[355Nova]

Well first off let me say that I have good experience with Small Blocks. I don't have much experience in Big Blocks.

Which would you guys build up a 396 or a 454?
Second my engine would be for street strip.
My goal is near 550 torque anymore would be GREAT!

This is my first time building a Big Block and know very little about what's out there for them. If you guys have a recommended build please let me know.

Thanks guys!
JD

[F-BIRD'88]

Build the biggest cubic inch motor you can. Everything you can do to a 396, you can do to a 454, better.

[sqzbox]

There's no substitute for cu. in. so it's said. I believe that 454 parts are more readily available than 396.
Let's put it this way, with your exp. with small blocks, what would you rather have, a 350 or 400? with a 454 you get 58 more cubes and more torque.
I vote for the 454.

OR, you could find a big caddy motor and make techinspector happy!

[355Nova]

Well Yeah LOL

I was asking on the 396 because I can get one with mild mods for $675. Not sure on condition.

454 on other hand sounds great but everywhere I looked, everybody has them supercharged. I just was getting discouraged because I was not wanting to go supercharged. 454's are common down here and are readly available.

I'll get a 454 but I just want to build it to around 550 torque.
Do you guys have any combinations for this?

[techinspector1]

Let's start you off with a 650/650 street/strip build.
502 Gen VI block, bored to 4.500". (she's so fine, my five-oh-nine).
Stock crank and rods. Don't know how long they'll hold up, but should be ok with ARP rod bolts if you keep the revs in perspective.
Racing Head Service iron heads (cheap) Well, for big block stuff they're cheap.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RHS-11301-03/
SRP forged low-dome pistons, makes 10.3:1 SCR.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SRP-212140/
850 carb on RPM or Stealth intake
big headers
CompCams 01-712-9 solid roller
http://www.compcams.com/Cam_Specs/Ca...?csid=599&sb=0

RPM HP TQ
2000 181 476
2500 237 500
3000 302 528
3500 389 584
4000 474 622
4500 554 650
5000 614 645
5500 640 611
6000 650 569
6500 621 501
Peak volumetric efficiency 98.6% @5000
Peak BMEP 191.7 @4500 (pump gas special using a tight squish. Stack is 9.780". Cut decks 0.010" to 9.790" and use 0.039" gasket). Squish will be 0.049".

[techinspector1]

Originally Posted by sqzbox

OR, you could find a big caddy motor and make techinspector happy!

OR, you could build a 650/650 509 and make yourself happy

You don't want to start with a 396. The bore is too small, so you can't get 'em to breathe.

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

Just had a customer dyno his 454. Mild .525 hyd cam. 049 heads. 10.2-1 pistons. Did 550 lbs. torque on first pull..

[355Nova]

Ok so 396 is out the windows plain and simple. Ill end up trying to find a 502. If i cant then for sure a 454. What kind of head ports Oval or Square?

[355Nova]

Techinspector if i can find the block ill shoot for your build! Yeah!!!

[matts37chev]

What kind of head ports Oval or Square?

what is this motor going into/and be used for?

[355Nova]

It's going into a 1970 Nova. The car is for Street / Strip. I'm not looking to rev
to high either.
Thanks,
JD

[PapaG]

Remember some 396 engines were actually a 402... just a FYI, not that it really matters if you are going 502

[AZDoug]

The 396 was kind of a bastard motor designed to be under the 400 CI limit GM had at the time for midsized cars. It really was, and wanted to be a 427 motor, but it was down sized in bore. The early 65-66 396 was awful, in that the lifter bores barely matched up to the cam lobes.

Now, my preference, would be a block (not stock, it could be either GM Bowtie, or Dart, or such), with a 4.5" bore and a stock L88 3.76" crank, for 478 CI, but I like RPM, I never cared much for the longer stroke motors.

Anyway, forget the 396. They are good for restoring a car to period correct, but that is about it.

Also, stock heads, never flowed very well, even ported, aftermarket heads will do wonders for your volumetric efficiency,especially if you opt for programmable port injection EFI, as you can go really big on port volume and intake runner size, and still be very drivable at low RPM.

If you use stock heads, the oval ports will give you better low RPM response/torque, while the square port heads will run better at higher RPM, if you are running a carb. I think the oval ports are too small for a 454, though, unless you have it in a pickup for hauling stuff. Yes, I was around when it was common to see mechanical cammed 396 and 427 Corvettes on the street everyday.

Doug

[355Nova]

Great info! I didn't know any of that stuff. Well the 396 is out the window for sure. I got in mind a 454 for sure if I cannot find a 502ci. I got a neighbor who had a 454 with tranny that came out of a of big RV truck.

I also heard there were a couple things to look out for when buying a 454?

JD

[Fonti]

I don't see any reason for a 396 - ok, period perfect restoration - would then go with a SBC 383. Just bought a 468 (454 0.060 over), big oval heads, 10:1 compression and a hot cam...should make good 500 HP and about 550 lb torque and it's very streetable...
And I'm also looking for a good 502...