'61 409

[Pangloss2007]

Anyone know if any '61 409 (hydraulic or solid lifter) cars were produced with a 3-speed column shift? If so, did the box have synchromesh first gear? Looks like there were three different 3-speed manual boxes in 1961.

 

[Gliderider06]

I may be mistaken, but I'm not sure in 61 they used a 3 speed behind the 409s.

 

[heddrik]

61 were solid lifter, someone here may know about the 3 speeds. I know 62 it was available but pretty rare.

 

[62_Conv_2-4s]

3 speed close ratio box was standard equipment with 348's and 409's in 61, However most 348/409 buyers went with the optional 4 speed box. First gear on the 3 speed box was 2.20 ratio and un synchronized. Small block and 6 cylinder 3 speed boxes both had different gear ratios.

 

[real61ss]

I think the only 409 that required the 4 speed manual transmission was the 61 Impala Super Sport

 

[heddrik]

So, not all of the 50? or so 409 s were SS cars? I thought 409s in 61 were all SS cars?? You would know I am sure sir.

 

[rstreet]

So, not all of the 50? or so 409 s were SS cars? I thought 409s in 61 were all SS cars?? You would know I am sure sir.

The SS was a package that also required certain options but you did get a choice of a select few HP engines and the “mid year” 409 was an option
Robert

 

[heddrik]

So it s possible for a 61 to have a 409 as a mid year build and not be an SS?

 

[409newby]

Yes and some were installed in Biscaynes

 

[61BUBBLE348]

Gurney car, non SS Impala 409
Butch Shulz car, Biscayne 2 door post Fleetmaster 409

 

[heddrik]

Thank you for the education! I did not realize Gurney s was a non SS. Cool.

 

[1964SuperStocker]

Another question. Anyone have a photo they can post on here of a QA 1961 409 block? Thank you!

 

[pvs409]

This is Tommy Nolen's 1961 Impala 409 was a QA engine I think(at Kansas 348/409 show that Phil Reed did in 2014 ).
I think the blue 61 is now owned by Robert Street.
Butch Schutz 1961 409 2 door Biscayne Fleetmaster in the background.
took some pictures of it also



61-

 

[pvs409]

Another picture of the 61 Fleetmaster 409 engine.

Also picture of me and Hayden in front of my 62 impala SS 409.
Paul

 

[Iowa 409 Guy]

I believe Robert has sold his car.

 

[Geary Trussell]

There were no 3 speed first gear synchromesh available until the 70’s as I recall.

 

[heddrik]

When did saginaw come out? These QA blocks all have the 61 block number I assume, as they are genuine. Great pictures.

 

[4spd409]

I think that the full syncro 3 speed came out in 1966

 

[Iowa 409 Guy]

I am positive my 63 didn't have it. Double clutch into 1st....

 

[327]

Saginaw 4 speeds were manufactured from 1966 to 1986