Doug, you are missing the whole point of my post. I know they didnt make saginaws till '66, that's why I figured it was probably a T-10.
I ran a truck block 409 in Faded Memories. That big old 63 Belair would run the quarter mile in the 10.45 range. That means we were making well over 600HP. So don't count out the truck block and heads. It is actually a better starting point if you wish to make the modifications to build a high-horse 409. I would guess the transmission to be a B-W, not a Saginaw. But who cares? You will run an automatic.
Do not do this. Being different shouldn't cost 200hp. Recycle that poly. Chevrolet baby. That 63 is bitchin. I love that thing
This is exactly the point I was trying to make. We got so caught up in the latest and greatest that we forget that people used to make good numbers with the stuff that came from the factory and a little sweat equity for decades before the cool guys could buy off the shelf hotrod parts. Not to say that one should not buy the cool stuff just that it isn't always necessary.
You'd be correct. Seriously doubt a small port head would push a 3500# car to 10.40's. I'm using small port heads (817's) on mine. I ported em quite a bit, don't really know wtf I'm doing but I'm hopeful it'll do good burnouts. Here's everything you need to know about 333 'truck' heads:
Well I learned a lot from that Vid. Let me give you something to think about, it may or may not have anything to do with heads. but it is something to think about. Unless you have an obstruction of some sort when you breath through your nose it is far more efficient than when you breath through your mouth. Now unless you have an excessively big nose your nostrils don't have the cross sectional area of your mouth. Your nose works better because of your sinus, you have a small opening that passes air into a large cavity. It causes increased velocity when you breath which is what you want if you want to jam your lungs full of air. Just something to think about probably has nothing to do with porting heads.
It sure does Beaner. Spend a day grinding on a cast iron head without a dust mask, let me know your results.
LOL I have spent more time grinding on ports than I am willing to admit. Aluminum isn't really pleasant in your head either.
Love how this thread took a life of its own. Motor made its way home this weekend, here's a couple better pics. You boys can see the tranny better. For those that commented on my mistake on the tranny being original to the motor, my bad I misunderstood my buddy when he originally told me about the motor. We can't know it all! [emoji6] plan for now will be to rebuild the carbs on the tri power and restore the manifold. As long as I don't find any hidden secrets, will probably start with the motor as is and then plan a rebuild. But I have been known to change plans before so we shall see! Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I hate to throw cold water on this but to spend the $ to update your suspension and brakes to accommodate the added weight and loss of handling in that little coupe compared to a small block would probably stop me in my tracks. I wouldn't put a big block in one of my 57s. I love the 409s but think they belong in bigger cars. I once had a 348 punched out to 411" with 3 2bbls and solid lifters in a 59' Impala and it was a blast! What a road machine. Drove across the country with it.
Yes it's another 125lbs or so in stock form vs a small block. The way the car will be driven I'm not too worried. The car has a new fully boxed deuce frame on it and all new brakes and suspension so I think it will be fine in the long haul. I have my pro touring Camaro to beat on anytime I want to drive hard.
Thanks for the tip. My builder has done a bunch of 409's. He has a stunning pro mod Mustang and has been in the engine building game for many years. http://www.ksmachine.ca/
If you dont want to say here what you paid fot that bad ass motor... can you pm me with that? I am in the market for just that very thing and want to know what a good price is!!!
You want me to kiss and tell?? ha ha. sure i will PM you. After looking online at what guys are asking for various 409's i think i got a fair price.
Local here in Oregon is a built 409 for $7500. And a 58' chevy with a 348 and tri power running for $9500. Been thinking about buying the 58 and hearing the motor run and then selling the rest of the car. May be cheaper that way in the end.
That 58 is worth that in body, interior parts and chrome. One year only unicorn. Just finished putting my moms together for her and have About 15 k in it and still am looking for bits and pieces.
Never forget about the time I seen a Black on Black on Black (sans red wheels) '58 Vert, 348, tripower, 4 speed in the Seattle Times for $4500, seen a red one in person 4 years back the guy just paid 65k"s for it and I'am sure that's chump change now....................................
Buy the 58! Pull the motor and keep the car. Always liked the 58's! Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I think these are the same as your heads, so you may find this pertinent. I would expect a modern cam to be up about 20-25hp when compared to a similar duration cam from the late fifties.
The Jalopy Journal
