Re: [Chevelle-list] 396 Build

[Larry Shouse]

Clint (everyonr),   I'm in a similar situation. The 66 SS I bought came with a  2 bolt 66 block, oval port 66 heads and crank. I guess I'm looking to build it myself. These parts are not original to this car, but it's all from a 66 SS396. Is there more value to building this setup, or should I consider dropping a crate 396 in it? Any thoughts?   Thanks, Larry Shouse ----- Original Message ----- From: Clint Hooper To: The Chevelle Mailing List Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 11:11 PM Subject: Re: [Chevelle-list] 396 Build Please don't take this wrong but building a bare block from scratch can easily be a budget buster,RJ. Clint Hooper H&H Custom,owner 1969 El Camino ProTourer 2001 H-D FLHR custom bagger http://dalesplace.com/misc/friends/clint/clint_hooper.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: RJ Winkler Well I wasn’t lucky enough to have a 396 in the car so I decided I wanted to build one as im restoring it and drop it in to finish off the project.  I wasn’t planning on starting but a friend had a block for $150 std. bore.  I had it checked out and everything was good so I bought it.  He’s looking around for the rotating assembly but that’s why I was asking about heads.  I don’t have any so I wanted to pick a decent set to purchase.  Thanks to everyone who is helping…its made my job a lot easier this far -RJ   From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Clint Hooper   Why not use the oval port heads on the engine,now? With a little freshening-up and a good valve job,they can easily support 350-400hp. You certainly don't need rectangular port heads for a pure street car. If it were my 396",all I would do is add a good dual plane intake like an Edelbrock Performer RPM or Weiand Stealth,a good ignition system (Mallory makes a nice new HEI for less than $160),a good hydraulic cam with around .500 lift & 220 degrees duration at .050,and some decent headers/exhaust system. Keep the stock Quadrajet carb and add a high-flow air filter. The stock rotating assembly (crank,rods,& pistons) will work fine too for the power levels you're looking at. Clint Hooper H&H Custom,owner 1969 El Camino ProTourer 2001 H-D FLHR custom bagger http://dalesplace.com/misc/friends/clint/clint_hooper.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: RJ Winkler   Hey guys,             I got my big block and its being machined for my 69.  I was wondering what setups you guys choose if you’ve built a 396 and how much it cost.  I’m looking for a street setup that makes some good hp (350 to 400) with an economy price tag (17 year old).  Big questions are rectangle port or oval for the heads and what are the good years or good ids, what type pistons (looking for around 10 to 1 compression), what kind of cam, and what years/engine used the same 396 crank?  What parts are safe to buy used and what to buy new? Thanks for all your help -RJ