2/3/2010
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Company: World Products
http://www.worldcastings.com
Brand New Vintage 409 Block
Legendary GM engine refined, resurrected 49 years after debut
World Products, the noted provider of crankcases, cylinder heads, and intake manifolds, has announced an intriguing, new aluminum replacement engine block for the desirable 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 engine—a big-block from the golden era of the early nineteen-sixties.
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 engine’s 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. GM’s 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 bearings journals are designed for today’s 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, according to the company. For additional information, visit www.worldcastings.com or contact World Products at (631) 981-1918.