1961 Chevy 409 info wanted:

bill dedman · 02-12-2009, 12:59 AM

Since these seems to be several guys reading this that have in-depth knowledge about these cars, I have a question or two that someone might can answer.

The Z-11 package was so much faster than the 425/409 that preceded it, I have often wondered why G.M. didn't find a way to get that motor into a few '64 cars... they seemed to just fold up after the front-office edict bannning racing.... and it was such a shame because tha Z-11 engine seemed to me to be about as good on a specific output basis, as the canted valve 396/427 that followed. It was a powerhouse!

And, in view of the above, I think it's a shame that if the aftermarket is going to reproduce cylinder heads, that they don't reproduce the GOOD ones (the Z-11's) an an intake manifold "package" along with it.

I am one of what I'l bet are more than just a few Mopar guys who would make the switch to Bow Ties if I could get my hands on a set of ALUMINUM 1963 Z-11 replica heads and intake. Those motors would haul those full-size '63 Impalas deep into the 11's, weighing upwards of 3,500 pounds...

I watched Bill Heilscher's ("FRIENDLY? CHEVROLET") white, 1963 Z-11 annihilate about 20 fast Mopar Stage II and III 426 Wedge cars at "Dodge Day" in Little Rock, one weekend in '63. Somebody had paid him $50.00 to come up from Dallas and bring his weapon of choice.... LOL! He drove it like he was trying to break it... but, never did.

Anyway, the Z-11's would be awesome if somebody could find a way to make parts available so they could be brought back without needing half of Fort Knox to get it done...

Thanks for listening.

Bill

02-12-2009, 12:59 AM	#9
bill dedman VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Conway, AR Posts: 1,739 Likes: 0 Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Re: 1961 Chevy 409 info wanted: Since these seems to be several guys reading this that have in-depth knowledge about these cars, I have a question or two that someone might can answer. The Z-11 package was so much faster than the 425/409 that preceded it, I have often wondered why G.M. didn't find a way to get that motor into a few '64 cars... they seemed to just fold up after the front-office edict bannning racing.... and it was such a shame because tha Z-11 engine seemed to me to be about as good on a specific output basis, as the canted valve 396/427 that followed. It was a powerhouse! And, in view of the above, I think it's a shame that if the aftermarket is going to reproduce cylinder heads, that they don't reproduce the GOOD ones (the Z-11's) an an intake manifold "package" along with it. I am one of what I'l bet are more than just a few Mopar guys who would make the switch to Bow Ties if I could get my hands on a set of ALUMINUM 1963 Z-11 replica heads and intake. Those motors would haul those full-size '63 Impalas deep into the 11's, weighing upwards of 3,500 pounds... I watched Bill Heilscher's ("FRIENDLY? CHEVROLET") white, 1963 Z-11 annihilate about 20 fast Mopar Stage II and III 426 Wedge cars at "Dodge Day" in Little Rock, one weekend in '63. Somebody had paid him $50.00 to come up from Dallas and bring his weapon of choice.... LOL! He drove it like he was trying to break it... but, never did. Anyway, the Z-11's would be awesome if somebody could find a way to make parts available so they could be brought back without needing half of Fort Knox to get it done... Thanks for listening. Bill __________________ Bill