348/409 Motor

[hep1966]

I’ve been thinking about putting a 348/409 motor in the 56. What’s out there?

[WILMASBOYL78]

Calling Verne Frantz...calling Verne Frantz

[Verne_Frantz]

John,
Sounds like a great period correct swap. You'll have to dent in the passenger side firewall near the heater for head clearance and have to run headers (orig. manifolds won't work). I think you'll have to fabricate a front frame mount for the engine, since I don't think '56s had side mounts. Some Ws had the front motor bosses drilled and tapped and others did not, so make sure you find one with the holes in front.
As much as I "play" with Ws, I don't have a ready source for motors, unfortunately. My advice would be to look for a 348 (which will save you thousands over a 409) and it will look "the part" and can be hot-rodded very well to produce axle twisting torque and a unique sound.

The best part of owning a W motor..........................the spark plugs are Toooooo easy to change

Verne

[Xplantdad]

I may know of someone here in AZ who has a "few". Would you like me to check and see??

[hep1966]

I’d appreciate any help you could give me. It is the look I am going for……… a 348 would be just fine. So the motor mounts are different. How about the bellhousing?

[Verne_Frantz]

Bellhousing bolt pattern is the same on ALL early SB, W & BB Chevys. If the side of the bell housing doesn't have a bulge for the starter, it's for the small flywheel. If it has the bulge, it's for the large 168 tooth flywheel. 348s had a block mounted starter (except the Sphi-perf '60 & '61s). The common starter had a unique snout and bolt spacing for the block (small flywheel).

Verne

[drdave69]

How much would a complete 348 or 409 be worth? I have an aquaintance that may have one of them but I haven't looked at it.

[Verne_Frantz]

Hard question to answer Dave. Too many variables. A complete 348-335hp, 340hp 0r 350hp with all the good stuff might sell for $6-7K. A complete truck motor might sell for $6-7 hundred.

Verne

[Tommy Nolen]

If this gives you an idea, last year I sold a 348/250 and a 4 speed transmission out of a '61 Impala for $3000.00. It was a complete unit, all from the same car, complete from carb to oil pan but everything needed to be rebuilt

Tommmy

[Salvatore]

Hey John, When you are ready to do the 09 let me know. The 409 guy is about 45 minutes from you in Pottstown, Pa. No doubt about it!!