396 block and heads?: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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May 21, 2011 8:52 p.m. rebelgtp SuperDork

Hey guys I found someone selling a 396 block and heads near me for $150. Is there any reason in particular to get this? If there is are there any known weak spots in the block to check for cracks etc.

I'm kinda thinking that it would be a fun engine to stick in something like a G Body Malibu or something

EDIT: Also seems to have intake and pan
May 21, 2011 9:05 p.m. itsarebuild Reader

if it is a true 396... then no, there is no reason not to jump on that.
May 21, 2011 9:23 p.m. rebelgtp SuperDork

Block code is 3855961 which comes back as either a 396 or 427 block depending on year
May 21, 2011 9:54 p.m. curtis73 Dork

Nothing special about it. 396 is a mighty small big block. With as many cheap 454s as there are out there, doesn't seem to be such a great deal.

Cubes are king
May 21, 2011 10:08 p.m. TR8owner Reader

In reply to rebelgtp:

I don't know much about them but knew a guy with a 1965 Corvette 396. It was a short run in the Stingray as the 427 soon replaced it. I remember him telling me the 396 was originally a truck engine and the 427 had better heads, so that's why it replaced the 396. But for $150 how can you go wrong?
May 23, 2011 7:32 a.m. AngryCorvair SuperDork

BBC = heavy. about 100# more than SBC iirc. and BBC parts are $$$ compared to SBC parts.

355 SBC + Roller Cam = 396 eraser.
May 23, 2011 8:00 a.m. bravenrace SuperDork

I've owned many big block cars and trucks (have 2 now). They are generally worth more than that if they are good. I'd say that if you know the parts are good, buy it. I think you could always get your money back out of it.