I have a chance to pickup a 396 ci engine how can i find out at which hp it is setup for. Thanks

First check on the front tab and see if it has any #'s. If it does at least you can tell what it started out as. If no #'s check if it's a 2 or 4 bolt main block. 4 bolt would be your high horsepower. Also heads would be square port for high horsepower.

is this the same engine in the truck (c20) if so most i have seen are from 310 hp and down depending on the year......in anycase even with the most lame 396 thats stock in low hp ratings are good enough to push cars to the 14 sec range at around 90 mph.

Originally posted by ddeennis:
in anycase even with the most lame 396 thats stock in low hp ratings are good enough to push cars to the 14 sec range at around 90 mph. What's the most lame 396?

with out my book but off the top of my head was the low performance truck engines they was rated in the lower 200 hp range . they was a 396 rated at 402 ci....... in the early 70's....have to remember there was more then just the 325,350 ,375 hp rating that everyone seems to know.......they have hp ranges everywhere across the board.......

There were some 2 bbl. versions that came in full size Impala's and Caprice's,67 to 70 ,265 HP,I think. :eek: