348/409

[Layne]

In lieu of 327power, got me thinking of different and unique engines. What about gm's first big blocks? Hot rod mag actually built a wicked 348. Just food for thought.

[zieg85]

I believe they had some issues but sure looked awesome under the hood especially the dual quad 409's in early full sizes Chevy's

[eventhorizon66]

Not too many engines have a song dedicated to them.  But I'd save this one for a Deuce roadster or something.

But just because you're interested, you should know that Edelbrock as recently gone back and started designing new intakes and aluminum heads for the W-series.  They are the only company I know of that is doing this.

http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/cylheads/chevy/main_chevy_409.shtml

http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/manifolds/chevy/perf_rpm-348.shtml

http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/manifolds/chevy/multiple_carbs-348-409.shtml

[Layne]

AWESOME! ive always liked those engines but theyre so expensive. itd be pretty cool to have a rare hot rod motor

[327power]

I'm glad I got you looking into different engines, Layne. Thats cool. I think popping the hood on one of our trucks and seeing a 348 or 409 would be wicked! I once saw an old 348/409 (not sure which) in an old dumptruck sitting at one of my favorite junkyards.
Its too bad they are really hard to find. When they are found, the owner usually asks way too much. If I found a good running W motor, I would definitely throw it into my 81' stepside! Probably have to fabricate my own motor mounts though.
They sound rightious too!

[choptop]

I love these engines. My uncle had a 58 Impala with the 348. Man that thing would run. Problem is just like what was stated, they are hard to find, and if you find one, they are expensive. Thats not including what it would cost to build. Ill stick with my bigblocks

[SUX2BU99]

Those motors were bizarre what with having a head that basically had zero combustion chamber. Did it use heavily dished pistions or something? Was that also their limitation on breathing potential. I thought their design limited their performance potential but can't exactly remember why.

[team39763]

My buddy just sold an old rusted longblock 409 for $5000 a few months ago.  So yeah, these things are expensive.

[eventhorizon66]

New blocks in the works.

http://www.theengineshop.com/news_article_view.php?nak=20

[Captkaos]

I was looking for that Event after the Edelbrock post.

[Layne]

I once saw an old 348/409 (not sure which) in an old dumptruck sitting at one of my favorite junkyards.

I believe the 348's were for the big trucks. Correct me if I'm wrong someone.

[SUX2BU99]

Wasn't that the 368? Which was basically a small bore (and stroke?) tall deck 427.

[327power]

Give me 348/409's any day of the week! If I find one that runs good, it's mine!

[Captkaos]

366 was the small BBC in Medium trucks/buses, they were tall deck blocks.

[327power]

This is true...the 366 was the smallest big block Chevy. I've never heard of anyone running one in a regular pick up truck. I guess it is because of it's small bores (under 4.00") limit it's potential. I think it's pretty durable though. Different heavy duty mounts too.