Projects Spending my pennies and dimes on a 409

Yes, I'm aware of all that. Just didn't know if runner sizes were the same. As in same flow characteristics.

 

The generosity of HAMB members and hotrodders everywhere is what keeps this endeavor alive. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and thank you for helping me pursue a dream.

 

ah ok, I misunderstood what you were asking, yeah they are the same. After 62 there was really no major overhauls to the designs of things regarding the flow/runner sizes. The different part numbers on the later 63-65 stuff was small changes for thinks like additional vacuum ports for power brakes, revised PCV/draft tube.

 

Got the camshaft back last week, so was able to get back to ***embling today. Didnt get as much done as planned as had some friends drop by at different times, but was a good catching up with them. Still got the cam and timing chain in, heads torqued down and pan and timing cover on, engine masked off and now all in its good old Chevy orange. Still need to finish cleaning the reground lifters and will get them in over the weekend with the guide plates and the rest of the valvetrain. Also got the one carb back from having it rebuilt.

 

Also a fun fact is the intake manifold had its birthday today. It was cast Dec 5 1961. Looks pretty good for 64 years old.

 

I find that dual quad intake ***ier than the 6x2 I have in the attic. Like Krylon32 I never found a 409 that I could afford.

 

oh i love those 6x2 manifolds they look really sharp as well, but I think they were for the 348 heads or 340hp 409 for the most part. I have never seen a 6x2 manifold for the big heads.

 

Got the rest of the valvetrain in today, got the lash initially set and will run the valves again after its in the car and running. Stuck the intake on and then wrapped up the day mocking up the carbs, exhaust manifolds and few other things to see what is still needed.

 

Takes quite a few pennies and dimes just to buy the Chevy orange on that 409…

 

it’s why I stock up at the local little general store when they put the spray cans on sale. Rattle cans have gotten a little pricey.

 

Well this weekend started the process of getting the 348 out to make way for the 409. Got to the point where its ready to hook the chain up, but then my ram on the cherry picker started acting up, so called it and will mess with that this week and get fixed before yanking the motor.

 

Little update, Ive been down with the flu for 3 weeks, so grandpa has been getting what he can done on the 409. Been painting brackets, pulleys. Repainted the valve covers to the proper 61/62 silver, the chrome set are being save for a future hot rod build of the 348 coming out of the Impala. Also got all the linkage and the dual carb fuel line all set up. Got a fuel pump coming to then finish up that line.

I'm pretty much now over the junk Ive had so now to get back to it in between the 2 indoor shows we are taking Taboo to over the next couple of weeks.

 

Looking good real good!
Dan

 

So you’re saying that you now have a four speed, dual quad, posi- traction 409?

 

We will once we stuff it into the 61!

 

yep its a super t10, its been in there since it was in the family the first time. Its a good 4 speed.

 

Engine family on my list of engines to own lol

 

Some more slow progress as both grandpa and I are dealing with various health things and we are getting right in the middle of indoor shows and swap meets to slow us down, but today got some decals on, got the dual quad linkage fully setup with the return springs, got all the fuel line fitted and then also got the exhaust manifolds. Basically now we have to get healthy enough to yank the 348 finally out of the car and get to cleaning up the engine bay a bit.

 

I always made up cuss words installing pistons and rings in a W motor . Tough job for me . Maybe you know an easier way than me

 

I found one of those cheap ratchet clamp ring compressor at harbor freight that has much more meat that slides into the cylinder before the clamp hits the deck. Worked great getting the compressor into the combustion chamber and down to the main cylinder bore to knock the pistons in.