The resurrection and refinement of GMs admirable big-block 49 years after its debut!
The heads are available from Edelbrock as of 2009. And now,..... the new 409 block will be available in the latter part of 2010.
World Products, the noted provider of crankcases, cylinder heads, and intake manifolds, has announced an intriguing, new aluminum replacement engine block for the classic Chevy 409. Weighting 140 pounds lighter than the original and with the collaboration of long-time 409 tuning wizard Lamar Walden, World Products has resurrected a much-loved enginea big-block from the golden era of the early nineteen-sixties. People desire something different, ventured Lamar. They are surrounded by small-blocks, powering everything from race cars to tow-trucks. But the 409s distinctive W-shaped valve covers piques their interest immediately.
As with all 409s, the block deck is machined at 64 degrees to the cylinder center line, unlike the 90-degree convention of most engines. And the distinctive, embracing appearance of the 409 water pump is retained, as are most of the engines external surface areas.
Inside, however, the new cast aluminum block embraces modern technology. The cylinder bores have been increased from 4.3125 inches to 4.5 inches, allowing the engine to breathe better and to rev faster and higher than its venerable predecessor. Further, to accommodate longer stroke lengths the position of the camshaft is raised by .250-inches. GMs original 409 engine featured a 3.5-inch stroke that could be extended to 4.0 inches. This new World Products block permits a stroke length of 4.750 inches, offering a potential displacement of 632 cubic inches. The original 409 when endowed with a 4.0-inch stroke was limited to 482.
Four-bolt main caps replace the original two-bolt layout, and both the main bearing journals and the rod bearing journals are designed for todays superior, high-performance bearings. (The rod bearings for the original 409 were adequate for greater power output, but the mains were not.)
Approximately 25 technical innovations have been incorporated in this new engine block. Walden commented, Common sense prevailed in the selection of parts; they are now all premium components, readily available, and economical to all pockets.
