Technical 1963 Impala SS conversion

I have a 1963 impala SS 283 / automatic that I will be converting to a 409 BB / 4 speed manual. The 409 is the small 340 HP version with 3 deuce carb setup not the 400+ hp version. I do not have anywhere near the experience you all have - anyone willing to give me some tips/advice as I am working on this project / looking for parts? A few questions that come to mind right away -

do I need a larger fuel line
do I need a different drive shaft
can I use a Saginaw 4 speed from a 1969 impala

Also - anyone interested in a 283 / 2 speed powerglide?

Thanks for any and all help...................Cracked

 

For starters, 409's never came with 3 2's.

fuel lines were different for the 409's but the small block ones will work.
trans should be OK, if it is strong enough.

 

sorry - I know it was not original with 3/2's but that is what it has now - which would indicate the non HO heands

 

are you sure it isn't a 348?

 

yes - sure it is a 409 - likely with the intake from a 348

 

The fuel line would be 3/8ths for the 409, and 5/16ths for the 283. The 4 speed driveshaft, (front 1/2), is shorter than the P.G. The back 1/2 of the driveshaft is the same. A Saginaw could be used, but I would go with a Muncie.

Also, a 348 Tri Power intake will bolt right on to a 340 H.P. 409. The 340 H.P. heads were service replacements for the 350 H.P. 348 heads. I used 340 H.P. heads when I built the Tri Power 348 for my 59 BelAir.

 

I got a Saginaw behind the 427 in my 59 ElCamino. I shattered my spider gears in the first rearend, but the trans is holding up fine. Even if you are flogging the thing, you can buy a stack of saginaws for the price of a Muncie. My last one came from Pick n Pull, cost 109 dollars, including the core charge. with the 340 horse motor, I wouldn't worry about the fuel line, unless you are racing. A 3 speed driveshaft is also the same length as a Saginaw 4 speed shaft, as well as one set up for a Turbo350. I scored mine, from a car that had a turbo 350 for 40 bucks at a swap meet.

 

i think the 3 speed overdrive and 4 speed are the same. 3 speed is different.

 

Don't use the 3 carb setup. It looks plain WRONG on a 409.
Search for an original single 4 barrel or factory dual quad setup.

Tripower belongs on a 348.

 

Don't forget the rear end, probably has something like 3.08 for the 'glide, we used switch in
a 3.70 or so pumpkin from a stick car. By the way a 409 is a 409 not a BB.

 

Admittedly I am a novice - did not realize a 409 was not a big block - probably why the big block chevy book I have is not quite on! The tripower is not wrong - it is awesome. Besides it was my father's and that is how he got it and it is what I have - I do understand the concern about originality though.

From a response above about drive shafts - what does P.G. stand for?

 

P.G. is Powerglide

 

How much you want for the 283/glide?

 

I do not know how to send you a message directly - if you can get to me I will send some photos and we can get to a price

 

Check your ser # if I remember right 409's start with a Q - QA QB QC and 65 was QJ all 348's start with a T

 

Don't fret the size of the fuel line. you are only feeding a
Rochester 2bbl on the street. a 5/16 fuel line will easily keep it full.

 

FYI 409 is a W block . the first big block 1965 is a mark 4, a 409 is a mark 2 a 348 is a mark 1 what happened to the mark 3 ? oh ya the mystery motor 427 never produced nascar motor
If I am wrong Iam sure you guys will let me know . just be nice when you do. lol

 

I converted my 327/powerglide '63 Impala to 409/ 4 speed a few years ago. Changing the fuel line is not critical, but it could help. You will need to change slip yolk on the driveshaft and have the driveshaft shortened (wait until engine and trans are installed, measure as instructed by your driveline shop). The Saginaw should be fine.

You will have to hit the swap meets / junkyards to find a manual pedal assembly (not re-popped).

Most of the other parts needed for this conversion are available from Ecklers.

 

cracked 409 block yak's . You can get a new block but its not cheep . I had a cracked 409 from freeze plug to freeze plug . tried cast arc rod , nickel arc rod , and brass welding could not get it to hold I hope you have better luck then I did sir .

http://www.theengineshop.com/products/bmp-409-inchwinch-block.html

 

FYI 409's in '63 came as 340 hp, 380 hp and 425 hp. The 340 was a lower compression, hydraulic cam engine with smaller heads. The 380 was a solid cam engine with larger heads and what was called a Daytona four barrel by Carter with an aluminum intake. The 425 engine was the 380 version with dual quad Carters and aluminum intake plus the huge chrome air cleaner. The 380 and 425 also came with chrome valve covers for the first time and streamlined cast iron exhaust manifolds.

 

another weak spot in that car is the two-piece driveshaft. it doesn't take much to trash that center bearing.