Register now to get rid of these ads!

409

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by 1stgenjim, Mar 7, 2013.

  1. 1stgenjim
    Joined: Feb 7, 2013
    Posts: 2

    1stgenjim
    Member

    I have a chance to buy a 1965 chevrolet 409.
    they say it's rebuilt but was cracked at the thin spot below the driver's side head.
    It was welded and they say it has no issues. (leaking or overheating)
    Does any body see any potential problems with this engine?
    Thanks for the info.
     
  2. yellow wagon
    Joined: Jun 13, 2007
    Posts: 612

    yellow wagon
    Member
    from WI

    First off, don't trust anyone's word otherwise you could be spending a lot of money on a chunk of iron. Is the motor running? Complete? Apart? If its together and running, they u be the judge. If its apart, I would have the block inspected to have a look at the freeze crack repair and go from there. 409s are desirable but they also are known to crack really easily on either side below the deck. Good luck
     
  3. Speed Gems
    Joined: Jul 17, 2012
    Posts: 6,861

    Speed Gems
    Member

    I see a potential problem with you not going back and doing a proper intro.:eek:
     
  4. GassersGarage
    Joined: Jul 1, 2007
    Posts: 4,726

    GassersGarage
    Member

    Have the block tested before purchase.
     
  5. Mike VV
    Joined: Sep 28, 2010
    Posts: 3,329

    Mike VV
    Member
    from SoCal

    Depending on the weld....it culd live to be a fine old engine...OR it could live to it's next fireup.

    I'd pass.
    I used to know a welder that welded a hole in my factory 425 horse 409 exhaust header (manifold). It never burned thru or cracked, but he was a "very" knowlegable welder. Most aren't that good.

    Mike
     
  6. Welcome to the HAMB
     
  7. Most 348 and 409 blocks actually crack on the PASSENGER side or fuel pump side not the drivers side but it could happen. I have seen lots of cracked 348 and 409 engines and they are usually on both sides or just the pass side. Welded blocks are alive and well and powering a few 58-64 Chevys and Canadian Pontiacs here in Manitoba. "Pinning" the crack is a much more effective repair in my opinion because cast iron is so unstable to begin with. But like other guys have said-it could last forever or crack the next time it heats up. I personally am really into 348s and 409s and would ALWAYS sell a cracked 348 or 409 and keep the good ones for myself.
     
  8. black 62
    Joined: Jul 12, 2012
    Posts: 1,895

    black 62
    Member
    from arkansas

    if the price is good take a chance lots of blocks around...
     
  9. donsz
    Joined: Nov 23, 2010
    Posts: 252

    donsz
    Member

  10. Larry T
    Joined: Nov 24, 2004
    Posts: 7,921

    Larry T
    Member


    That's gonna cut down on the post count for some members.

    As far as buying another 409 block to replace the cracked one, the average price of a bare block is crazy now. There aren't many out there for under $1000.00 +.
     
  11. Brad54
    Joined: Apr 15, 2004
    Posts: 6,021

    Brad54
    Member
    from Atl Ga

    Don't know where you're from, but if Lamar Walden in Georgia repaired the block, you're good to go--don't ever have to worry about it.

    If the repair was done poorly, it could be re-done properly. How much is the engine? Blocks, even cracked passenger car blocks, are going for stupid money... $2000-$4500, depending on who's buying, the numbers, main caps, and where the crack is.

    I've seen blocks with cracked cylinders bring $4,500.
    -Brad
     
  12. ANY 409 is worth saving.
     
  13. Speed Gems
    Joined: Jul 17, 2012
    Posts: 6,861

    Speed Gems
    Member

    Only by one.:rolleyes:
     
  14. I know of a few repaired 409 blocks running fine.....but as a 409 builder/friend told me just a week ago......he would run a cracked one in his car because he knew the risk.....but as expensive as it is to build one of these motors......he will not sell one.
     
  15. hillbilly4008
    Joined: Feb 13, 2009
    Posts: 3,006

    hillbilly4008
    Member
    from Rome NY

    being a '65 409 I'm sure you know its a truck motor. Not a big deal, but need some work to bring the HP up. I have a '65 409 in my car. Definately has a "wow" factor when you pop the hood.

    Me personally, I doubt I would buy it because of the repair. Notice I didn't say crack, that I could deal with. Shotty craftsmanship is what scares me. Unless you know who did the welding. Sometimes you get lucky. Def don't pay a premium price for it.
     
  16. Larry T
    Joined: Nov 24, 2004
    Posts: 7,921

    Larry T
    Member

    Early Impalas came with 409's in 1965 (I'd bet the OP engine is a truck engine though), changed to 396s sometime mid year.
     
    Last edited: Mar 10, 2013
  17. sunbeam
    Joined: Oct 22, 2010
    Posts: 6,385

    sunbeam
    Member

    A 400 hp motor is worth much more than a 340 because of the heads.
     
  18. ROADSTER1927
    Joined: Feb 14, 2009
    Posts: 3,283

    ROADSTER1927
    Member

    I have a 1965 409 and it is a pasenger car block from an impala, so they are not all truck engines in 65! Gary:D
     
  19. hillbilly4008
    Joined: Feb 13, 2009
    Posts: 3,006

    hillbilly4008
    Member
    from Rome NY

    Mybad that was a typo on my part, I meant to say "most likely a truck motor" Beer was flowing pretty good Saturday

    Cheers
     
  20. sunbeam
    Joined: Oct 22, 2010
    Posts: 6,385

    sunbeam
    Member

    1965 pass car 409s 2829. Of which less than 750 were RPO L- 31 400hp. Less than 800 RPO L-31s were produced in 65.
     
  21. Butch Iuele
    Joined: Jan 9, 2018
    Posts: 4

    Butch Iuele

    I have the opportunity to pick up a 409 complete motor with tripower manifold. The block is cracked on passenger side. If the proper weld was performed, would it last?
     
  22. saltflats
    Joined: Aug 14, 2007
    Posts: 13,301

    saltflats
    Member
    from Missouri

    If done correct yes.
     
  23. BSL409
    Joined: Aug 28, 2011
    Posts: 628

    BSL409
    Member

    Stich it, I have done a few with great results
     
  24. 28 Ford PU
    Joined: Jan 9, 2015
    Posts: 464

    28 Ford PU
    Member
    from Upstate NY

    Most welders aren't very good in your area? Where's that I want to steer clear of bridges and any other infrastructure in that area.


    Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  25. I'd be tempted to buy a cracked one and have it properly repaired rather than risking having to pull a perfect one later because it finally did crack.
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.