A 409 for my 65

[RedSled]

Hello everyone. My first post, and I have some basic questions. I am very familiar with SB's and BB's, but very little about the W motors.

I have the opportunity to buy a complete 63 truck 409, 422 casting engine, and I want to know if $1400 cdn is a decent price. Seems like it is to me. It has everything, including the flywheel, brackets and pulleys, and it's not seized.

I know of another source for a pair of 817 heads for $700. How do port sizes compare on these heads? Is it simply valve size differences, or are the ports different as well? Does anyone have flow numbers posted? What do you use for replacement valves? Can you oversize the seats?

What do you use for rods? Are the truck rods beafier?

Cams? A solid in the 240@50 range?

Thanks a bunch.

[RedSled]

Ok, I did my homework. :rolleyes:

But, does anyone have flow bench numbers for the factory heads?

[JimKwiatkowski]

flow rate 215 C.F.M. with 2.19/1.72 valves 230 C.F.M.

[RedSled]

Thanks for the numbers.

[CDNpontiac409guy]

Hey Red... Why don't you trade me that late 63/64 block for one of the 65 blocks that I have here ? !

[CDNpontiac409guy]

Sorry Red, forgot to mention.... $1400 ? ? ... Too much. $1000 is good.
817 heads ? Going price is $400 - $600.
There is the beginning of a good project engine there. You will need appropriate pistons in order to make it driveable. Cams ? I'm a bit of a cam nut ;)
Going to .100"-.130" longer valves will allow you to use any camshaft profile imaginable. With this, comes a whole world of valve spring choices.

If you're going to put proper pistons in, don't bother with the original short rods ( car and truck are the same... 6.010" length ). Simply use a set of conventional big block Chev rods ( 6.135" length )... your choice, rebuilt originals, or aftermarket.

[RedSled]

Thanks Aubrey.

I haven't negotiated anything with the guy yet, so I'll see how far he will come down. I have to factor in that it is local to me, and that it is complete. He also has an original 425HP intake and carbs...... :bow

Are the truck heads smaller ports, or just the valve size? What will a properly ported head flow with larger valves? I guess porting the 817's might be seen as heretical to the collector crowd.

I have a steel 427 crank and a set of 6.385 rods in the garage, I imagine these will work as well. I see the snout has to be turned down too. Is that absolutely necessary?

And finally, what is the total chamber volume on these things? Stock compression height? How much can the block be decked? Bored?

Thanks again.