1965 Impala 409/400HP Fuel lines to carburetor

[Chuck Wray]

Hello, my name is Chuck Wray. I am a new member to the forum. I have a 1965 Impala 409 SS Convertible with a 409 400HP engine. While largely a very nice car I am trying to sort out a few things that were "mickey moused" over the years. Is there anyone who can shed light on what the the stock fuel line from the fuel pump to the carburetor as well as the return line is supposed to look like? Currently there is a AC Fuel filter housing (glass bowl) off the back of the carburetor. (3783S) There is very little space for the return line to leave the filter housing. From what I could find searching the web, the filter housing seems to be front of the carburetor but given where the inlet is on the carburetor it seems improbable. So, in summary, hoping someone can shed light on what the stock set up was for 1965 with regard to how the fuel lines were plumbed from the fuel pump, to the filter, to the carburetor and then back to the fuel return. Any help would be greatly appreciated. thank you.

 

[Phil Reed]

Showcars has the correct line.
The fuel filter was on the back side of the carb!

 

[Chuck Wray]

Is it a chrome steel one piece line from the pump all the way to the filter? Any knowledge on how the fuel return line is routed? A sincere thank you for your quick response. I will look again on show cars website. Thanks!

 

[409newby]

Not sure why Chevrolet plumbed the fuel inlet to the drivers side rear of the carb, sure would of been easier to the front,

 

[63impalass409]

Yes it is a chromed line to back side of carb, I will try to get pics posted in morning of mine

 

[bobs409]

Here's how mine is: (63 400hp) I'm not running a return line on mine so it's got a pipe plug in.

 

[Murphdog]

Not wanting to hijack the thread, but thanks for the pics Bob. This is what I am aiming for on my 63. Now if I could find a 3499 carb. Anyone have an extra? Have a 3783. Would it be functionally correct?

 

[63impalass409]

Here is my 65 400hp but I plugged my return line as that's on my list of things to fix but car runs great even when hot

 

[Chuck Wray]

A very sincere thank you to each of you for responding. I very much appreciate the efforts. I am new to this forum but looking forward to contributing where I can. Can any of you shed light as to how the return line was run from the filter housing to the line running along the chassis? There is so little clearance between the outlet and the body of the carburetor... Is there anything supporting the filter housing other than the copper bridge pipe? Are the replacements shorter than original. I suppose lengthening to gain clearance may impact air clean fit? Some of the images show the filter housing on an angle - I am assuming on an angle more clearance between the housing and carburetor can be achieved? Thank you all again. Any further input equally appreciated.

 

[La Hot Rods]

It may be a good idea to pick up a assembly manual for the year of car you are working with.

 

[63impalass409]

Yes do what LA HOT RODS said and no support for the filter other than the gas piping itself.

 

[bobs409]

Some of the images show the filter housing on an angle - I am assuming on an angle more clearance between the housing and carburetor can be achieved?

I did that based on the assembly manual, shows it mounted at 45 degree's. Here's some camera shots of those pages: (from the 63 manual)

 

[bobs409]

Any knowledge on how the fuel return line is routed?

The one picture above shows that return line.

 

[63impalass409]

I would think the angle is to clear the return line as it's not going to fit against the carb as tight as it is. Looks like I really need to fix my angle when I put return line in.

 

[bobs409]

I would think the angle is to clear the return line as it's not going to fit against the carb as tight as it is. Looks like I really need to fix my angle when I put return line in.

It looks like it would also make changing the filter possible.

 

[Hoyt99]

The Assembly Manual has to be one of the great GM assets - it really is quite complete and really helpful, IMHO. If you don’t have one yet, get it ASAP.

Chip
63 425hp

 

[bobs409]

I just wish I could find what I was looking for when I use it. Good to have the shop manuals too. You need the 1961 and supplemental for your year to go with it. (depending on your year; 62 & 63 for sure)

 

[Phil Reed]

or 64!!!!!

 

[Chuck Wray]

Once again, thank you to everyone who contributed. This information is exactly what I needed. I do have the 1965 Assembly manual but I could find nothing that would help. It should have occurred to me to order a 64 Manual to have as well given so few 409's in 1965. I found the feed line listed on Show cars. They do not appear to have a listing for the return. If I need to fabricate at least I have the attached images. Thanks!

 

[bobs409]

Once again, thank you to everyone who contributed. This information is exactly what I needed. I do have the 1965 Assembly manual but I could find nothing that would help. It should have occurred to me to order a 64 Manual to have as well given so few 409's in 1965. I found the feed line listed on Show cars. They do not appear to have a listing for the return. If I need to fabricate at least I have the attached images. Thanks!

Chuck, you won't believe this but I have that return line you need and I am not using it so I could sell it. When I bought new repro lines it was sold as a pair. I think I know where it is and I'll see if I can snap a pic later. I can sell it for $35 plus shipping if interested. It's never been used and is chrome with the correct bends. (as far as I can tell) Now the treasure hunt begins...