I know the obvious weight difference, but I imagine they would be cheap to build because no one wants one, Why?

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I'd rather be historically accurate than politically correct!

 

Comparatively speaking the 396 is a heavier version of a SBC 400. Bore and stroke are roughly the same. The big block heads can flow more air than the SBC ones but other than that it's really just a big block version of a SBC 400.

So if you go to all the time and money to build a big block, why only build a small one when you can build a 427 or 454? The shorter stoke of the 396 and 427 will let the engine rev higher. If you had the option to build a SBC 350 or a 283 the choice would be a 350 because it'll build more power.

There's nothing really wrong with building a 396. I've seen many at the track including one in a street legal 68 camaro with a dual carb tunnel ram that runs 10's. It's just that you usually build a big block for the increased HP and torque and a 454 is easier to get that increase than a 396 is. 60 more cid is usually 60 more HP plus the longer stroke of a 454 is more torque.

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Follow my racing progress on Stephen's racing page
and check out the race car

87 IROC-Z SuperPro ET Bracket Race Car
461 naturally aspirated Big Block

Best ET on a time slip: 11.242 altitude corrected to 10.89
Best MPH on a time slip: 121.52 altitude corrected to 125.89
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP: 497.9
Best 60 foot: 1.546

Racing at 3500 feet elevation but most race days it's over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association

87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley

 

Well, cost just as much to build a 454 as a 396....hmmn, seems like the same old arguement of 305 vs. 350's....

I recall a HotRod build of a SBC 400 and a BBC 396/402, I think the parts for the BBC were about 300-400 more than the SBC, but all the same specs were used for cam and compression, intake and carb. The BBC (in the same car) was .25-.4 quicker, IIRC, than the SBC without rejetting the carb, I think it dropped .6 on the SBC once jetted.

Factoring in the wieght of the BBC vs the SBC, they estimated the BBC to make 80-90 HP more for the same parts, well worth the additonal 300-400 spent on the build.

Moral of my ramblings? You can make great power with it, many did for many years, but it might be best left to a restorer or the guy who "really want's a 396 like I had in highschool", and find a 454 to build...more power, more torque, much more streetable for the HP/Tq levels.

 

True 396 blocks are getting hard to find. I'd pick it up and sell it to a restoration fanatic looking for one in his SS Chevelle or Camaro. Take that money and build a 454 if you want a big block.


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Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI Edelbrock Intake
SLP Dual Cold Air Intake 1 5/8" Headers Semi-Siamesed Runners, IROC
suspension, alum shaft. Numerous mods.
92Z28convt5spd (stock)
71Impala convt 402BB
BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!

 

Isn't a 396 just a short stroke 454?

 

Prety much! A .30+ 350 piston is about the same size as the 396's piston. "I said almost for ya purest's so dont flame!"
Its more like the debate of 327 Vrs 350.
I personaly would rater have a 396 or its truck brother a 402 than a 454.
SSC

 

No, the 454 has a larger bore and stroke, than the 396/402

 

Standard bore for a 396 is 4.096", stroke is 3.76". Standard bore and stroke for a 454 is 4.25" X 4.00".

Is there anything wrong with a 396? One word, NO! I absolutly love mine. I liked my first one so much I'm on my third now. What some people don't realize is the strength in the bottom end and the flow capabilities of BBC heads. Chevrolet used the same head castings for 454 heads. With the flow availible it's easy to build a 450+ hp 396 using stock parts and have it completly streetable using pump gas. Try that with a SBC using stock heads with very little port work.