ok. Time to get everyone caught up. Sorry for the lack of updates, but sometimes life gets in the way. The engine is finished, been fired up on the run in stand, and is now in the car. Hopefully if the 4 speed gods are on my side the driveshaft will show up next week and we be making some noise! Here are some more pict
And here is a video of the old girl being woke up for the first time since being rebuilt. Doesn't sound too shabby to me.
I just wanted to thank everyone for all the awesome comments. This build is the most FUN I've had in a long time. Plus its truly a father/son build. I cant wait to drive it!!
Awesome sound!!! Takes me back to the 60s when my buddy had one with inboard headers, but the sound was unforgettable. Bob
SWEET! SWEET! Man oh man!! There is just something about a 1963 Full Size Chevy! Your car would look so cool in Southeast Gasser racing! Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
In 63 I worked at a Texaco station; back when they were full service. We had a customer with a new 425 HP 409 in a black Impala. He would drop it off and have us change oil or wash it while he was at the Office. (the Office tavern was across the street). I liked cleaning it up because I always got a $5.00 tip. When he came back from the Office, he asked if I would like to take it for a spin around the block. The answer was Yes Please. I was taking it easy and about half way around he started yelling and told me to stop. He jumped in the driver seat, floored the throttle and side stepped the clutch. We went back to the station at full throttle and slid to a somewhat sideways stop. He said that was the way you drove a 409. It made a big impression on a 16 year old.
My sentiments exactly. I could not own one because I would go broke buying rear tires. If I have 425hp, I'm using 425hp! My '50 Ford flathead wasn't stock, maybe 150+/- a couple of hp, and I used every last one of them. I use all the horse power at hand, so I don't own anything with a 409. BTW, I built over 10 transmissions for my '50. But, if a 409 '63 Impala with a 4 speed ever became available that I could afford. . .
Ok fellas, its been a bit since I have posted. Engine has been in and out of the car numerous times due to issues. Finally got the engine back in the car, fired up and we finally drove the car. Maiden voyage was around the block and we made it. The 409 sounded sweet, the m22 even sweeter. More to come.
Man Oh Man!! How I love a full size Chevrolet. Beautiful Car! If they still built cars like that, I wouldn’t drive a pickup truck. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Around the block? Damn, you have long blocks where you live! 1963 was a great year for cars. It is one of my favorite years for full size cars, every make made something that was really cool to look at and drive. The horsepower wars were just getting traction and you couldn't wait to go check out the new models for that year. Great car and good memories.
Indiana has some straiiggghht roads!! Around here, a ride around the block would be a much shorter video. Great car, can't wait to see you enjoying those straightaways!
Nice , a 409 and an Impala go together very well. Listening to the M22 it did sound sweet and with lil whine . Did you have upgrades to the trans ? I can imagine your ears were tuned into all the sounds on a maiden voyage . I hope to have my 62 SS 409 out cruising this spring . Thanks for the video . Merry Christmas.
Well, starting to get some miles on the car now. Made a couple small changes with a pair of radirs up front, and pie crusts out back.
The Jalopy Journal
