396 Build Up

**69 Post Sedan** · #1 03-15-2010, 02:49 AM

This might sound like a dumb question but can a 396 2-bolt main running on pump gas with a solid roller cam get into the 11's without any power adders?

VintageMusclecar · #2 03-15-2010, 03:00 AM

Easily.

**69 Post Sedan** · #3 03-15-2010, 03:24 AM

What I am contemplating on building is a 1971 854 CE block with the pistons that were in my motor then using 077 aluminum heads with a solid roller.

Here are a couple of pictures of the pistons.

**WILMASBOYL78** · #4 03-15-2010, 03:35 AM

What car is the fire breather going in..??

sounds cool..

VintageMusclecar · #5 03-15-2010, 03:39 AM

Have you c.c'ed the chambers on your 077's?

Do you already have a cam picked out?

Open chamber heads on those pistons are going to throw 1 full point plus of compression out the window, which isn't necessarily a bad thing since you're wanting to run pump gas, but you'll have to be very careful with the cam specs to keep cylinder pressure in line.

**69 Post Sedan** · #6 03-15-2010, 03:42 AM

I was on Team Chevelle and one of the guys there had it figured out that if I run these exact pistons with 077 (118cc) I would be at about 10.37 compression.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...44112208IFvWcX

VintageMusclecar · #7 03-15-2010, 04:59 AM

I totally missed the part # on the pistons...was thinking of the factory 11-1 pistons.

Those should work OK, just check to make sure there's no dome-to-chamber interference issues.

What about the rest of the combination?

**69 Post Sedan** · #8 03-15-2010, 05:23 AM

To be honest I just started leaning towards building the 396. I have a August 1969 cast 512 block and was thinking of building a 427 for the car. But I like the idea of having a quick car on smaller cubes. (underdog)

With that said I don't have a cam in mind yet other than a solid roller.

The pistons are in great shape. They are all within .002 of each other. I figure that I will get new rings for them. The rods are stock 3/8. If I don't use them, a machine shop near me has a set of 7/16 dimple rods for a decent price. I have a 6223 crank that I will be using.

The intake will be either Edelbrock TM2R or C427X whichever works best for the street/strip with power brakes.

I just purchased some Comp Cams Pro Magnum rockers. I am waiting on a guy who has the 077 heads to contact me so we can come to some sort of price.

Then I have 2 Holley carbs. One is a 3886091-AN 3418-1 dated 881 and the other is 3878261-EH 3310 dated 914. Whichever one that works the best with my combo is going on the car.

VintageMusclecar · #9 03-15-2010, 06:56 AM

What car is this going in, what's the weight, trans/converter (/clutch), rear gearing, and is there any chassis work done?

450 honest flywheel HP will easily put a well-prepared 3500 lb car solidly into the 11's w/o breaking a sweat, and pushing 450 HP from a 396 is about as difficult as falling off a log. Unless you have your heart set on it, you don't need to bother with the added expense of a roller cam & lifters, a relatively mild flat tappet will easily do the job.

3/8" rods will be more than adequate with a good set of bolts and the obligatory prep work. The engine should be able to turn 6500+ until the cows come home.

Of the two intakes you mentioned, the C427X would be the better choice, and even that's going to be down on power over an OE 163 (or 198) intake. (read this thread for more info)

If the intake you decide to run has a center divider (assuming a dual plane intake of course), the 3310 will be the better choice. If your intake does not have a center divider, the 3418 will be the better choice, but it will need to be re-jetted. (read my dyno results from testing a 3910 against a 3418 on my own 496)

Please note that the 3910 was used in conjunction with the center divider intact, and the 3418 was used w/o the divider, as it was originally designed by Holley/GM to be used on the open plenum L88 intake.

Eric

**69 Post Sedan** · #10 03-15-2010, 02:19 PM

Eric, this build up is going in my 69 Chevelle. It's a M22 right now but I think I am changing to a M22W, Hays street/strip clutch, 3.73 gears and 27" tall tires.

The car weighs about 3700 with me in it.

My C427X intake is a dual plane with a cut divider.

Stock chassis other than boxed in upper and lower control arms and air bags in the springs.

Thanks for your information...it's greatly appreciated.

Kurt