Chevrolet came out with its first "big block" in 1958. It was a 348, and it was used in Impalas and commercial trucks. The engine had the strange W shape valve covers. This engine would later evolve into a 409 in 1961, and it was used in Biscayne, Bel Air and Impalas (as an upgrade to 6 cylinder and small V8's). The 409 was discontinued in 1964, but found its way into some of the 1965 Impalas, even though you could get the NEW big block (396) in the '65 Impala. The engines were not very reliable in performance applications, but with the right modifications, they make great power and take the abuse. By the way, the valve covers I used are not originals--they are Edelbrock finned aluminum valve covers.
Based on the original 348 c.i. It had cylinders that ended in a " wedge" under the cylinder heads. Easily identifiable by the " w" shaped valve covers, even being called " W" motors by some. They were basically chevrolets original " big blocks" until the creation of the 396 and 427 c.i. " mystery motor" later on. The 409 is considered an early musclecar, and super stock legend. Look up thd Beach Boys song 409, and Dyno Don Nicholsons 409 super stock chevy.
Brings back memories of my first restart of my 1963 SS 409 with the original cast iron headers, dual quads and a dirt track cam - 409s pretty much ran out of breath by 5000 but oh the torque when you grabbed the next gear! Damn near impossible to drive up hills in the rain even with positrac - there just wasn’t room under the fenders to get much tire width on those Impalas…
I'm a Ford FE guy so I can really appreciate a 409 Chevy!!! That thing is just too cool!!!! Looks great! It's a breath of fresh air to not see another "cooky cutter engine! Thumbs up!!
That is soooo sweet! No nonsense about this video! No yakyakyak, just fire it up and let it run The way it started was pure music. If that engine was a girl i'd be in love.
Good job on the build sounds like shes got some real attitude, quick funny story my bro in laws dad brought his first car home, a beat up 63 impala he said awe crap i cant be driving that bomb around! Dad said well just drive it and tell me what you think, he came back and said i love it! ........it was a 409 hahaha! Keep building those classics boys!
It is actually an "over the counter" block...pretty much a racing engine from day one. To my knowledge it was only ever installed in a 1955 Chevy gasser. But the block casting number tells me that it was built in 1963 and would've been intended for an Impala.
One last question, I've got my 409 partially tore apart, only has 2,000 miles since a rebuild. Do you install a cam button? I noticed a lot of axial play in the cam. Engine never had a thrust washer and is a solid lifter cam of 425 hp design. Don't see any weird wear, everything looks good. I've read thrust shoves cam back towards flywheel, again seems ok, or am I being too anal? Thanks fellas, great video!
Harry, I don't think a button would hurt anything. On a flat tappet cam, there is a small amount of taper on the lobe that should keep the camshaft from walking around TOO much. If it's a roller, the lobe surface doesn't have the taper, so the cam will actually want to walk forward. So a roller camshaft (we used a hydraulic roller) definitely needs a button to eliminate the excessive endplay.
james marshall it is possible, but not easy....that was initially my plan with this engine, but I'm not sure that I'm gonna go through with it. Hood clearance would likely be an issue if you're running a stock hood. It might clear with a big block hood. The engine should bolt up to stock big block mounts without a problem. I don't think oil pan clearance would be an issue, but of course, custom headers are a must. You could always run stock exhaust manifolds, but it would really choke down the engine.
+james marshall Possible...but not advisable. there are so many small block Chevy mods to fit your needs for power that it would be a waste of space and a good motor to try to jam a 409 in an early mid year Stingray.
@@HotRodHoarder I have same heads on my 434 stroker motor. Lousy oil drain back channels. Lower rail of v.c. gasket is always submerged in oil. Cork gaskets become saturated then leak. Edelbrock gaskets are even worse. Have you run your engine long enough to see if you have this problem?
Brian Huskey. Cam manufacturers agreed on a standard long ago to measure duration so all cams are measured the same way. The idea is to measure duration starting at .050 inches of tappet (lifter) movement. As the lobe lifts the tappet up, when the tappet moves .050 inches, the duration is measured from that point.
@@mikeshotrodshop - measured to 0.050" lift again on the way down... but it's not .050" "lifter" lift, it's .050" LOBE lift... that's why we buy solid lifter cams with ~ 5 - 10 degrees more duration than hydraulic cams... to compensate for the lifter lash distance... lift/duration lost...
@@toddholldorf9494 lol… read my other comment I posted 3 years ago. I know my stuff. 😂 I just added two separate comments on accident when it was supposed to be one.
What is that 409 based off? Those valve covers don't look GM
Chevrolet came out with its first "big block" in 1958. It was a 348, and it was used in Impalas and commercial trucks. The engine had the strange W shape valve covers. This engine would later evolve into a 409 in 1961, and it was used in Biscayne, Bel Air and Impalas (as an upgrade to 6 cylinder and small V8's). The 409 was discontinued in 1964, but found its way into some of the 1965 Impalas, even though you could get the NEW big block (396) in the '65 Impala. The engines were not very reliable in performance applications, but with the right modifications, they make great power and take the abuse. By the way, the valve covers I used are not originals--they are Edelbrock finned aluminum valve covers.
Just read the reply today because it got pinned! That is super interesting! Always glad to know more.
Like finding a fckin faberge egg, are you saying there were less than 400 of this spec block only released for 1 year? Bebop?
Based on the original 348 c.i. It had cylinders that ended in a " wedge" under the cylinder heads. Easily identifiable by the " w" shaped valve covers, even being called " W" motors by some. They were basically chevrolets original " big blocks" until the creation of the 396 and 427 c.i. " mystery motor" later on. The 409 is considered an early musclecar, and super stock legend. Look up thd Beach Boys song 409, and Dyno Don Nicholsons 409 super stock chevy.
My high school car was 1958 Impala 348 with Powerglide. Wish I still had it
The sound of a 409 will NEVER be beat! NEVER!
Brings back memories of my first restart of my 1963 SS 409 with the original cast iron headers, dual quads and a dirt track cam - 409s pretty much ran out of breath by 5000 but oh the torque when you grabbed the next gear! Damn near impossible to drive up hills in the rain even with positrac - there just wasn’t room under the fenders to get much tire width on those Impalas…
One of the sweetest running engines on the planet if properly built.
I'm a Ford FE guy so I can really appreciate a 409 Chevy!!! That thing is just too cool!!!! Looks great! It's a breath of fresh air to not see another "cooky cutter engine! Thumbs up!!
Every V8 is the same between Ford Chevy and dodge, (metaphorically) as all are "V8s" but this W block is unique and awesome
That is one sweet sounding engine. I never had the pleasure of owning a 409, but I had a couple of 396's.
That is soooo sweet! No nonsense about this video! No yakyakyak, just fire it up and let it run The way it started was pure music.
If that engine was a girl i'd be in love.
Christopher Wyller just how i like it. Save the jibber jabber
I had a 454 and 396,but always wanted a 409.409 and 348 started it all.Great Video
That's gonna make whatever you put it in, get up and go! Badass!☺
I'm amazed it's as quiet as it is with open headers obviously very smooth running like you guys did a great build
Good job on the build sounds like shes got some real attitude, quick funny story my bro in laws dad brought his first car home, a beat up 63 impala he said awe crap i cant be driving that bomb around! Dad said well just drive it and tell me what you think, he came back and said i love it! ........it was a 409 hahaha! Keep building those classics boys!
The Mill sounds inspiring
She's real fine my 409, nice motor guys
Great engine, good choice on parts too !
The smell must be glorious. I have a 58 Biscayne with 348 that I hope I can get to sound somewhere close to the big bro 409.
I put a stock 348 in my 55 Chevy. My small block friends couldn't touch me.
Thank you....just, thank you!!!
Unless it’s the old school big block 409. Of so those are pretty rare!
It's an old Chevy 409. Definitely a rare piece.
I like the 409's,they are up there in my list of classic American muscle car engines.....:):):)
Nothing can catch her nothing can touch My 4 speed duel quad positraction 409
Wow, that is awesome!
Valve covers happen to be old Edelbrock ribbed aluminum.
Whaen you look at one you know it right away. Why did they stop making ? Where the heck did you find a new one?
I'll bet that little Cart can move.. :)
Thats a bad ass engine!
Thanks Andy, we're pretty proud of it!
@@HotRodHoarder I gotta tell ya, I have a 66 belair 2 door post that this would slide right into!
Can you put one together for me? Would like to buy a 64 biscayne, but need the motor first.
sweet W!!! what headers are those?
Awesome!
I bet that thing sounds great at idle. Too bad we'll never know.
Did this engine come out of an Impala or truck?
It is actually an "over the counter" block...pretty much a racing engine from day one. To my knowledge it was only ever installed in a 1955 Chevy gasser. But the block casting number tells me that it was built in 1963 and would've been intended for an Impala.
I smell burnt paint...
Don't over-rev it (i.e., miss a shift), 409's blow up at around 6000 (or less sometimes) the way I remember it.
I love the way she Burns off. Iron American Dream on UA-cam. Share it. Take a ride across the promised land.
I was holding my breath through most of it. These guys think they have stainless steel lungs.
Give me that engine over a good looking woman anytime, lol
Les trouble that's for sure.
jack rohde and cheaper
More reliable
Sweet!
Where are you guys located?
Now thats vintage shit
One last question, I've got my 409 partially tore apart, only has 2,000 miles since a rebuild. Do you install a cam button? I noticed a lot of axial play in the cam. Engine never had a thrust washer and is a solid lifter cam of 425 hp design. Don't see any weird wear, everything looks good. I've read thrust shoves cam back towards flywheel, again seems ok, or am I being too anal? Thanks fellas, great video!
Harry, I don't think a button would hurt anything. On a flat tappet cam, there is a small amount of taper on the lobe that should keep the camshaft from walking around TOO much. If it's a roller, the lobe surface doesn't have the taper, so the cam will actually want to walk forward. So a roller camshaft (we used a hydraulic roller) definitely needs a button to eliminate the excessive endplay.
@@HotRodHoarder Thanks so much, if I ever decided to install a roller cam? the button will already be there. Thanks again!
What is the breaking time for a motor that has been sitting up like this one. Assuming it was winterrized before hand?
Fucking amazing. What did you drop it into?
Is it going in that dune buggy
Did it BLOW UP AT THE VERY END ?
outta gas. two four barrels are always thirsty.lol
SMOKIN!
Aluminum heads?
hi nice video, how possible is to put a 409 in a 64 vette
james marshall it is possible, but not easy....that was initially my plan with this engine, but I'm not sure that I'm gonna go through with it. Hood clearance would likely be an issue if you're running a stock hood. It might clear with a big block hood. The engine should bolt up to stock big block mounts without a problem. I don't think oil pan clearance would be an issue, but of course, custom headers are a must. You could always run stock exhaust manifolds, but it would really choke down the engine.
blown64vette use a shoehorn! 3:)
After some thought iI think the 409 engine weighs as much as the vette and cant be done . just wont happen . wish it could that would be the coin
+james marshall
Possible...but not advisable. there are so many small block Chevy mods to fit your needs for power that it would be a waste of space and a good motor to try to jam a 409 in an early mid year Stingray.
Stev Rex lol cool as ice a diesal in a 64 vette..:::.torque:::::::::
Nice!
Let's stand in front of a flywheel spinning at 3000 RPM with loose clothing
The valve covers look like Edelbrocks
They are. The engine has Edelbrock aluminum heads, aluminum intake and carburetors, so I also added the Edelbrock finned aluminum valve covers.
@@HotRodHoarder I have same heads on my 434 stroker motor. Lousy oil drain back channels. Lower rail of v.c. gasket is always submerged in oil. Cork gaskets become saturated then leak. Edelbrock gaskets are even worse. Have you run your engine long enough to see if you have this problem?
What no water.
Where did you get the headers?
They are Hooker Super Comp, designed to fit '58-64 Chevy full size cars (Impala, Bel Air, Biscayne), part number 2171HKR.
Thanks Bud, I have a 409 too still running those stock manifolds, thought about making my own.
Gitty up 40...oh...oh wait...whats with this smoke...maybe it's just burnin' off the the thread lock...
Plugs aux cable into my 2018 Chrysler 300 to pretend
want to sell that engine?
Bad a.. I tell u
Thumb down by all the honda bois
check out my 409 rebuild start up video! thanks
Why do all these people want to measure cams at .050 lift until doesn't matter until you get past 650 gross lift
Brian Huskey. Cam manufacturers agreed on a standard long ago to measure duration so all cams are measured the same way. The idea is to measure duration starting at .050 inches of tappet (lifter) movement. As the lobe lifts the tappet up, when the tappet moves .050 inches, the duration is measured from that point.
@@mikeshotrodshop - measured to 0.050" lift again on the way down... but it's not .050" "lifter" lift, it's .050" LOBE lift... that's why we buy solid lifter cams with ~ 5 - 10 degrees more duration than hydraulic cams... to compensate for the lifter lash distance... lift/duration lost...
Lock a scolded dog!!
WHAT ?
@0:40 - She's a burner. Uh-oh.
Can I have ? Lol
add some boost
grngs1 Get real.Boost is a substitute for Idiots that cant build HorsePower!!!!
+BigBoss9865327410 "cheap"
this engine would be hard to prepare for boost
You don’t disgrace a 409 with boost
409? 409 is a ford. A 400 Chevy bored .40 over is called a 408
Already commented that 2 weeks ago but thanks lol
Old school Chevy big block
Way off!
You must be young. Do a little more research.
@@toddholldorf9494 lol… read my other comment I posted 3 years ago. I know my stuff. 😂 I just added two separate comments on accident when it was supposed to be one.
You have to be a Democrat...