I've heard 'stories' that due to a strike in late 1969, blocks sat around and got rusty. There were some 402's in late 69 (noted by the 3-letter suffix code). When the strike was over the blocks had to bored .030 for cleanup and since pistons had to be changed, GM kept it that way. I don't buy that for a minute. Probably had more to do with meeting emission standards than anything else. FWIW, Buick managed to get over on the ban since there engine was really the same 401 as the rest of the line but advertised it as a 400 until the ban was lifted.
Dale McIntosh -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Clint Hooper Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2005 11:15 AM To: The Chevelle Mailing List Subject: [Chevelle-list] 70 ss only Gene is correct and brings up a very good point; why did GM increase the displacement to 402ci? Maybe Chuck Hanson or someone else in the know can shed a little light on the subject. 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: "Gene's General Restoration Parts" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Hi, > What I remember is up to 69 it was a 396 and after 70 the bore was > increased .030 which made it a 402 but was still badged and called a 396. > Some cars like the Monte Carlo and I think full size it was refered to as a > 400 Big Block and they also had the 400 Small Block to make it more > confusing... > I don't know why they went .030 over, maybe they had a bunch of blocks they > were able to rework with the over bore? Anyone know why they went .030 over? > Gene > www.genesgeneralrestorationparts.com
