kyoung
Apr 27th, 09, 1:46 PM
I have the original (but tired) 396 in my 69 4-speed Chevelle SS. I am in the process of doing a frame off restoration and it will eventually be a dependable daily driver type car. I am undecided about rebuilding the original engine or setting it aside and installing a built performance engine, I’m looking for 400 to 450 hp. Since the motor is original is it smart or cost effective to alter the motor to get the desired hp or store it in it unaltered condition in case I sell the car someday?
Mike
Apr 27th, 09, 1:56 PM
I'd go with the store it and build another.
Mild 496 will get you your performance.
BTW,nothing's cost effective with these cars.
427L88
Apr 27th, 09, 1:57 PM
Disagree, but not emphatically. 400 hp is not a stretch for a 396, at roughly 1.1 hp/ci. A solid rebuild, with money spend on a modern hydraulic roller cam will get you there and ensure reliability. If you're not going to race it, then using the original is not a big issue, as it should last many, many miles.
mkube396
Apr 27th, 09, 2:28 PM
Rebuild the 396 you can get 400Hp out easy i see so many are willing to condemn the 396 telling every one to throw it to the side and build a 454+ engine.
396 all the way!
Mike
Apr 27th, 09, 2:32 PM
Wasn't "condemning" anything ,just made sense to me to shelve the original for the future and build something to run a little quicker.
Cost 'bout the same to rebuild a 454 as it does a 396 -might even be less.
kettbo
Apr 27th, 09, 3:00 PM
Wasn't "condemning" anything ,just made sense to me to shelve the original for the future and build something to run a little quicker.
Cost 'bout the same to rebuild a 454 as it does a 396 -might even be less.
If I had a tired matching engine and I wanted to drive the Chevelle,,,,the 396 would be in the corner and I'd have a 454 in there. Certainly nothing 'wrong' or 'undesirable' about a 396 at all.... get another one and build it if you desire....or simply go the cost-effective route, step up to a 454, same size and weight, just 50 more cubes. Very nice street cruiser with either but the 454 route would have my vote. Put a 396 sticker on it!:D
mkube396
Apr 27th, 09, 3:21 PM
lol sorry guys I just love the little guy. :D
I can agree the 454 is a more cost-effective route.