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