409 engine
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2008
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409 engine
Now some might think this is a stupid question i was watching horse power TV yesterday. They were having a 409 built old style iron block but with todays technology would it be possible to build a 409 with an aluminum block to install in a c5 z06?
Aces
Aces
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Western NY
You probably could, however the demand probably wouldn't justify the tooling costs. The next question that I think would be the logical question is, "Why"?
With the exception of the "old time" car enthusiasts who might be building a "resto-mod" vintage Chevy, and want an authentic, but over-the-top engine, I don't see a market. The "W" block is fairly large, and even in aluminum, would be heavier that the LS series of engines, and current LS head design are light years ahead of the "W" heads, so the LS's output per litre is much higher.
(I saw that episode also, and it was cool to see that old engine on the dyno. BUT, in what they called "streetable" trim, it made just under 500 hp. An LS series, in "streetable" trim will easily top that.)
With the exception of the "old time" car enthusiasts who might be building a "resto-mod" vintage Chevy, and want an authentic, but over-the-top engine, I don't see a market. The "W" block is fairly large, and even in aluminum, would be heavier that the LS series of engines, and current LS head design are light years ahead of the "W" heads, so the LS's output per litre is much higher.
(I saw that episode also, and it was cool to see that old engine on the dyno. BUT, in what they called "streetable" trim, it made just under 500 hp. An LS series, in "streetable" trim will easily top that.)
Le Mans Master
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From: San Diego
Last edited by Brandon619; May 26, 2008 at 11:43 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Dyer, IN
Sure you could, but the obvious question would be why? Why revert back to an engine design from 50 years ago? Even the ultra rare Z-11 Impala 427(stroked 409) was cast iron. Making it fit would be the next trick...but anything is possible.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
You might get with the member who posted this...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...&highlight=zl1
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...&highlight=zl1
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If your into nostalgic numbers build a 409 LS engine and have som stickers and badges made!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,565
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From: Chicagoland Illinois
the 409 is a BIG block...I think the "W" engine will be too big for our engine bays...they said the 409/409 was the first time the HP matched the engine size...they must have forgotten the 283/283 Corvettes...
Bill
Bill
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Cape Coral FL
I used to have a 409 with tri-power i a 63 Impala. That was really cool. I'm now running an LPE 403. It's a stroked LS2.
Lot's of guys do an iron block LQ4 and bore it over to 408. It makes a great motor for NO2 or boost.
Lot's of guys do an iron block LQ4 and bore it over to 408. It makes a great motor for NO2 or boost.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Gainesville Georgia
You have good taste 
I had a 65' GTO 389 tri-power with a Bobcat kit on it. Awesome car
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Dyer, IN
Did you take the tri-power setup off a 348? 409 never came with tri-power.....
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Cape Coral FL
Yup. Intake manifold too. I didn't do it, the previous owner to me had. Truth be told it was a bear to keep running well. I was playing with the carbs more than driving it. But when I lifted the hood I got a lot of, 'wow's. I know it was a 409 because the dipstick was on the passenger's side. I bought it that way. I think the guy who had it before me cheaped out and used old heads and manifolds. As I understand it, the 409 was available in 63, not the 348. It probably would have had more power if it had the 2x4 bbl setup. That as a long time ago.
Last edited by ArKay99; May 30, 2008 at 07:31 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,465
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From: Dyer, IN
Yup. Intake manifold too. I didn't do it, the previous owner to me had. Truth be told it was a bear to keep running well. I was playing with the carbs more than driving it. But when I lifted the hood I got a lot of, 'wow's. I know it was a 409 because the dipstick was on the passenger's side. I bought it that way. I think the guy who had it before me cheaped out and used old heads and manifolds. As I understand it, the 409 was available in 63, not the 348. It probably would have had more power if it had the 2x4 bbl setup. That as a long time ago.
