350 HP, That's just a number. If it is a low miles engine, why not run it as is? I'll tell you why. Engine 3. Engine 3 was a 1965 C70 with a 348. Engine 3 would absolutely 100 percent Fly! She'd do 100MPH Easy! I know, I drove it. They were so scared of it, they put a governor on it and that kind of kicked her in the pants but before that, Engine 3 was a hot rod as far as fire engines go. That same engine in a light car....Wow! Besides, it's torque you feel, not really HP. With today's sucky gas, do you really need a high compression engine? Being a truck engine, it may actually do better as a driver for a 21st Century hot rod than a full house high comp race built 409. Remember too that 348s become 409s on sale day so I would really check out the numbers. Still, based on what I know about Old Engine 3, I would run a 348.
It seems I have struck a cord with everyone bringing up the 409 topic! Shows how cool these motors still are. After thinking it over, I took the plunge and bought the motor. Not going to be too many chances to pick up an original, low miles 409 in our area and I have always had a thing for them. Now I can scratch it off the bucket list. I hear everyone on the comments re running it stock, I just have a hard time leaving stuff alone. I may stick the tri power on it to begin with and see how I like things. Can always yank it over a winter and do a build. Would be nice to make it a roller motor, no worrying then for how regular our cars sit for periods up here. Anyways will post some pics with it sitting between the frame rails for all to see once I get it picked up.
If you can buy it right....grab it.. You don't have to use it immediately...and they are not out there much anymore.. Also get with MAX GEARHEAD on here. He is an expert on these.... Good luck,
thanks for the info. Yes i'm excited to be adding this to the build. brings up the cool factor a little...
Congratulations. It looks like a great find annd an icon. A good decision on putting it under your bench. That leaves the door open for options. You can use the engine or down the road if it is not to be used then you will easily get your money back. It is peace of mind and money in the bank either way.
Yes thanks, I agree, it is an investment but I will be either using the motor as is or doing a build on it before it goes in. Will post some pics once I hang it between the rails! Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I love it, you use the same logic I do! Just about the same logic women use when they see the 10th pair of high heels that they already have . . . on SALE! You'll love it, great that you bought it. Now don't even think about counting what you put into it - just keep telling yourself "it is an investment" and you'll do fine. I've done that with countless engines - cause it is what we WANT that matters. LOL
The 409 with tri power will make the car way more cool than the sbc even if it has less hp. With the sbc you wouldn't even bother to open the hood no matter how shiny it is. With the 409 people will want to see it even if its not shiny. Go with the 409 even if it costs more. It make your car a stand out. Instead of the car over there with the sbc and auto, (which one?). It will be did you see the car with the 409 and 4 speed. Can't imagine why someone would ever pull from a car. What on earth could it be replaced with thats more cool? Sent from my SM-T805Y using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
And the love affair with the 409 continues! Yes I am glad I pulled the trigger! Now here's a question: stamped valve covers or cast aluminum of some sort, offy, weiand, Chevrolet, etc? Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Mr. Gearhead I understand I am supposed to lean on you for direction and advice on all things 409!? Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Depends on the rest of the engine but straight chrome or the argent silver painted covers. If you go aluminum- full polish.
I see they are making fake Aluminum valve covers for the 409 that look like Ford Flathead heads AND you can get them cast or polished..................................................................
Might want to visit the 348-409 site. Lots of info and builders over there that work with the 409's every day. they also have a great listing of all the engine/head/trans numbers. If I recall there are several members in your area. Be sure to check out there classifieds as well.
409 truck block only has 1 notch, and drops compression .75 or so. I would shoot for 9.5-10.5 compression, modern camshaft, stainless valves, loose the rotators, little bowl work, and dual quads. 350-400 horse and way more torque than that Saginaw can handle! Engine in picture has 333 truck heads.
Lots of folks make aftermarket 409 valve covers, these are Moon. Then there are the silver argent covers that were 1962 high performance only. Show Cars sells the "correct" color in a spray can. Chrome are 63 up high performance covers.
good info, thanks. I like the silver stamped ones which are on my motor right now but the offy and weiand cast units are nice too. Lots of time to decide
I don't think so, the vent on top of the tail shaft says Saginaw to me. You can just make it out by the shifter bracket.
The 409 is my favorite chevy engine for looks. The only ones I've seen though not often have been in the 5-8k range for price. I have 2 engines though not chevys both 331 hemi. One is basically stock runs great about 3k into it the other built almost done going to be about 9k. I would consider just getting it running well as it is and finish the car. You can always pull the motor and rebuild it if you wanted more HP later on. Nice project.
You could clean it up- detail and paint it- install that tri- power setup and a couple of those cool little 409/425 hp stickers that look like they came from the factory that way- will be able to fool 90% of the people 90% of the time and you still have a cool looking mill with great manners If you are not racing it or selling it as a numbers correct motor - who cares? Have fun with it. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
yup. I took a look at that, and a quick look at the pic (without my cheaters, getting old sucks) and jumped to the obvious conclusion.
I didn't have to look, Saginaws didn't come out until the 66 model year. I know this kind of minutia generally has little value here but I don't want to perpetuate the "I read it on the internet" deal.
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