Technical 409 Into a '59 El Camino - What's Involved?

I'm looking for information on what's involved with putting a 409 in a 59 El Camino that currently has a 283. I assume motor mount locations probably change but anything with radiator location, tie rod clearances or just anything that I can expect to run into.

One other thing in the transfermation would be going from a Poweglide to a Muncie so any insight there would be appreciated too.

I've searched (here and other sites) but haven't had any luck.

 

I've never done it but as far as I know, it should pretty much be a bolt in type deal.

 

Only two hard-to-find parts. A 1959 El Camino and a 409. The rest is easy.

 

Different exhaust manifolds, and exhaust pipes than the 283. EVERYTHING else will work. Front springs might be a little soft though. Geeze, they came with 348's......

 

You got clutch pedal and associated linkage under the dash for the change-over...??? If not, I have what you need, including a new transmission mount that might bolt in...and all it takes is $100.00 plus the shipping...other than that you'll need bellhousing to fit the 409", clutch, pressure plate, throw-out bearing and fork (which I don't have)...

Where are you in ColoRODo...???

R-

 

A bell housing from a 283 will work, the fork will work, as will the throw-out brg. the flywheel will work, although I'd go for a 10-1/2 or 11" off the shelf HD clutch. 283 starter will work, but it needs to bolt to the housing, not the block. You may need a clutch rod pivot bracket off another frame.

 

Like has been said they came with 348's as an option, so this is a bolt in swap

 

I took a 283 out of a 62 and installed a 470 inch 409 in it no mount change even had room for big oil pan.
You will want a larger radiator and a shorter fan shroud its not a hard job.

100.00 bucks for pedal stuff is a steal you better jump on them.

 

Thanks guys and yeah....pm'd Roger on the pedals. I realized the came with 348's but was unsure how much would have to change going from a 283 to a 409.
Thanks for all the info...I appreciate it.

 

just grab some wrenches and get after it. Chevy made it easy for u

 

You may need a clutch rod pivot bracket off another frame.