OK, I was looking at a 409 -1962 block (3788068) with hipo (690) heads and factory 2x4 set-up, front carb is not correct but another rear carb. Engine was rebuilt at least 3 years ago, never started, sitting on a stand in a cinderblock garage in Seattle. Complete with distributor, bellhousing etc. No paperwork and guy doesn't know what was done except it "was Rebuilt". Looks clean, new paint/bolts. Was from his ongoing 62 SS Impala restoration that he decided to part out. Wanted 7 grand offered 6 and he refused. The plot thickens...... So I get in touch with Curt Harvey, Mr409.com who is susposed to be the 409 guru and he tells me that he'd be happy to build a 409 if that's what i really want but if it was him, he'd build a stroked 348 with a 427 crank ending up at 408 C.I. a little over 400hp and 10:1 compression able to run all day on mid-grade pump gas.This is with Ross forged slugs, ss valves, Isky cam and a six duece intake all set up and ready to go. He says better torque and period correct (as i'm going for late '50s g***er style.) Cost including block/heads/machining/***embly/6x2 manifold7 parts $6500 So I'm ready to send him (Curt) a check tomorrow when guess what..you know.. the 409 guy calls says his wife says sell it so he calls and says he'll take $6500 (plus it'll cost me anothe 3-400 to ship it. So what do I do?? Buy the 409 with the matching numbers big heads and factory 2x4's believing it is "rebuilt" but knowing nothing about it (but it IS a 409) OR go for the 348 built fresh by a guy that everyone I've talked with says knows his stuff? "there is wisdom in a mul***ude of consulers" so I really need your opinions before I make a decision. This may be the biggest decision of the entire build and I thank you in advance for your advice. Terry
go the 348....you know what you're getting, sounds like better value, it will go harder and still have the same visual impact as the 409. FWIW, i dont think matching numbers mean **** if its going in a g***er. Good luck!
A numbers matching engine means alot when you have the matching numbers car. The stroker 348 sounds guaranteed, which gives you peace of mind. What car is this engine going into?
Offer him $6000 (or he pays shipping/delivers ) and swap engines with Curt. You might come out ahead!
For the kind of money the 409 guy is demanding, he should be able to prove the engine is rebuilt, make him! A machine shop you both could agree on would inspect/measure it & notify you. If you have not examined it in person then why would you trust him, I wouldn't. The 348/408 sounds like a safer buy- let a restorer take the chance.
I'd go with the 348. New engine you'll know everything about and noone will know or care if it's a 409 being it's going in a hot rod.
Go with the 348, it's a way better deal. You'll know it was put together by someone who knows what they are doing, and if there is any problems you have a place to go. The builder will/should help you out in the event of break down, the "joe" with the 409? He'll just say "to bad, it's all yours now". Just my 2 cents.
I've been planning to put a mild built Cad 500 in my 61 Belair, -was told yesterday I may be able to get my hands on a running 409 out of a grain truck/had originally came from a car. $2200. Decisions Decisions
Do the 348 & get some kind of paperwork on it to back it up. Personally, I wouldn't give $7000 for a 426 Hemi with cross ram quads! It's just too much money for me to tie up in a driver! My 2 cents only. Good Luck!
Curt Harvey is a real nice guy and knows his stuff (his wife and dog are nice too). he helped with a 348 i did about 10 years ago (with cam specs and even let me borrow a few tools), i used to see him at the pomona swap meet but lost contact (last time i went to his shop he was in corona)....it's good to see him still working on the W motors.
I can picture a black '32 vicky with a straight axle in the magazines around '62. It's the only style for a Vicky I feel, you have to toughen them up because the body is too pretty. I think the 348 should move it quite well. Good luck with your choice.
Man Skippy you've got a real good memory. Larry Teter ran a '32 Vicky in '61-'62 and won the NHRA C/G championship. That car was my dream at 11 years old. Always wanted to do one just like it, well not just like it...that was Larry's car, but in the spirit of his. Put it off too long so nows the time. Like my buddy told me the other day...times running out, we've only got so many projects left in us, pick em carefully! Terry PS. Thanks again to all those who took the time to post to this thread.
Awwww MAN...tough call! I love the W motors. Get them both! Can you get them both!!! The good part is...you really can't make a bad call here. ~Scotch~
348 sounds like a new motor where the 409 might be a new motor....Besides having someone pro build a 348 is way better that back yard gary building a 409....maybe he has built and engine maybe he hasn't....for 6500.00 I want the pro built motor....
Terry, Dad's Vicky was the best car out there, please remember when your doing the painting that she was a beautiful candy apple red. (Don't go with the black). Thanks Terri
I say go with the 348 ... I echo the sentiments of going with the sure thing. Plus it sounds like a real cool build, and will have quite a visual impact with the six deuces.
I dealt with Curt, purchasing all my parts from him, when I built my stroked and blown 'W' motor. He is great to deal with and you will know exactly what you have at the end of the day. Curt is number one in my books and I live 2,500 plus miles away from Curt. Go with the known, build the 348 since the 409 is expensive not knowing what, if anything has been done....
The Jalopy Journal
