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396 Sbc

tiger9297

tiger9297

1/2 ton status
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Location
Tupelo, Mississippi
Can you build a 396 SBC (4.03 bore 3.875 stroke) using a basic '90 350 block? I've heard you can only do it with an LT1 block. Any knowledge on this?
 
I'm pretty sure you can. Chevy High Performance mag (Sept. 06) built one using a "well-worn '79 Chevrolet small block casting that had been pulled from a half-ton truck". I'm by no means an expert but I'd say if you can do it with a '79 block you can do it with the '90.
 
Sounds good. Seeing as how it seems my BBC plans have fallen through I thought I'd look into a 396 SBC. If the kit doesn't cost too much I may go for it.
 
The small block 396 would definately be unique. Here's the online version of the article I was referencing. I'd like to hear how it turns out if you decide to do it. I have a '90 Jimmy that I may get a TBI 383 based on a old ('77?) block.

SBC article

Good luck with which ever route you choose.

Jason
 
I have been looking at these 396 kits and man they are $$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!!!!! I can buy a 383 crank (3.75") for $200 and other than the cost of new pistons that's pretty much it. All of the 3.875" cranks I've found are all 4340 cranks and are $500+. On top of that they all say you have to use 6" rods so that's more expense. Complete rotating assemblies run $1300+. I can build a 383 much cheaper and have money left over for other things I want to do to my truck. The fun stuff is always more expensive. :mad:
 
Expensive ya, I friend has a 434 SBC. dynoed at 500hp. 400 stroker got about $10K in the engine been wheeling it for a few years. It was pretty intense with the 7.17's.
 
I may go w/ 400 SBC. I am looking at all options though. From all of the heating problems w/ the 400 it seems that an engine built using a 350 block would just be a better engine. However, if I can find a 400 SBC for the right price I may go that route.
 
tiger9297 said:
I may go w/ 400 SBC. I am looking at all options though. From all of the heating problems w/ the 400 it seems that an engine built using a 350 block would just be a better engine. However, if I can find a 400 SBC for the right price I may go that route.
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If your cooling system will handle a big block, then a 400 will do just fine. I have run 400s for years, in anything from dirt track cars to Burbs. Having the siamese cylinder walls does cause the 400 to be more susceptible to cooling system deficiencies. Don't worry about a 4 bolt main block-they are not any stronger than a 2 bolt main. Don't believe me, just look at the amount of metal holding the main caps on. Building dirt track motors, we always used the 2 bolt blocks.
 
thats the truth. the 2 bolt 400s are desired over the 4 bolts. IIRC the 509 casting 2 bolt was the one to build.
 
all of this talk of SBC makes my head hurt. I don't understand it.

Go BIG or Go HOME!
 
a 377 is a de-stroked 400. a real screamer.

Personally I have a Callies stroker crank for my 454.........yes Go Big or Go home :bow:
 
3 on the tree said:
If your cooling system will handle a big block, then a 400 will do just fine. I have run 400s for years, in anything from dirt track cars to Burbs. Having the siamese cylinder walls does cause the 400 to be more susceptible to cooling system deficiencies. Don't worry about a 4 bolt main block-they are not any stronger than a 2 bolt main. Don't believe me, just look at the amount of metal holding the main caps on. Building dirt track motors, we always used the 2 bolt blocks.
Click to expand...


I tow a 28 ft. camper alot with this K5 and living in Mississippi where it gets to 100+* and 90% humidity during the summer, I definitely don't need an engine that is prone to overheating.

As far as going w/ a BBC I have tried that and had a 454 I was going to build into a 468. Turns out the block is cracked and if I go hunting another BBC it will be much more expensive than rebuilding my SBC as a 383.
 
DEMON44 said:
a 377 is a de-stroked 400. a real screamer.

Personally I have a Callies stroker crank for my 454.........yes Go Big or Go home :bow:
Click to expand...

Do that ****. I hear a 572 callin my name for this winter.
 
TeK said:
Do that ****. I hear a 572 callin my name for this winter.
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yessir, roger that. I've got a 4.25" Callies dragonslayer BME aluminum rods JE forged slugs, ordered, paid and waiting delivery :D
 
well for me its either build it myself and have no warranty or buy GMs 572 non-race engine. That way if **** gets ****ed up I got someone to go back on.
 
how about a 454 all aluminum sbc? expensive and not very practical but I saw one in a magazine the other day. start at like $15k
 
pointless for us. Weight isn't as big of a factor as say a drag car. I'd take an iron block over aluminum for a wheelin rig.
 
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