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396 Big block v.s. 400 small block

23K views 13 replies 9 participants last post by  Adrenaline_Fiend 
#1 ·
i was going to build a strong 400 small block for may 70 Nova, but I just found a 396 big block for $250 in the paper. So I started thinking, which one has more benefits. I was going to build an SS clone, but being new at hotrodding, a smaller block with more cubes just seems to make more sense and appeal more to me. Am I just uneducated, or is my logic reasonable? <img src="graemlins/boxing.gif" border="0" alt="[boxing]" />
 
#4 ·
:D


It is easier to get 400 Horsepower from a Big Block than a Small Block. The heads are of a better design (Semi-Hemi).

You will have to rework your heater box so that the heater tube outlets come out almost under the hood hinge. Factory Big Block Novas and Camaros were done this way at the factory.


<img src="graemlins/sweat.gif" border="0" alt="[sweat]" />
 
#5 ·
In my opinion depends what you plan on doing with the Nova. There is a cost difference to build the two, but If It's a saturday night special with occasional track time I like small blocks. If your full drag and quarter mile, nothing humps on the other end like a rat motor. It's all in what you wanna do and how deep ya pockets are.
 
#7 ·
When I was in the military a long time ago, I had a big block Chevelle. I used to work on it all the time at the base shop. The nice thing was that there was plenty of experience there to help me. I also didn't have much money but was able to get parts for it reasonably priced by going to local machine shops. For instance, I was able to get a used but good crank reground, for a hundred bucks but like I said that was a long time ago. Yes, parts are a bit more money for the big block but not that much more. The nice thing is that you don't have to spend alot of money building up the big block for good street power. Build it with a little over 9 to one compression and 2 1/2" exhaust and a moderate cam that thing will securally put you back into your seat from 2000 rpm on up to 5000! There is something special about the torque of a big block. 250 bucks is a good price for a good rebuildable big block. You'll pay that and more for a good small block core. Plus, if you get a later model small block, the heads will be junk and will require alot of work read money and still might crack. So, the choise is yours my friend but in the final outcome, you certainly won't get stung going with either engine...Good luck
 
#9 ·
I've never had a Nova but one of the gents above mentioned the heater box modification. I bet you a dollar that you won't have much if any trouble installing the big block because Nova's used to come with big blocks in them. Heck, if you can shoehorn a big block in a Vega with out much trouble, I'm sure you can tackle the Nova project. Now, get off the computer and get some of your buddies and go over and pick up that 250 dollar big block and take it to the base shop...and thats an order!
 
#11 ·
Jump on that 396!! That car would be awesome as a 396 SS! Sorry, Im gettin all giddy just thinkin about it! :eek: <img src="graemlins/drool.gif" border="0" alt="[drool]" /> <img src="graemlins/drool.gif" border="0" alt="[drool]" /> <img src="graemlins/drool.gif" border="0" alt="[drool]" />
 
#13 ·
A few years ago Popular Hotrodding done a side by side test in the same car and build the 396 and 400 sb into 406 cubes. The big block was .5 sec faster in the 1/4 mile, and was more expensive to build. Plus if you have a small block in it now you will need to upgrade the coil springs,shocks in the front for the extra weight. Myself I like small block 400s any size. :D
 
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