thinking about buying a 1964 409 engine for the 55. It is a truck motor, but is complete from air cleaner to the pan....If I remember the truck motor was much lower compression. But the truck motor had higher nickel alloy or something which was stronger???? Don't remember exactly...It is a standard bore still and all of it was fluxed for cracks and came back good.....Thought this engine would be something different that the 350 routine. Anyway, advise would be appreciated...thanks..
409 engine question
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55rue
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thinking about buying a 1964 409 engine for the 55. It is a truck motor, but is complete from air cleaner to the pan....If I remember the truck motor was much lower compression. But the truck motor had higher nickel alloy or something which was stronger???? Don't remember exactly...It is a standard bore still and all of it was fluxed for cracks and came back good.....Thought this engine would be something different that the 350 routine. Anyway, advise would be appreciated...thanks..
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Lots of info at this site http://www.348-409.com/general.html
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3,334 Posts
Nothing different in the metal alloy. The truck 409 blocks have the valve relief cut out which lowers the compression. If you use car 10-1 pistons you will get about 9-1 in the truck block. Nothing wrong with a truck block just build it properly. Don't trust a rebuilder that hasn't built a few 348/409's before, there's a few things that need to be addressed and an uninformed builder may miss some important steps.
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You're wrong
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Don't know much about the 409 .If it was me and I had a chance for one I would go for the 409. Can always get a 350. Mike
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This time you're right.
1956 210 2dr. Sedan, 283, TKX, 9”, yup still working on it.
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Location:
Albuquerque
first convert the car/engine over to side mount motor mounts. then take the SBC out and bolt the 409 in. The side mounts are in the SAME place, the bellhousing bolts up, the flywheel is the same as any internal balanced chevy V8, use stock exhaust manifolds, the oilpan MAY be the only thing that gets in the way. move the radiator to the 6 cylinder position, and use a clutch fan. Done. Use a one wire alternator and that's done. And yes the truck block is just like all other 409's, 'cept the cylinder wall is cut to lower the
compression. Mr.409 has an adapter that lets you use a sbc/bbc distributor in a 348/409.
Pulleys are the same as a small block, even the 6" balancer can be used.
BUT if you REALLY want to make the 409 a runner, put a 454 crank in it !!!
compression. Mr.409 has an adapter that lets you use a sbc/bbc distributor in a 348/409.
Pulleys are the same as a small block, even the 6" balancer can be used.
BUT if you REALLY want to make the 409 a runner, put a 454 crank in it !!!
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I put on in a 56 chevy in the 70's...it was fast and cool.
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Tell us more about the 454 crank in a 409! I've been putting off building a 65 340 hp 409 because one of the rod journals is ruined, thought I'd have to find another 409 crank. They cost more than I gave for the engine. Thanks!
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721 Posts
The trick years ago was to put a 396 crank and rods in a 409 block . BB Chevy blocks were machined basically on the 409 machinery. So it stands to reason that the 454 crank would fit . The problem is finding someone to make pistons for it. The extra stroke of the 454 crank should help with the compression in a truck block. Don
409 in 55
I have a 409 in 55 project started now. Bought a 62 409 dual quad from a gentleman in VA. I'm documenting each step of the process. I've found the mounts, pulleys, alternator, P/S pump drive assembly from March. Earle Williams makes the mounts. I'm putting a Griffin Radiator w/electric fan in it. I have a builder for the custom headers. Very expensive. Of course nothing on this build will be cheap. The car has a 406 in it now. Small blocks are a dime a dozen and much easier to install. Not sure if I can be of any help with your project but if you have questions, fire away. There is a member who is installing a 409 in his 55 on here by the name of Monk. He has been a big help for me also. Good luck and take pictures.
I have a 409 in 55 project started now. Bought a 62 409 dual quad from a gentleman in VA. I'm documenting each step of the process. I've found the mounts, pulleys, alternator, P/S pump drive assembly from March. Earle Williams makes the mounts. I'm putting a Griffin Radiator w/electric fan in it. I have a builder for the custom headers. Very expensive. Of course nothing on this build will be cheap. The car has a 406 in it now. Small blocks are a dime a dozen and much easier to install. Not sure if I can be of any help with your project but if you have questions, fire away. There is a member who is installing a 409 in his 55 on here by the name of Monk. He has been a big help for me also. Good luck and take pictures.
My 409 was a former truck motor.......the larger indent is actually a plus for
a performance build.
We bored and stroked mine to 476 cu in......dynoed at 647 hp and 602 # tq.
Went from stock 3 1/2" stroke to 4".......when using a big block crank you will have issues with the timing chain cover. A stock 409 crank had a small block
cover.
Some will turn the snout down........we opted to keep the big block snout and purchased a custom timing chain cover from a guy in Canada.
Runs good for an old truck motor.
a performance build.
We bored and stroked mine to 476 cu in......dynoed at 647 hp and 602 # tq.
Went from stock 3 1/2" stroke to 4".......when using a big block crank you will have issues with the timing chain cover. A stock 409 crank had a small block
cover.
Some will turn the snout down........we opted to keep the big block snout and purchased a custom timing chain cover from a guy in Canada.
Runs good for an old truck motor.
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