Small block w/ big stroke
or
Destroked/ Big Block

Does anyone know of a reputible engine builder in chicago or near chicago to build one

it will be for a Tpi Super Ram
No opinions about super ram please. If You got HELPFUL Tips go ahead and post.

 

there is a BBC 396 and a SBC 396 don't have the bore/stroke for either off the top of my head

 

what's the difference

 

BB396 came out in 65 or 66, was available until 69, was replaced by the 402 which is the same except .030" bigger bore. It was 3.75" stroke x 4.125" bore.

A small block 396 is a home brew, there's never been such a thing from the factory. It's a .030" over 350 block, 4.03" bore, with a 3.875" stroke.

 

which would cost less any advantages to either

 

Well the cost depends on what you already have and what you intend to have when you're finished, and the advantages of each depend on all that as well as what chassis it's going in.

There's no such thing as a SuperRam for big blocks, since it would be even more of a limit to their performance than it is for a small block. So if your heart is set on one of those, you need a small block.

A small block 396 is a tough and expensive thing to build. It has all the problems you hear about with 383s, plus needing yet another 1/16" (.0625") of clearance. This is the kind of thing where if you don't know what it is, you probably don't need to go there yet.

 

The BB396 has a few advantages right from the start. The main one is the heads, since BB heads are meant to sustain 50 to 100 cubes more dispalcement flow is vastly superior even in a stock head. BB's also have stronger internals, the 396 shares the same 3.76" stroke crank as the 427 and the same rods as all BB's (6.135").

It's only 2 real disadvantages are it's weight of approx 200 lbs more than a SB and trying to squeeze it into a thirdgen, both can be dealt with.

 

RB, I can't believe you missed that the BBC 396 stroke is actually 3.76". Man, what happened?

The BBC 396 is the "baby Rat". As stated, it shared stroke with the 427, and the cylinder walls actually have to be notched to fit "normal" valves in. So, they have an inherent shortcoming over SBC engines of the same displacement - to say nothing of the weight disadvantage (although 200 pounds sounds a bit too much to me - I gained 70 pounds over the 350 mine replaced).

If you are going to all the trouble of putting a BBC into a 3rd gen, you might as well go for a 454. Parts are cheaper, and there's no replacement for displacement.

But, that's all moot, anyway, because the Miniram won't fit any BBC.

 

Hey redcamaro............ just build a 383 !! These are killer motors if you do it right. The only thing with this motor is that you have to clearance the connecting rods for the cam.

 

i've read about 383's and seen a few. i just find the idea of the 396 intriguing (spelling*). Its not that i had no prior knowledge of one i just wanted more info. oh and what i have is a donor 4 bolt 350 from my father sitting in the garage. i'm just researching my options.

 

besides if i was going to build a super rammed 396 then i would put it in my street/strip car (when i find the right base) not my daily driver. it's getting a 350 this summer

 

How about an alternative: a Mini-rammed 434? Motown block, AFR heads, proper supporting cast (cam, exhaust). Since this is strip-only, anyway.

Such a beast exists out here, in an '88 Vette. 'Glide, back-halved, runs 11.9's at our altitude. Idles like a kitten, roars like a lion...