PRI 2010: World Products BBC 409 Aluminum Block

If you are too young to have seen the original 409 BBC in action or if you think that the legendary motor is a fable, something along the lines of the Loch Ness monster, then you’re in for a surprise. World Products is releasing a new aluminum block based off of the original W motor. That’s right, a completely new 409 block, just like the ones that the Beach Boys sang about, but in aluminum form.

We talked with Billy Mitchell Jr. about the 409’s return. “This is a big deal. Nobody has done this since the original engine were on the market,” said Mitchell. The original 409’s were available new from 1958 to 1965 when they were dropped in favor of the 396.

Mitchell explained that World Products had teamed up with 409 expert Lamar Walden in the development of this new casting. The combo have worked to designed a block that can use standard big block Chevy parts and incorporated modern technology in the casting.

According to Mitchell, all that is needed to assemble the engine is the following:

BBC crankshaft up to a 4.250″
BBC harmonic balancer
BBC connecting rods
BBC custom pistons with 409 domes
BBC timing chain and cover
BBC camshaft but with 409 lobe positions
BBC +.300 tall lifter with straight tie bars
BBC starter
BBC oil pan
409 style water pump
409 pulleys and brackets with the exception of needing a BBC bottom crank pulley