Best 409

[DonSSDD]

If I'm looking for a block to rebuild, what is the strongest to use as a base? From what little I know about these "big blocks", the newer ones are better than the older ones? Ie, a 65 is stronger than a 64?

This is just a bare block question, not a question of what components you can add to make it more powerful. And numbers don't matter in my case, just getting a strong base to build a solid motor from.

What should I buy and what should I avoid? Truck versus car?

Thanks for the help and my continuing education.

Don

[petepedlar]

Hey Don if you read some of the posts on here you will find all/any information you want or need....... this site is loaded with info. In todays world any 409 is a good one & definately a keeper. You'll find out when you start your search for that elusive block.

Dave

PS....... they're not "big blocks"

[Ronnie Russell]

Don,,,,,,I agree with Dave. When starting from scratch, usually a #656 truck block is the most reasonably priced, ( if there is such a thing ) Comment::: Scenerio::: Cruise night get-together,,,,,,, Your hood is closed. Wise guy, know it all,,,,, " So what ya got under the hood? Small block??" You answer, "no". Wise guy-- " Ooooh , a big block " You answer , " no". The look on wise guy's face,,,,,,, PRICELESS :brow :brow

[dq409]

Comment::: Scenerio::: Cruise night get-together,,,,,,, Your hood is closed. Wise guy, know it all,,,,, " So what ya got under the hood? Small block??" You answer, "no". Wise guy-- " Ooooh , a big block " You answer , " no". The look on wise guy's face,,,,,,, PRICELESS :brow :brow

PS....... they're not "big blocks"


Gee, i didn`t even have to say a thing !!!;)

[jim_ss409]

Apparently the first group of 409's released in 61 were a little weak but any of the others are fine. http://www.348-409.com/cgi-bin/block/csvread.pl?&page=1

[RCE1962]

Wouldn't that include the 068 block for 1962 as well Jim? I think I read somewhere that there were a few modifications for the the next block for 1963 that addressed some of the weaknessess in for the initial release. i.e webbing in the crank area. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Ron

[petepedlar]

Hey Ronnie....... it's even more priceless when you open the hood and the wise guy says "what is that"

:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :cheers

[CDNpontiac409guy]

I usually reply...
"It's just the stock V8 engine":yawn:

[jim_ss409]

Wouldn't that include the 068 block for 1962 as well Jim? I think I read somewhere that there were a few modifications for the the next block for 1963 that addressed some of the weaknessess in for the initial release. i.e webbing in the crank area. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Ron

Yeah, I think you might be right that the 63 and up blocks were a little stronger than the 1962 block.:scratch
But I think the 1961 block was especially trouble prone. I think I remember reading that production was halted on the 61 409 because of problems with the block.

[Tom Kochtanek]

Jim mentions: "But I think the 1961 block was especially trouble prone. I think I remember reading that production was halted on the 61 409 because of problems with the block."

Swell! Right now at the machine shop is that "E 24 61" dated 409 block I have had for a bit. Not an "X" block, rather an early casting of the "068" block for 1962 models. Got it with eight "'.060" holes, sonic checked it, and bored it to around .075 to clean her up. Luckily this will not be a "performance build", rather a "driver build", so hopefully it will hold together for a while :). Would like to use the stock 409 crank, as I have a gaggle of 'em taking up space. Thinking new BBC rods and custom forged pistons at this point, but trying to save up for those purchases.

If you are thinking "performance build" and are not concerned with numbers, I would think a good clean, machine-shop verified truck block or one of the more common passenger blocks might be the best starting point. I would take a standard bore truck block in a minute for such a build.

Good luck!

TomK

[DonSSDD]

Thanks for the advice from all. My old man was a Chevy car salesman from 57-85 and he had people walk on the lot with "the bug" to buy a new car. I think I have the bug to buy a 409. I think it is an interesting disease to have, except I didn't realize how sensitive a crowd you W block fellows were. When do you recommend I use that Hugs icon?:D :D

Hi Aubrey, hows that 35 doing? Is it complete now? I don't know if you recall, I sent you a picture of my dad's 35 he restored.

Don

[jim_ss409]

Tom, I think the 068 block was pretty good. I think it was the early, and rare,#3795623 block that was less than perfect.:scratch