So I've done some reading and googleing, and now I'm confused. I am looking for a Z bar for my 62 bel air. And there is a difference between a small block and 409 Z bar. Just can't figure out what or WHY? My thinking is, the tranny and bell housing are bolted in the same spot, that puts the engine in the same place. So Why is the Z bar any different? From what I gather, the small bracket on the frame is welded in the same place, weather it's a 6 cyl or a 409, so that's the same. So what gives?
I went through this a year ago...You can find my sob story somewhere here on the forum.
My car was a 327 auto converted to 4 speed/409 - when I bought it, it was very hard to shift I was convinced it was just all new and was breaking in....WRONG!!! You will have the wrong linkage geometry and blow your transmission just as I did!
The Z bar for a 409 is just a tad bit shorter and the angles are slightly different. Also, you will need the correct clutch fork. The fork is bent just slightly for a little more throw. To make things even more fun - they are year specific. My 409 is a 65 car engine and needed clutch fork and Z bar from a 62.
I found this place and was able to buy their last complete set -
www.4speedconversions.com. He actually sent me both different Z bars and Clutch forks to see which would work - SBC and 409.
PVS409 and some of the other guys were awesome explaining and helping me understand.
I say if you are doing a swap - find the correct 409 parts and save you the headaches that I had!!