four oh nine

[BMFScout]

This is kind of a Dougy dream, but I figure finding the block would be the hard part anyway. I can always mothball it until I'm ready to build the motor.

What I'm looking for is a 409 for my '63 Impala. Hot Rod had an article this month about it, and a 409 really is the only big block that should be in that era car. It's a way cool looking motor. Anyway, in the article it says that the big trucks, dump trucks, etc. from that era got them as well. 61-65 I think. The block is almost the same, and is the foundation for the build up they did. So if anyone knows where an early 60's Chevy Dump/Box/flatbed truck is, I would like to investigate the motor. My hope is that it would be easier/cheaper to find one that way than to get a car one.

This is what it looks like if you don't know:
http://www.schiftysmusclecars.com/sites/dschiffner/_files/Image/409.JPG

This is what my car looked like in Hikeschool (pretty close ayway, not quite as clean) and hopefully will look like again one day. (Probably bagged with some larger wheels)

[tigweld]

aren't truck one's usually tall deck and 348 cid variety

[Seth]

Sweet - another project to live vicariously through.

[Seth]

Those valve covers are cool, if only for the unique shape.

[Fredo]

I still think one of these would look cool under the hood of a 92 camaro...or just sitting in the corner of my living room with a lamp on it or something.

[DRAGOONRANCH]

I still think one of these would look cool under the hood of a 92 camaro...or just sitting in the corner of my living room with a lamp on it or something.

The only way I could see you actually having one of those in your house and it not be under the hood of something would be after it was under the hood of something and you had atleast a set of pistons sized holes in the side of it. ;)

[agjohn02]

a 409 really is the only big block that should be in that era car. It's a way cool looking motor.

x2

prolly make out better with a 348 with some e-bay 409 stickers though.

[BMFScout]

If I wanted a SB, I'd put in a wicked 327, also period correct! :)

[junior88mj]

hey jimmy i think i've have a small journal 327 shortblock with a steel crank minus pistons i think the block is standard the crank has been truned and rods have been weight matched if your interested give me a buzz andi'll dig it out and verify what all i have and condition 979 820 2252 junior

[tigweld]

I think he might have a few to choose from already

[junior88mj]

I still think one of these would look cool under the hood of a 92 camaro...or just sitting in the corner of my living room with a lamp on it or something.

it would make a better corner lamp zr1 are nice to look at but dont run for crap

[Fredo]

I said it would look cool under the hood of a 92 camaro. Did not say anything about it being fast. Would definitely have WOW factor.

[agjohn02]

it would make a better corner lamp zr1 are nice to look at but dont run for crap

whatever, they just never let you drive one that wasn't in valet mode:flipoff2:

[tigweld]

I rode in don clark's very low mile zr1 and I was fairly impressed(it's no zo6 either). I think its just that they got a bad rap for being so hard to work on. all in all it's still a c4, a very bla car

[BMFScout]

Nobody knows where an old 60's truck is? Would look something like this I would guess.

Article about it. I bet this would be like a needle in a haystack...

http://www.maxchevy.com/tech/2008/iii_5-409-1.html

[AggieTJ2007]

i saw one for sale on the side of the road today, I will check it out for you tomarrow. It has been there for a while I just remembered this thread today

[BMFScout]

i saw one for sale on the side of the road today, I will check it out for you tomarrow. It has been there for a while I just remembered this thread today


cool, if it looks like that motor, check for an X stamped in the driver's side front of the block.

[Graystroke]

Jimmy, the article about the 348 to 409 "conversion" is in the Jan '09 Hot Rod Deluxe mag. I think you can only get it on news stands...it's a new mag from Hot Rod that only does retro rodding.
Anyways, they used a 348 block bored .030 over, a new Eagle 4.00" stroker crank and a set of the new Aluminum Edelbrock heads, mainifold, valve cover, water pump(i dunno if the valve covers and water pump are 409 specific) The 348 heads are too small for the cu in increase along w/ any stock 348 manifold.
yielded 434 cu in
on the dyno 521 hp @ 6000 rpm/488 ft lbs @ 5100 rpm
it had an isky roller in it w/ .639 lift ...they notched the valve relief in the block deeper.
apparently you can't go over .550 lift without notching the valve relief in the block deeper or you will have an expensive ticking noise.
I didn't realize the w engine had a weird deck like they do.

the mag is pretty cool..not all those rust buckets like in the others.
the article has lots of details and pics.

[Eckert]

i found the needle

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/990439362.html

[davido]

The future former Republic Landscapes truck. :) Looks more like a '63, but whatever.

[davido]

The future former Republic Landscapes truck. :) Looks more like a '63, but whatever.



EDIT: They're selling their house also. Almost 2 acres in spring branch! http://realestate.chron.com/homes/listing/2069-9286380/Spring-Branch-Central-Houston-TX-USA

[BMFScout]

sweet, someone go pick it up and let me know if it's got a 409 in it. :)

[DRAGOONRANCH]

why you lazy bastard...

[BMFScout]

There are a few reasons why I am in no position to even look at it right now. Otherwise, I'd at least call.

[redcagepatrol]

EDIT: They're selling their house also. Almost 2 acres in spring branch! http://realestate.chron.com/homes/listing/2069-9286380/Spring-Branch-Central-Houston-TX-USA

That's pretty close to mi casa, might have to go check it out. I could wait for DavidO on friday, sounds like fun...

Spring Branch is interesting like that - huge lots pretty close to town - like Lynda's G-ma, 2 acres of unrestriced in the same vicinity...