swaping 327 to 409

[super sport]

I have a 62 convertible and want to find and install a 409 in it . what all would i have to change on my car to better handle a 409 beast , for example: brakes , lines, ect. Im new at this, also what should i look for and ask about a motor before i purchase . what would be a fair price for a 409 bare QB block,

[Tom Kochtanek]

Just a few comments (personal, of course!) on your questions.

Lots of guys have ditched the single cylinder master brake unit, but retained the drum brakes. Better stoppage. And a wise thing to consider, given the age of these vehicles. I myself think the drum brakes are adequate for daily driving. You are going to need a different fan shroud, and I think a different radiator. 409 setups for 1962 also used different (heavy duty) springs up front and in the rear, but that is a matter of choice. Then there are considerations such as transmission choice, rear end setup (posi), and so forth.

In terms of the engine, it really comes down to whether you want to go for a "period correct" engine or not. And original performance components can be expensive to acquire and restore. You mentioned the QB block, so I am assuming you are thinking high performance. These units are rare, and if you are looking for a date coded 1962 QB block (so called "068" blocks) you are looking for a rare item. If you can go with any 409 block from any year, that's an entirely different matter, as those are a bit more plentiful :)

I would venture to say that if you were so lucky as to find a complete 1962 high performance 409 setup that needed to be rebuilt, you would spend maybe $3-4-5 thousand dollars depending upon condition of the engine and the completeness of the unit. For example, something as simple as a factory air cleaner for a dual quad setup can set you $500 or more (likely more) dollars in the open market. Original carbs are pricey as well. High performance heads will take a big chunk of your budget as well (starting at around $1200 - $1500 for bare heads). If you were to buy an all new valve train, and you just went convention, think another thousand dollars including shop costs. It's not hard to spend in excess of $7000 putting a high performance 409 together. It's also easy to spend $10,000 or even more for really tricked out stuff :)

If I haven't scared you yet, let's see what others are thinking, and maybe you can tell us more about what you are thinking of accomplishing. Good luck in your information gathering and your decision making.

Cheers,
TomK

[Tom Kochtanek]

I forgot to mention, if your 327 is original to the vehicle, please consider keeping it for the "next owner" if they are interested. See notes and tips elsewhere on this great site for how to store an engine properly :)

TomK

[super sport]

Tom , thanks for the info. and yes i do know how much a 409 will cost . Im know kicking my self in the butt for not purchasing the 62 QB block that was offered to me last year for $2,300. 00. but i acted to late . i have a guy right now who has a 62 409 that is freashly built and he's asking $8,700.00 for it . I guess i will start saving my money . thanks for the info again . JOe

[62Belair409]

The best advice I can give you is to hook up with Phil Reed of Classic Motor Company in Kansas City and for engine work I suggest Tony Shaffer of Kansas City. Phil and Tony have both helped me tremendously getting my 62 Bubbletop to period correct status. I think Tom knows Phil and Tony as well.

Dave