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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Performance => Topic started by: Layne on December 08, 2009, 03:20:06 pm

Title: 348/409
Post by: Layne on December 08, 2009, 03:20:06 pm
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.
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: zieg85 on December 08, 2009, 03:29:23 pm
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
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: eventhorizon66 on December 08, 2009, 03:51:04 pm
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
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: Layne on December 08, 2009, 08:02:09 pm
AWESOME! ive always liked those engines but theyre so expensive. itd be pretty cool to have a rare hot rod motor
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: 327power on December 08, 2009, 09:08:54 pm
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!
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: choptop on December 08, 2009, 09:18:28 pm
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
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: SUX2BU99 on December 09, 2009, 10:19:08 am
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.
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: team39763 on December 09, 2009, 12:00:11 pm
My buddy just sold an old rusted longblock 409 for $5000 a few months ago.  So yeah, these things are expensive.
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: eventhorizon66 on December 09, 2009, 12:54:15 pm
New blocks in the works.

http://www.theengineshop.com/news_article_view.php?nak=20
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: Captkaos on December 09, 2009, 02:33:58 pm
I was looking for that Event after the Edelbrock post.
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: Layne on December 09, 2009, 04:40:25 pm
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.
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: SUX2BU99 on December 09, 2009, 05:10:06 pm
Wasn't that the 368? Which was basically a small bore (and stroke?) tall deck 427.
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: 327power on December 09, 2009, 05:51:41 pm
Give me 348/409's any day of the week! If I find one that runs good, it's mine! :)
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: Captkaos on December 09, 2009, 11:44:55 pm
366 was the small BBC in Medium trucks/buses, they were tall deck blocks.
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: 327power on December 10, 2009, 12:07:36 am
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.
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: choptop on December 10, 2009, 07:16:18 am
If memory serves me, the 366 is the same stroke/crank as the 427, and is a steel crank.
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on December 10, 2009, 10:39:54 am
RE: 366 BBC


366's can be gotten pretty cheap.  Sometimes the local U-haul sells them inside the medium duty trucks.  So you get the whole truck plus the engine for about 2grand.
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: 327power on December 11, 2009, 02:39:22 am
I think if you put a Chevrolet 366 in your truck you would be cool. Yeah,it doesn't scream like a 427,but I bet you could get some torque out of it.
At the very least I guarantee you could make it sound pretty good. Some people might try to compare it as to trying to make power with an inline 6.
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: Layne on December 27, 2009, 12:31:23 am
Did they make a tbi 366? This just seems wierd to me...http://rockford.craigslist.org/cto/1517646597.html
Maybe I'm naive, but this doesn't look right to me.
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: eventhorizon66 on December 27, 2009, 10:37:58 am
I don't see why not.  They made tons of 454's with TBI.
Title: Re: 348/409
Post by: Layne on December 27, 2009, 04:06:20 pm
I just thought the 366 was a way older motor. Then again I've never heard of it till recently. Learn something new everyday I guess. lol