I bought a 64 Malibu SS about 1 1/2 years ago. Very nice, rock solid body that had a BB, super T10 and a 12 bolt rear. This car has had this engine in it for about 18+ years and was just sitting in a garage waiting to become a drag car. After getting the car back to my shop I decided to take a look at the numbers on the engine and this is what I came up with;

Engine pad numbers
T0316EG 6Z137540

Block casting
3855962

According to my references, this is a 396/375hp 4-bolt block assembled at Tonawanda on March 16, 1966 and installed in a 66 Chevelle built at Fremont, California.

What's this thing worth???

R/Jeff

To determine real value - need more info.. What is the condition of the engine? Already bored .060 or std? Original heads? intake, exhaust manifold? I recently saw a 66 LH exhaust manifold go for $250 by itself (only year that part # was used) The stock BB timing cover made with no dowel pin holes and a timing tab for an 8 inch dampner is also somewhat rare. I have a 66 962 engine very similiar with mismatched heads ( one 858 and one 840), that is standard with one sleeve - will need to go .030 - I wouldn't sell it all for less than $1500 to $2000. Stock engine, all there, ready to run - maybe as much as $3-5K. The bigger money coming from somebody doing a SS396 resto and the dates work.

What's it worth? Whatever someone is willing to pay! Like the other gentleman said, It is all according to condition. Is it bone stock original? To someone doing a 100% restoration, it is priceless! Good luck!

does it still have the sq port heads and intake??

Thanks for the replies gents. Sorry, I should have included more info in the original post. The engine has a Moroso deep/kick out type drag race oil pan, after market aluminum intake and Holley 850 carb and headers. So basically it would be a long block. It does have the correct cylinder heads and supposedly had a fresh .030 over bore when the engine was rebuilt 18-20 years ago and had only been run in the car...never driven.

My plan is to pull the engine out of the car next week and bring it to my engine builder to disassemble and inspect. At that point I will see what needs to be done...if anything. I will post some pics next week once we hoist it out and get a good look at it

So, I guess my original question should have read....what is a 66 396/375 hp long block worth if it's .030 over rebuilt and ready to go?

By the way, does anyone have the cam specs for the original cam??

Thanks again,
Jeff

$2500-3500

Those heads were bringing a consistent 1500-2k a pair.

Jeff ,cam was p/n 3863143 - just do a google search for the specs.

Jeff ,cam was p/n 3863143 - just do a google search for the specs.


Thanks Mike!

I pulled the valve covers today and confirmed they are both 858 casting heads. One is cast dated B 17 6 and the other is B 27 6. Would that be acceptable to have the cast dates 10 days apart?? I also found an intake and carb in a box of parts that was in the trunk........(which was full to the brim with stuff).....intake is a #3885069 casting.

R/Jeff

by the way, does anyone have the cam specs for the original cam??



242/242 @.050 .520/.520 114 lsa

10 days apart for the heads is perfectly acceptable

Jeff, How many PM's with offers have you got. Good luck$$$$$$$$$$$

Thanks Mike!

I pulled the valve covers today and confirmed they are both 858 casting heads. One is cast dated B 17 6 and the other is B 27 6. Would that be acceptable to have the cast dates 10 days apart?? I also found an intake and carb in a box of parts that was in the trunk........(which was full to the brim with stuff).....intake is a #3885069 casting.

R/Jeff

Yes, that is not uncommon for the heads to have different dates. Off the top of my head that sounds like the original intake, if it is clean and not modified they were bringing 400-600.

Steve

Thanks Mike!

I pulled the valve covers today and confirmed they are both 858 casting heads. One is cast dated B 17 6 and the other is B 27 6. Would that be acceptable to have the cast dates 10 days apart?? I also found an intake and carb in a box of parts that was in the trunk........(which was full to the brim with stuff).....intake is a #3885069 casting.

R/Jeff

I think those are acceptible dates...

Let us know on the casting dates... I have had two of these engines, both similar dates to your ( actually both assembled March 31, IIRC). Cars were both Fremont built and VINs were 138XXX and 140XXX...

Despite being assembled in late March, both had late December 1965 casting dates on the blocks... IIRC, all 4 heads were also February cast (B)...

Yes, the intake sounds correct... Typical used condition (no major blemishes, no cracks , ~ $250-$300)... Something that looks NEW, even higher...

The problem with those intakes is most you run into have had the plenums modified, they open them up like the later L88 style intake and that would affect the performance of the intake and hurt the value. If it has the "one long slot and two holes" are still intact it's probably golden.

Those heads were made in batches unlike the blocks which were made pretty much all production year long, I've only ever seen the 858's with either an "I,J, or B" date.

The problem with those intakes is most you run into have had the plenums modified, they open them up like the later L88 style intake and that would affect the performance of the intake and hurt the value. If it has the "one long slot and two holes" are still intact it's probably golden.

Those heads were made in batches unlike the blocks which were made pretty much all production year long, I've only ever seen the 858's with either an "I,J, or B" date.


Yup,
Mine has been modified :( The two holes are now one slot and the center divider has been milled down about 1/2". I remember that being a pretty common practice and even described as a recommended mod in the "How to hotrod a small block Chevy" book/bible.

You are right, very common. If everything else on it is alright and it wasn't ever milled, you could still see 200-300 for it.

My 66SS is a second week of March built car but it came out of the KC plant. Just thought it was intresting.