Over the years on the HAMB there has been several threads calling W engines worthless, boat anchors and the like. I've taken these negative comments with a grain of salt thinking the detractors have no idea of what they are talking about and probably never even came within 100 feet of a W powered car. I've had a few that ran pretty hard. Too bad these detractors were not at the NHRA Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green, Kentucky yesterday to see Rob Walden of the 348-409.com web site W powered 62 BelAir Bubbletop turn a 1/4 mile ET of 9.076 and 148.79 MPH. Not too bad for a full sized Chevy or any car for that matter. This was also in 95 plus degree heat. Had it been a little cooler surely the ET would have been in the eights. Always and still a W engine fan. Gary
Rob is good folk, and can put together one heck of a W engine. I will GLADLY take any worthless 348 out there (been looking for a '59-62 block to put in my panel truck)
I take mine to a lot of car shows and most the young people don't even know what a W motor is. They look at the badges on the side of the fender and say Oh it's a 409.
I don't know what one is either. Must be New Age Speak. I grew up calling 'em "porkypine heads". And they were coveted.
They can say whatever they want. I have one in my 40 Ford coupe and with Hemi`s, Nailheads, Flat Heads, SB and BB Chevys (love em all) sitting around my shop it was my choice for the car.
I always thought they were among the coolest engines around... and guys were wringing all sorts of HP out of them 55 years ago.
Yup, they're good engines. The pro stock guys were running quicker than that 40 years ago with the newer design engines....but it's good to see the old design finally caught up.
One of my first 409 indoctrinations was in high school, '62. I was hitchhiking home from downtown and this older guy I knew stopped and wanted to know if I needed a lift. Bubbletop, 409, 4 speed, black with red interior; didn't hesitate. Big torque, tire frying, pinned to the seat, bad-ass!!
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