[Cliff jones]

Are parts still available for this engine, I do not remember it from my youth
454's,427's,396's don't remember a 402, small block 400 but not a BB

[Greg T]

+.030 396 bbc

[poncho62]

In 1970 Chevy had to bore their 396s for some reason.....thus the 402....Still called it an SS396

[John long]

I bought a 71 or 72 impala that had a BB402. Good engine.

John L

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

And they even had a 402 BBC with a two bbl carb. I had one in a 70 impala 2 dr..

In 1970 John DeLorian started to consolidate the vast inventory GM was carrying for all the different vehicles. Thus many of the engines that were close to each other in bore size were more or less forced to use the 4 1/8" bore. That eliminated a lot of excess inventory and cost. The SS 396 was a trade name and good seller so it was kept.

The change caused a lot of confusion at the part stores back in the day. As there was a 400 SBC that used the same rings but different everything else.

Problem with the 396-402 BBC engines is they have been abandoned on the performance scene.

Most all BBC performance parts are based on the 4.250+ bore blocks and even basic engine parts like pistons, rings, heads and correct bore gaskets are harder to find.

I have had several fresh 396-409 cube blocks for sale for years. Only thing that makes them worth anything to a buyer is the build dates.

[John long]

The 402 I ran was in a 49 Merc. It had a Muncy 4 speed with 3.08 gear. The thing I liked about it was it was smooth as silk (stock engine)but gobs of toque compared to a 350. For a street car that was a real cruiser but still felt good running the gears, I thought it was great. If you weren't in Michigan, I would be glad to take one off your hands.

John L

[1971BB427]

I love the old 396/402, and 427 ci engines! I know everyone today seems to have a love affair with big cubic inch engines, whether they are SBC or BBC, but I like the way these old BBC engines perform. I also like that they are all internally balanced.
I really don't know why Chevy decided to up the 396 to a 402, but I'm guessing it simply sounded better to go over 400 ci displlacement. It definitely caused confusion, especially in trucks! At one time they had Chevy PU's with both the 400 sbc, and 402 bbc, and both carried the fender emblem of "400" on the outside.
I hope on my next hotrod build I will get a 454 base engine, and drop a 396/402/427 style crankshaft assembly in it to make it a 427.

[John long]

I thought when I posted my comment I would take some flack for it. It is nice to see someone else agrees with me 1971BB427.

John L

[1971BB427]

From what I've seen at forums, we're in the minority John! And if I wasn't in Oregon, I'd take one off his hands too!

[John long]

Originally Posted by 1971BB427

From what I've seen at forums, we're in the minority John! And if I wasn't in Oregon, I'd take one off his hands too!

I understand. BTW I lived in Vancouver, Wa for several years until 2001. we probably rubbed shoulders at the Beaches Cruise in. I really looked forward to them on Wednesdays.

John L

[1971BB427]

Originally Posted by John long

I understand. BTW I lived in Vancouver, Wa for several years until 2001. we probably rubbed shoulders at the Beaches Cruise in. I really looked forward to them on Wednesdays.

John L

I bet we did John! I missed a number of them when I worked, but the last couple years since I retired I try not to miss any! Seeing 1200-1500 cars at a Wed. weekly cruise still amazes me! And I love the option of watching the drags going on at PIR at the same time!

[John long]

When that started at the Beaches Restaurant in Vancouver it was a great little cruise but grew so quickly it soon became unmanageable at the restaurant. I had this Olds at the time and just loved the cruise. Hardly ever missed one.

John L

[1971BB427]

That Olds is beautiful John!
Here's a link to somebody's pics from a recent Beaches Cruise:
"Beaches" cruise in at PIR - FSB Forums

[John long]

GREAT PICTURES! Thanks for posting. They bring back good memories.

John L

[1971BB427]

I never take a camera when I go John. I just don't think of it, and I'm always having fun visiting with friends and new faces when I'm there.