How much horsepower can you get out of a 396 big block?

The average power numbers from 4,000 to 6,250 rpm (where it carried over 400 lb-ft of torque) were 438 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. While power peaked at a high 6,400 rpm, low-end torque was still plenty respectable with the motor peaking 483 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm.

How much horsepower did the 396 have?

The 396 was offered in several configurations and produced different horsepower and torque ratings, depending on its intended application. The 396 with a 10.25 compression ratio produced 325 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 410 ft. lbs. of torque at 3,200 rpm.

Is a 396 big block a good motor?

The 396 is a good revving engine, so you’d want to run a steel crank so it would live at the rpm you’d have to run it to make HP. And probably a roller cam, as flat tappet cams in big blocks have a nasty habit of “going away” relatively easily.

Is a 396 a Chevy motor?

Beginning in 1970, all of the 396 badge engines were actually 402 inches as Chevy decided not to mess with the wildly popular “396” moniker that was now as popular as the 409 that The Beach Boys made famous. Speaking of the 409 leads us to the Mystery Motor 427 I’ve written about in the past.

How much horsepower does a 396 block have?

This 396 made 468 horsepower, which puts it at more power than the first two levels of the 502 GM crate engine, and the price point is right,” says Borowski’s Ken McCaul. The stock 396 block and crankshaft were machined to Borowski’s specs and re-used in this build.

When did the Chevy big block come out?

The Chevrolet big-block engine has undergone a myriad of developmental changes throughout its long life; the 396 cubic-inch version was introduced in the 1965 Corvette as the L78 option, along with an appearance in the Z16 Chevelle as the L37 option.

What’s the best way to build a 396 big block?

Id be using a factory closed chamber oval head with a little bowl work and work in the chambers to unshroud the valves if necessary. Performer rpm intake, 750 double pumper carb, and a 1.75 header. If you want as little maintenance as possible and good reliability, but still having power…

Which is better a 454 or a 396 block?

Unless it’s a restoration and/or you’re required to use a small bore block, there are many more pistons to choose from, etc. on a 454 than a 396 and it may even be less expensive on a few parts. I Just Got A 396 Big Block Complete For $200.00 From A Friend Want To Build A Nice Street Strip Motor.