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396

963 views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  tm454 
#1 ·
I have a 1978 buick regal with a baby chevy motor in it. But I want to be able to race my baby in a little while. I'm in the process of getting a 66 396 big block and I want to build it up to get some serious hp and torque. I was wondering whats good about a 396, is it a godd decision, and what should I put in it to get about 500hp? I really want to go with a big block to make a clean little sleeper at the track. But right now I am kind of at a cross road with the build up of the 396 in my car because, even though I am getting the block and the heads for a good price the block also need a sleeve in it, and I just one to be on the safe side before I purchase the block. If anyone can answer my questions I would appreciate it.

Can anyone give me a price range to go along with that?

[ April 23, 2003: Message edited by: sboston ]</p>
 
#2 ·
I would stay away FAR away from any block that needs a sleeve. If its in that bad shape chances are it has been mistreated in other ways that may not be so obvious.

If you shop around and are willing to travel a little you can find a good used and complete 454 out of a pickup or suburban for $500 give or take a few. That would be a much better choice.

Good luck,

Centerline
http://www.hotrodsandhemis.com

[ April 23, 2003: Message edited by: Centerline ]</p>
 
#3 ·
I would have to agree with Centerline on the sleeved block. Even if you get it at a good price, there is no telling what else it's been through.
Look through some ads up our way in the rust belt. There's a lot of strong motors that were put into trucks and the bodies just rusted out around everything else. People used to just ditch the vehicle and get a new one. The guys out in Cali are always talking about all the big blocks we have laying around up here! You know what? Check out my album and see the 440 that I "found". ;)
 
#4 ·
How about a Hemi? You want to talk about a power house! Hemi's are great for a little racing. You talk about a sleeper, who would think a Hemi in a regal?? Your only looking at about $5k for a street stock setup. Now your going to have to tub the regal because you won't be able to hook up the tires so you will have to back half the buick and put a 4 link ford 9". That will run about $4000 and change and $2000 in wheels and tires. Now with all that power and huge tires you will need a full cage to protect yourself from crashes so add another $1000 unless you want to add racing seats and 5 point seat belts for another $800. Then there are the gages and 5" tack to complete your dash for say $1000. That should be about all you will need unless you want to lighten your regal , you know fiberglass fenders, hood, trunk, bumpers for about another $1500. Now you need to paint your car so everything matches so add another $3000. How much does that come up to? about $17,000 so far, I hope I didn't forget anything?? Not bad at all for a street sleeper Hemi Regal!


Todd <img src="graemlins/drool.gif" border="0" alt="[drool]" />


Rat Rods Rule!
 
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