Just got done ressurecting a 68 CE 396. It was in storage for many years, 25 or so. It appeared to be a low mileage motor but the history was unknown.

We lubed it up, put on an alluminum d/p intake and a stock Holley 750. Seems to be running well in a 72 clone with a 2200 Converter, Th400, and a BOP 10 Bolt with 3:73's

Definately not a comfotable highway cruise. Looking to change gear to make it more highway friendly without loosing the seat of the pants feel it has now.

Future plans are to change the stock cam for better perf and to make it more 93 octaine friendly.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. BTW, tire size is 255/60/15

i have 3.55s and they are ok with my 275/60/15s but no high speed crusing (anything over 65) I wish i would have went with 3.31s for the amount i drive my car. 3.23/3.31 sounds like it would be up your alley if u can find them. A taller tire wouldnt hurt either

unless your going to swap over to some kind of O.D. trans anytime soon
I'd recommend 3.31s :thumbsup:

Mild bbc ,331 w m20 is a good setup with non od trans for best comprimise for perf & over road cruising IMHO.

You can find used 331's i good cond on ebay every so often,i bought a set & installed 3 yrs ago,ok so far.

Once in a great while i see new/NOS 331s on ebay too.

BTW,it wa sstaed in t/chevelle a while back that 331's were schd to be re-issued sometime 1st qtr 2008 so be watching for that.

I feel 3:42s are just more enough of a gear set compaired to 3:31 that it puts the car/motor over the edge for confortable cruise rpm .

Then on the other end running like 308 or 323's are not as good on perf and suck in slow 35-45mph traffic casuing you to shift back and forth all the time inbetween 3rd & 4th back to 3rd & so on,gets old quick,again assuming non od trans here like auto 4sp or 5speed.

GM got it right with 3:31 gear for their non od trans bbc muscle cars,thats for sure.

Scott

Rob,
I had a 3.36 posi installed in my wagon's original 10 bolt...basically a stock 396 (402), iron Q-jet intake, exhaust manifolds, very small Lunati hyd cam, etc...
Works very well! :thumbsup:
You're right...3.73's are slightly steep for the street. Same gear I run in the '70.

I would go 3.31's too, should give the best of both worlds.