Hi everyone. First and foremost, I want to sincerely thank everyone who gave me suggestions and directions on the purchase of a 409 engine. Some posted here and others sent me a pm with a lead. I did check out everything and I'm very grateful for the help. I had to decide which way I wanted to go with this car and engine. Since I believe my '62 wasn't an original 409 car, the issue of having a '62 409 engine became less important. I did look at a few and they were more then I wanted to spend. So, I kept looking and did find one about 1.5 hrs. from me.
Its a '63 409/340. Its a short block. Still together. Comes with an oil pan, timing cover, harmonic balance and pulley. The cylinders look real good. No ridge. The tops of the pistons are relatively clean. The lifters come out of their bores easily and have very little wear on them. The freeze out plugs are clean, not new, and show no signs of rust. I don't see any marks on the pistons indicating over size but I think this motor might have been rebuilt not too long ago. I don't know anymore history on it. I brought it home and its on an engine stand in the garage. I'd like to take the oil pan off and take a peek at the main and rod bearings. If the internals look good, one side of me says to clean it, assemble it as is and get it running. The other side says don't be foolish. Take it to the machine shop and have it rebuilt for peace of mind. Not sure which way to go but I'm leaning towards the latter of the two. Also bought 817 heads with new uninstalled valves. They will definitely go to the machine shop. Now its just getting parts together to complete the build. So, I have a few more questions I'm sure I'll be asking in the future. Well, there you have it. Again, many thanks to all. Everyone has been so very helpful, Carmine.
Its a '63 409/340. Its a short block. Still together. Comes with an oil pan, timing cover, harmonic balance and pulley. The cylinders look real good. No ridge. The tops of the pistons are relatively clean. The lifters come out of their bores easily and have very little wear on them. The freeze out plugs are clean, not new, and show no signs of rust. I don't see any marks on the pistons indicating over size but I think this motor might have been rebuilt not too long ago. I don't know anymore history on it. I brought it home and its on an engine stand in the garage. I'd like to take the oil pan off and take a peek at the main and rod bearings. If the internals look good, one side of me says to clean it, assemble it as is and get it running. The other side says don't be foolish. Take it to the machine shop and have it rebuilt for peace of mind. Not sure which way to go but I'm leaning towards the latter of the two. Also bought 817 heads with new uninstalled valves. They will definitely go to the machine shop. Now its just getting parts together to complete the build. So, I have a few more questions I'm sure I'll be asking in the future. Well, there you have it. Again, many thanks to all. Everyone has been so very helpful, Carmine.
Nice to hear you found a 409. Definitely have the engine checked out by your machine shop.
congratulation on the new purchase, take your time and don't scrimp on anything, oh yea......... ask lots of questions be patient,
. In the end, you get to make all the decisions, and live with the results. Make sure that the machine shop is competent with respect to the nuances of the mighty "W" and best of luck in your build.
