348/409

[Northern lights]

Anybody put a w-head in a 64-66 pickup?. I'm wondering if it will fit without modifying the firewall. It LOOKS like the engine might be too wide for the valve covers to clear. Thoughts?

[Rogue]

No, but i'd give my wisdom teeth for a 340 horse 409 with a 348 tripower in my '64.

maybe one day.

I'd sure like to see pics if someone has done it.

[padresag]

Originally Posted by Northern lights

Anybody put a w-head in a 64-66 pickup?. I'm wondering if it will fit without modifying the firewall. It LOOKS like the engine might be too wide for the valve covers to clear. Thoughts?

should fit as the 348-409 were used in the larger medium duty trucks I believe. same cab
ron

[Northern lights]

Originally Posted by padresag

should fit as the 348-409 were used in the larger medium duty trucks I believe. same cab
ron

That's a good point. However, i think the cabs on the bigger trucks are mounted higher off the frame which would put the valve covers down where the tunnel is wider but I'm not certain. How about a big block with tall valve covers??? if that fits, the W-head big block should.......I think.

[blackedoutharley]

I was wondering the same thing last night as I have a complete & fresh '64 409 in my garage.

[protrash64]

Originally Posted by Northern lights

That's a good point. However, i think the cabs on the bigger trucks are mounted higher off the frame which would put the valve covers down where the tunnel is wider but I'm not certain. How about a big block with tall valve covers??? if that fits, the W-head big block should.......I think.

Ive read a few threads that mention trouble with big valve covers on BBC interfering with the firewall. I think it depends on your mount stand type and the positioning with in the engine compartment. Not sure about the 348/409's....but they sure look cool to me!!

[padresag]

66 models used the 366 eng which is a BB. Looking at a pic of a floor on a lager model the floois pretty well devoid of a hump, which goes with the raised body mounts, stating that the body is raised. we will just have to wait a see what someone will say upon actually seeing a visual of a c33-50 cab.
but loooking at the raised mounts, they may be good for someone who is giong to do a boyy lift or adapting to a later frame
ron

[LILRED66]

Originally Posted by padresag

66 models used the 366 eng which is a BB. Looking at a pic of a floor on a lager model the floois pretty well devoid of a hump, which goes with the raised body mounts, stating that the body is raised. we will just have to wait a see what someone will say upon actually seeing a visual of a c33-50 cab.
but loooking at the raised mounts, they may be good for someone who is giong to do a boyy lift or adapting to a later frame
ron

The light-duty, series 10, 20 & 30 cabs are all the same. The medium-duty, series 40 & 50 and the heavy-duty, series 60 & 80 have the virtually flat tranny cover.

[jonzcustomshop]

these are the only shots I have. 65 c80:

[Dan in Pasadena]

My Dad put a 348 in his '59 so I don't see why you couldn't make one fit in a 64-66.

[Northern lights]

I did some measuring today and it looks unlikely that a W-head will fit without firewall mods. The height of the valve covers from the motor mount is the same on the W as the SBC but the W is 4 inches wider at the outside top corner of the valve covers than a SBC. At present there is about 1 inch clearance from the valve cover to the firewall tunnel so, it appears that the fire wall will have to be pushed out >1 inch on each side. Not a major, just means that I will not be doing the swap until next winter. Just as well, I have other things to do anyway. When the time come I will post what was involved (if anything) so anyone else considering such a swap will have a bit of a guide.

[jonzcustomshop]

some day i would like a w moter in my 65...

[BTCHN 1963]

I have a 409 that I am eventually going to put into my 63 suburban. Right now I am rebuilding the front end. When I get the motor mounts in I will set the 409 in and let you know what the clearance looks like.

[Northern lights]

Originally Posted by BTCHN 1963

I have a 409 that I am eventually going to put into my 63 suburban. Right now I am rebuilding the front end. When I get the motor mounts in I will set the 409 in and let you know what the clearance looks like.

Cool, looking forward to it. Thanks.