409 truck engines Yes or No

[impalajerry]

See some low mileage 409 truck engines and am tempted to buy. I am sure it has been done whats the pros and cones?

 

[Don Jacks]

The pros are cost,the main cons are less than 8-1 compression,tiny cam.If the price is good enough buy as many as you can for future sales,they ain't gonna get any cheaper.

 

[impalajerry]

Thanks Don

 

[boxerdog]

Don is exactly right, buy any you can if the price is right. Some of them are real gems in disguise.

 

[EZ Cool]

Nothing wrong with building a low compression 409 for a driver that will live on today’s pump gas. Will make a good blower motor too

 

[Tom Kochtanek]

The main components of value include the block, the crank, the mains, and the valve covers, timing chain cover and oil pan. The water pump, distributor, intake, etc. are generally not used on a subsequent 409 performance build. The 333 heads are options that can be built out with better hardware valves, keepers, etc.).

Low mileage truck engines can sometimes be had for less than the cost of the block, the disclaimer being that upon disassembly some damage can be discovered. I got lucky on a 21,000 mile C60 409 truck engine.

Good luck!
TomK

 

[1964SuperStocker]

BUY, BUY, BUY! I come across 348's all of the time that I don't need but I buy them because nothing is getting cheaper and unfortunately I'm hooked on great grandfather 348 big blocks and grandfather 409's. Old school or no school.

 

[impalajerry]

Wow thanks to all.

 

[heddrik]

Friend of mine found 2 348 blocks, been sitting out in weather for years. Guy wanted 250 apiece. Are they worth that in that condition?

 

[Don Jacks]

NOTHING IF THEY'VE BEEN SITTING OUT THAT LONG.You'd likely be saving the "tin"and a couple of cranks.

 

[heddrik]

That's what I thought too, but figured I would ask the experts. What are some good numbers for a short block, complete engine, etc.?

 

[Don Jacks]

I paid 750 for a 250 horse,late 60/early 61 short with pan and t.cover from a fellow member here.I wouldn't pay much more than 12,1300 for a complete engine with no visible cracks and can be turned over.Heads,,,,,333''s are the best bang for the buck as far as potential goes,the common 379's would be among the very bottom of the list.