6/17/2010
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Company: World Products
www.worldcastings.com
New Fine Aluminum 409
First W-Block Since ’60s Almost Sold Out
According to World Product's experts, the Limited Production Alumiminum 409 from World Products is almost sold out. 24 of 30 have been spoken for and the company is taking $500 deposits over the phone for the remaining six.
The aluminum replacement engine block for the desirable Chevy 409 weighs 140 pounds lighter than the original yet, 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˝ to 4.5˝, 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˝. GM’s original 409 engine featured a 3.5˝ stroke that could be extended to 4.0˝. This new World Products’ block permits a stroke length of 4.750˝, offering a potential displacement of 632 cubic inches. The original 409 when endowed with a 4.0˝ 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 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. Tuning wizard Lamar Walden said “Common sense prevailed in the selection of parts; they are now all premium components, readily available, and economic to all pockets.”
For further information or to reserve a 409 block, call 631-737-0372 or visit
World Products online.