409 ID

4

434Chevelle

Member
I bought a partial shortblock that from what I have looked up, is a 1961 Impala motor. I bought it from a guy that said he bought it from a guy he knows that got it at an auction, only knowing it was a big block Chevy.
The casting numbers behind the driver side head are 3788068 and F961. The pad in front of passenger head has T1122QA on it. The crank has 3788072 cast in it. Someone took the main caps off of the block and left the bolts in it. They also took the pistons out of it lt. That seemed weird to me. Lol.
I have never done any kind of numbers matching restorations and don’t know anything about it. Ive done frame offs but more performance oriented. I don’t know if I should look for stock pistons and rods to keep the numbers matching or if that even matters and the same with the main caps. I would put billet caps on it if it wouldn’t affect the value or if it matters. I could look for a car to put it in if its worth it or just put it together because it’s cool as shit. Lol
I would appreciate any advice or opinions that anyone on here may have. Thanks!
 

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4

434Chevelle

Member
When someone is trying to keep something numbers matching, what is acceptable as far as numbers matching with the motor? Do cylinder heads need the correct numbers? Do the pistons and rods? Main caps? How detailed does it usually get? If someone can answer that.
 
4

434Chevelle

Member
Good to know for sure. Makes head and intake choice different. I wonder why it has a 61 crank. Maybe because it was machined at the end of 61?
 
Tom Kochtanek

Tom Kochtanek

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 13
If you're going to try to be "period correct" in doing a rebuild, you'll need to acquire some early "690" castings for the cylinder heads. I've seen a lot of 1962 castings, but not many "November 1961" castings. Same thing might go for the intake (which as a "QA" stamped block, was a factory single four barrel)

Like Scott said, the internals can be "aftermarket", in fact that would be preferred by most. Not too many of us want to go back with 60 year old refurbished rods and pistons :). Ditto on the main caps.

Good luck! TomK
 
4

434Chevelle

Member
Tom Kochtanek said:
If you're going to try to be "period correct" in doing a rebuild, you'll need to acquire some early "690" castings for the cylinder heads. I've seen a lot of 1962 castings, but not many "November 1961" castings. Same thing might go for the intake (which as a "QA" stamped block, was a factory single four barrel)

Like Scott said, the internals can be "aftermarket", in fact that would be preferred by most. Not too many of us want to go back with 60 year old refurbished rods and pistons :). Ditto on the main caps.

Good luck! TomK
Click to expand...
Very good point!
 
4

434Chevelle

Member
Does anyone have a guess why or how a 65 factory 340 hp cam would end up in a 62 380hp 409? I can’t imagine wanting to do that on purpose as an owner. Lol
 
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