetor and rated at 250 hp. In other Buicks it carried a four-barrel carb and a 300-hp rating. The 364 was an engine that could really get out of its own way. The tired unit in a ’57 Century we owned could outrun our ’89 Chevy 9C1 Wisconsin State Patrol car any day of the week.
A 364-cid nailhead came out in 1957. It had a 4.125 x 3..40 in. bore and stroke. In Specials it used a two-barrel carb and was rated at 250 hp. In other Buicks like this Roadmaster it carried a four-barrel carb and a 300-hp rating.
In 1962, Buick came out with a 401-cid nailhead that often fools people into thinking they have less or more cubic inches than they actually do. The reason is that Buick was proud of the nailheads torquey reputation and decided to put decals calling out the torque rating (instead of cubic inches) on the air cleaner. The 1962-1963 “Wildcat 375” nailhead was the low-compression version that ran on regular gas and was available as a no-cost option. The “Wildcat 410” was the two-barrel-carb base engine. The “Wildcat 445” was the four-barrel big-car version. All three had 401 cubic inches of cylinder volume.
(Just to confuse enthusiasts even more, Buick offered a second “Wildcat 375” version of its all-new 1966-1967 small-block 340-cid V-8. This was a four-bvarrel V-8, but it was a conventional type GM V-8 and not a nailhead.)
The four-barrel 401-cid Wildcat 445 was the base Buick V-8 for the Invicta, the 1959-‘66 Electra, the 1962–’66 Wildcat, the 1963 Riviera and the 1965 Riviera, but in another confusing move, Buick used the 425-cid four-barrel nailhead V-8 as base engine in 1964 and 1966 Rivieras. This is the largest nailhead that Buick produced. It was called the “Wildcat 465” in the Rivieras.
This 1963 Buick Riviera has the base four-barrel 401-cid Wildcat 445 with 445 lb.-ft. of torque (not cubic inches or 445 hp). The chrome rocker arm covers are the factory issued item.
The 425-cid “Wilcat 465” was first offered as a 1963 Buick option. Later, it was made available on Buick Wildcats and Electras. For the 1965 Riviera Gran Sport and the 1966 Wildcat GS, the "Super Wildcat" option (Y48) included two four-barrel carbs. The carbs and intake manifold were delivered in the trunk of the car to be dealer installed. Around May 1966, Buick offered the Super Wildcat as a factory-installed option. The dealer-install version was coded “MW” and the factory installed version was coded “MZ.”
The last nailhead was a 401-cid version sold as a “400” so as to follow a rule General Motors had that limited the cubic inches of engines used in mid-sized high-performance cars. This 400 can also be confused with the 1967-1969 Buick 400,, which was not a nailhead.
In an effort to overcome the nailhead V-8’s restrictive exhaust port design, drag racers adapted superchargers to the engines and used special cams to increase air flow thru the exhaust ports. The use of larger intake ports was another racing trick. TV Tommy Ivo was one drag racer who was particularly fond of Buick engines. In our next column, we’ll tewll you about an engine built using the latest modern technology that may be the world’s “ultimate nailhead.”
On the ’63 Riviera’s red-painted air cleaner the “Wildcat 445” decal called out the nailhead’s high-torque characteristics. Factory chrome bits aso included brake master cylinder cover. This engine has noit been detailed.
BUICK NAILHEAD V-8 SPECS 1953-1965
1953
Series 50 V-8 (without Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 321.7 cid. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Brake hp: 164 at 4000 rpm. Taxable hp: 51.2. Torque: 286 at 2200. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 12 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg AAVB-26 two-barrel.
Series 50 V-8 (with Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 321.7 cid. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Brake hp: 170 at 4000 rpm. Taxable hp: 51.2. Torque: 292 at 2200. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 12 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg AAVB-26 two-barrel.
Series 70 V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 321.7 cid. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Brake hp: 188 at 4000 rpm. Taxable hp: 51.2. Torque: 300 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 18 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Carter WCFB-996S four-barrel.
1954
Series 40 V-8 (without Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 3.625 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 264.2 cid. Compression ratio: 7.2:1. Brake hp: 143 at 4200 rpm. Taxable hp: 42.05. Torque: 228 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg AAVB-267 two-barrel.
Series 40 V-8 (with Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 3.625 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 264.2 cid. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Brake hp: 150 at 4200 rpm. Taxable hp: 42.05. Torque: 240 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 18.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg AAVB-267 two-barrel.
Series 50 V-8 (without Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 321.7 cid. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Brake hp: 177 at 4100 rpm. Taxable hp: 51.2. Torque: 295 at 2000. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg AAVB-267 two-barrel.
Series 50 V-8 (with Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 321.7 cid. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Brake hp: 182 at 4100 rpm. Taxable hp: 51.2. Torque: 300 at 2000. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 18.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg AAVB-267 two-barrel.
Series 60 V-8 (without Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 321.7 cid. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Brake hp: 195 at 4100 rpm. Taxable hp: 51.2. Torque: 302 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg AUVB-267 four-barrel.
Series 60 V-8 (with Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 321.7 cid. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Brake hp: 200 at 4100 rpm. Taxable hp: 51.2. Torque: 309 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 18.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg AUVB-267 four-barrel.
Series 70 V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 321.7 cid. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Brake hp: 200 at 4100 rpm. Taxable hp: 51.2. Torque: 309 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 18.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg AUVB-267 four-barrel.
1955
Series 40 V-8 (without Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 3.625 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 264.2 cid. Compression ratio: 7.5:1. Brake hp: unknown at unknown rpm. Taxable hp: 42.05. Torque: unknown at unknown. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg AAVB-267 two-barrel.
Series 40 V-8 (with Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 3.625 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 264.2 cid. Compression ratio: 8.4:1. Brake hp: 188 at 4800 rpm. Taxable hp: 42.05. Torque: 256 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 18.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor:
Series 50, 60 V-8 (without Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 321.7 cid. Compression ratio: 8.4:1. Brake hp: unknown at unknown rpm. Taxable hp: 51.2. Torque: unknown at unknown. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Rochester 4GC four-barrel.
Series 50, 60 V-8 (with Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 321.7 cid. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Brake hp: 236 at 4600 rpm. Taxable hp: 51.2. Torque: 330 at 3000. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 18.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Rochester 4GC four-barrel.
Series 70 V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 321.7 cid. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Brake hp: 236 at 4600 rpm. Taxable hp: 51.2. Torque: 330 at 3000. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 18.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Rochester 4GC four-barrel.
1956
Series 40 V-8 (without Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 321.7 cid. Compression ratio: 7.6:1. Brake hp: unknown at unknown rpm. Taxable hp: 51.2. Torque: unknown at unknown. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 18 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Carter WGD two-barrel.
Series 40 V-8 (with Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 321.7 cid. Compression ratio: 8.9:1. Brake hp: 220 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 51.2. Torque: 319 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 18 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Carter WGD two-barrel.
Series 50, 60, 70 V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.20 inches. Displacement: 321.7 cid. Compression ratio: 9.5:1. Brake hp: 255 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 51.2. Torque: 341 at 3200. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 6 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 18 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Carter WCFB four-barrel.
1957
Series 40 V-8 (without Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.40 inches. Displacement: 363.5 cid. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Brake hp: unknown at unknown rpm. Taxable hp: 54.4. Torque: unknown at unknown. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 5 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Carter WGD two-barrel.
Series 40 V-8 (with Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.40 inches. Displacement: 363.5 cid. Compression ratio: 9.5:1. Brake hp: 250 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 54.4. Torque: 380 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 5 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Carter WGD two-barrel.
Series 50, 60, 70 V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.40 inches. Displacement: 363.5 cid. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Brake hp: 300 at 4600 rpm. Taxable hp: 54.4. Torque: 400 at 3200. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 5 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Carter AFB-2507 four-barrel.
1958
Series 40 V-8 (without Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.40 inches. Displacement: 363.5 cid. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Brake hp: unknown at unknown rpm. Taxable hp: 54.4. Torque: unknown at unknown. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 5 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Carter WGD two-barrel.
Series 40 V-8 (with Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.40 inches. Displacement: 363.5 cid. Compression ratio: 9.5:1. Brake hp: 250 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 54.4. Torque: 380 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 5 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Carter WGD two-barrel.
Series 50, 60 V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.40 inches. Displacement: 363.5 cid. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Brake hp: 300 at 4600 rpm. Taxable hp: 54.4. Torque: 400 at 3200. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 5 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Carter AFB-2507 or Rochester 4GC four-barrel.
Series 70, Limited 700 V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.40 inches. Displacement: 363.5 cid. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Brake hp: 300 at 4600 rpm. Taxable hp: 54.4. Torque: 400 at 3200. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 5 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Carter AFB-2507 or Rochester 4GC four-barrel.
1959
LeSabre Series 4400 base V-8 (without Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.40 inches. Displacement: 363.5 cid. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Brake hp: unknown at unknown rpm. Taxable hp: 54.4. Torque: unknown at unknown. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg two-barrel.
LeSabre Series 4400 base V-8 (with Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.40 inches. Displacement: 363.5 cid. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Brake hp: 250 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 54.4. Torque: 384 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg two-barrel.
Invicta Series 4600, Electra Series 4700, Electra 225 Series 4800 base V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.188 x 3.64 inches. Displacement: 401 cid. Compression ratio: 10.50:1. Brake hp: 325 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 56.1. Torque: 445 at 2800. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.5 qt. (add 1 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Carter AFB or Rochester 4GC 7010070 four-barrel.
1960
LeSabre Series 4400 base V-8 (without Dynaflow)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.40 inches. Displacement: 363.5 cid. Compression ratio: 8.50:1. Brake hp: unknown at unknown rpm. Taxable hp: 54.4. Torque: unknown at unknown. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg two-barrel.
LeSabre Series 4400 base V-8 (manual transmission)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.40 inches. Displacement: 363.5 cid. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Brake hp: 235 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 54.4. Torque: 375 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg two-barrel. Carburetor: Carter WGD or Stromberg WW two-barrel.
LeSabre Series 4400 optional V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.40 inches. Displacement: 363.5 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp: 250 at 4400 rpm. Torque: 384 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg two-barrel. Carburetor: Carter WGD or Stromberg WW two-barrel.
LeSabre Series 4400 optional V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.40 inches. Displacement: 363.5 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp: 300 at 4400 rpm. Torque: 405 at 2800. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg two-barrel. Carburetor: Carter AFB or Rochester 4GC four-barrel.
Invicta Series 4600, Electra Series 4700, Electra 225 Series 4800 base V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.188 x 3.64 inches. Displacement: 401 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp: 325 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 56.1. Torque: 445 at 2800. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Carter AFB or Rochester 4GC 7010070 four-barrel.
1961
LeSabre base V-8 (manual transmission)
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.40 inches. Displacement: 363.5 cid. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Brake hp: 235 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 54.4. Torque: 375 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Stromberg two-barrel. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC or Stromberg WW two-barrel.
LeSabre base V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.40 inches. Displacement: 363.5 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp: 250 at 4400 rpm. Torque: 384 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Rochester 2GC or Stromberg WW two-barrel.
Invicta, Electra, Electra 225 base V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.188 x 3.64 inches. Displacement: 401 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp: 325 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 56.1. Torque: 445 at 2800. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Rochester 4GC or Carter AFB four-barrel.
1962
LeSabre optional V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.188 x 3.64 inches. Displacement: 401 cid. Compression ratio: 9.00:1. Brake hp: 265 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 56.1. Torque: 412 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel.
LeSabre base V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.188 x 3.64 inches. Displacement: 401 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp: 280 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 56.1. Torque: 424 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel.
Invicta, Electra 225 base V-8; LeSabre optional V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.188 x 3.64 inches. Displacement: 401 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp: 325 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 56.1. Torque: 445 at 2800. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Rochester 4GC four-barrel.
1963
LeSabre optional V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.188 x 3.64 inches. Displacement: 401 cid. Compression ratio: 9.00:1. Brake hp: 265 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 56.1. Torque: 412 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel.
LeSabre base V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.188 x 3.64 inches. Displacement: 401 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp: 280 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 56.1. Torque: 424 at 2400. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel.
Invicta, Wildcat, Electra, Riviera base V-8; LeSabre optional V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.188 x 3.64 inches. Displacement: 401 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp: 325 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 56.1. Torque: 445 at 2800. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Rochester 4GC four-barrel.
1964
LeSabre station wagon, Wildcat, Electra 225 base V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.188 x 3.641 inches. Displacement: 401.2 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp: 325 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 56.1. Torque: 445 at 2800. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Rochester 4GC or Carter AFB four-barrel. Engine identification code KT.
Riviera base V-8; Wildcat, Electra 225 optional V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.312 x 3.641 inches. Displacement: 425.5 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp 340 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 59.51. Torque: 465 at 2800. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel. Engine identification code KW.
Riviera, Wildcat, Electra 225 optional V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.312 x 3.641 inches. Displacement: 425.5 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp 360 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 59.51. Torque: 465 at 2800. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 17 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Two Carter AFB four-barrel. Engine identification code KX.
1965
Wildcat, Electra base V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.188 x 3.641 inches. Displacement: 401.2 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp: 325 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 56.1. Torque: 445 at 2800. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.75 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Rochester 4GC or Carter AFB four-barrel. Engine identification code LT. Called “400” V-8 in Skylark GS.
Riviera base V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.312 x 3.641 inches. Displacement: 425.5 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp 340 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 59.51. Torque: 465 at 2800. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.75 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel. Engine identification code LW.
Riviera, Wildcat, Electra 225 optional V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.312 x 3.641 inches. Displacement: 425.5 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp 360 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 59.51. Torque: 465 at 2800. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.75 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Two Carter AFB four-barrel. Engine identification code LX.
1966
Wildcat, Electra, Skylark Gran Sport base V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.188 x 3.641 inches. Displacement: 401.2 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp: 325 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 56.1. Torque: 445 at 2800. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.75 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Carter AFB-4054 four-barrel. Engine identification code MR or MT.
Wildcat, Electra, Riviera V-8
Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Bore and stroke: 4.312 x 3.641 inches. Displacement: 425.3 cid. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Brake hp 340 at 4400 rpm. Taxable hp: 59.51. Torque: 465 at 2800. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Crankcase capacity: 4 qt. (Add 1 qt. if new filter installed). Cooling system capacity: 16.75 qt. (add 1.5 qt. for heater). Carburetor: Rochester 4MC four-barrel. Engine identification code MW or MV