Changing out the ole' 350 ... buddy of mine has a 396 never been bored runs good. Now the question, should I buy the 396 ($2500) (has orignial stamping for 1970) or should I just buy a new 454 crate? BTW its a 70 Chevelle SS clone.

personally I'd go for the 454, but I'm biased. IMO It really depends on your budget & what you want from the car. Do you want to clone it as a 396 or a 454?

I would NOT pay $2500 for a 396 unless it was a recent quality rebuild with a good cam,etc.
You'll be much happier with a 454
Just put the 396 Turbo Jet decals on the air cleaner ;)

Now the question, should I buy the 396 ($2500) (has orignial stamping for 1970) or should I just buy a new 454 crate? BTW its a 70 Chevelle SS clone.

No reason to use a "1970" dated motor, UNLESS you want to decieve people into thinking its real... $2500 for a 396? Sounds a bit high, unless its fresh, quality rebuild or something "unusual" (maybe a 4-bolt block, etc)...

More power can be had from a 454 vs a 396 under most of the same conditions.

I agree $2500 for a 396 better be a fresh rebuild. I built mine a little over than but that's because I beefed it up some.

Okay the brand new ZZ454 it is!!! Thats what I thought too.:hurray: Now what transmission would you recommend (auto)?

I'd recommend a Muncie but since you want an auto, TH400

If I could buy a new trans, I would go with a 700r4.