TakingThe5th wrote:
I think the old Chevy big blocks - the 348 and 409 - began life as a truck engine. If memory serves, the 409 was advertised as a 409 hp engine with 409 lbs torque. That should get most people up the hill, but I think without computers and fuel injection we saw more engines running leaner in the thin air and overheating back then.
Ahh the Chevy 409 V8. Quite an engine. Lots of character, unlike the plastic shrouded engines of today.
Loved the scalloped valve covers in the shape of a 'W'.
In fact, I have mounted in my garage, just above my Vincent motorcycle advertising tin plate...two truck 409 valve covers. They're Chevy orange, no bowtie emblem stamped into them (as they're Canadian market) , beat up and were used in a heavy highway (C80) transport truck in the prairies in the 1960's.
Power rating for the 409 truck engine was 252 hp @4000 and 390 lbs. ft. of torque @ @2400. Note the low rpm...this is a big inch, low rpm torque meister in the truck tune.
