[454C10]

Forget the 396, build a 496 for the same money and make another 150hp.

[vinniekq2]

Originally Posted by 454C10

Forget the 396, build a 496 for the same money and make another 150hp.

said that post 11

[496CHEVY3100]

Just remember 454 is external balance weight added to balancer and flex plate/flywheel,, 396 -427 ore intetnal balance you will need matching flywheel and harmonic balancers But you probably already knew that ,just a reminder.

[68 Georgia SS]

Originally Posted by Mr. P-Body

Vinnie nailed it. As I said, it's plenty "doable", just $$$. Hard to argue with virtually ANY BBC combination for a specific application when budget and parts are "right" with a good builder. And all the chatter about 496 is absolutely correct. GREAT street engine. But your block won't "fit"...

Since you have nothing but a bare block, you have a ton of choices. What was said about "shelf" pistons is correct. Hard to find for the "good" ones. "Custom" pistons have become far more popular and available in the last 10 years than they used to be (and less expensive form certain makers). With all the stroking and boring and rod length changes going on, "custom" engines are full of them. In another thread for a "torque" engine, I described a "428" BBC, using a 396 block and 454 crankshaft. EXTREMELY powerful for it's "size". It won't rev "quick" like a 427, but it will drag one backwards down the street. For a "pump gas street" application, a very good approach. This is particularly true in a heavier car.

With dual quads (properly set up, of course), modern heads and a good street roller, you have the makings of a SERIOUS BBC. I like it!

Jim

Jim, I have a 396 block bored .60 and plan

[68 Georgia SS]

Originally Posted by Mr. P-Body

Vinnie nailed it. As I said, it's plenty "doable", just $$$. Hard to argue with virtually ANY BBC combination for a specific application when budget and parts are "right" with a good builder. And all the chatter about 496 is absolutely correct. GREAT street engine. But your block won't "fit"...

Since you have nothing but a bare block, you have a ton of choices. What was said about "shelf" pistons is correct. Hard to find for the "good" ones. "Custom" pistons have become far more popular and available in the last 10 years than they used to be (and less expensive form certain makers). With all the stroking and boring and rod length changes going on, "custom" engines are full of them. In another thread for a "torque" engine, I described a "428" BBC, using a 396 block and 454 crankshaft. EXTREMELY powerful for it's "size". It won't rev "quick" like a 427, but it will drag one backwards down the street. For a "pump gas street" application, a very good approach. This is particularly true in a heavier car.

With dual quads (properly set up, of course), modern heads and a good street roller, you have the makings of a SERIOUS BBC. I like it!

Jim

Jim, I have a 396 block bored .60 and plan on 454 crank with oval port heads. What kind of hp will I expect and do you have a cam suggestion?

[1971BB427]

In 1965 Chevy offered the 396 in Corvettes rated at 425 HP stock. A 425 HP 396 is a easily built engine with good street manners, and will still do well on the strip. Start trying to wring out another 175 HP on pump or race gas, and it will take a lot of money, and not be a street engine any longer.
I love the 396, and it's a great motor, but these guys are right, you really need more cubic inches to get to 600hp without breaking the bank, and becoming a strictly strip engine.