FYI My brother-in-law has decided to sell his numbers-matching 1961 409. He is writing up the documentation and will probably place an add in Hemmings. This may sound crazy to most of us ... but, he is going to be asking mid 20s.
Kinda what I was wondering, but if it's numbers matching gotta be the whole enchilada. I've seen the 62 and later go for a LOT more than that. Just looked and it looks like less than 200 manufactured. Larry T
How can it be a numbers matching unit if it is just the engine. I always thought numbers matching meant engine, tran, and body shell having the same serial numbers. Or is this the "new" old car math? Now if it is a 61 409 with correct suffix code, date codes and casting numbers ya got something.
Ok, so now you have a rare 61 409 engine for big money. You would have to clone up a 61 for the engine and 61 's are a tough car to bring to a superior level unless you have all the nos parts on your shelf. Hmm.... even the purest would have to think that one out. But that is really cool to have that engine, big Chevies are hot especially the 09's. The air cleaners alone are not for the squeemish. Good luck with the sale, someone will need it!
yes...date codes would be a big help....how much are the new aluminum motors going for?...and just not sure where all that number matching stuff is going now...as a mopar guy...and as I guy that likes to drive my junk...it doesn't matter...just me centless input...
1961 409's are really rare so they do go for a lot more than a regular 409. The 61 blocks were actually the weakest of the 409 blocks and the heads had small ports like a 348 so they're not the best performing 409, but they are rare, and valuable to collectors. You might try logging onto the 348/409 site. There's guys on there that would be really interested to know about that engine. http://www.348-409.com/forum/index.php?s=
That's a reasonable price if it's a passenger car block. If it's a truck block, not so much. I've seen one destroyed '61 409 block, another built in a hot rodded '61, and one on Lamar Walden's floor. That's three of the 147 built! -Brad
They built less than 150 cars (all Impalas??) with 409s in 61 but I'm sure there were a lot more engines. The parts manager at the Chevrolet dealership here in town bought one for his 61 348 Impala when they were first introduced. I think the 409 was the first serious "crate engine". Seems like there were a lots of them sold over the counter. Larry T
Rare resto stuff, plain and simple. None of it for the "faint of wallet". So squirrel, have you put up any pics of your Belair? I too have one. It missed me for the last year or better and I'm back on it. Inspire us bro...
ony can say...my old buddy built up a 62 409 SS clone in about 1985....after much learnin and motor hurts...there was a big heavy black 62 '09 that was spakin alot here in the DFW area....
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