Apologies in advance for the long post. I’m in the process of dusting off and upgrading an old build from the 80’s, and have a dilemma. Engine is / was a
396 engine from a 66 Caprice ... My issue is that the original 396 block must have had some kind of “block rot” as when I torqued down the cylinder heads, the threads were pulling out from the block. I eventually ended up with HeliCoils in every single hole for both heads … not ideal, but it’s what I could do at the time with the resources I had. Engine seemed to run really well, and after crashing the car in the early 80’s, the fresh motor sat on engine stand for 30+ years. Now, after having freshened up the heads, (3872702 / 65-66 oval port closed chamber 98cc … the original heads from that motor) I am thinking the smart move is to use a 427 / 454 block which I already have. Basically, I think the chances of success with the 454 block is higher than going through all the build steps with the original block only to have more problems torquing down head bolts. The 427 internals were from a 425 HP motor (forged crank, rectangle port heads) … I would need to get a fresh set of pistons to use with the 396 oval port heads mentioned above. I have already gone thru the heads and they are ready to bolt on… new guides, hardened exhaust valve seats, 3 angle valve job, and new springs and hardware for use with hydraulic roller cam. Time to select the right set of pistons and roller cam for this combo. Since I plan to use the later block, I can use a roller cam that does NOT require the grooved rear journal. (The 65-66 big blocks required a grooved rear journal to get oil up to the cylinder heads and rockers… ask me how I know) There seems to be a lot more wisdom regarding engine building here than on a couple of other forums I sometimes read. I don’t usually post a lot here, but I do read quite a bit. Hoping to get some solid suggestions and feedback regarding this build, as I plan to start ordering parts. I am assuming that there would not be any issues using the oval port heads with the larger cylinder bore … Oh yeah, and it will need to run on todays unleaded pump gas without knocking. Once short block is assembled, I will look at the budget, but most likely planning on replacing Holley carb with Sniper EFI for drivibility and reliability. Engine will be mated to a Muncie 4 speed, and 3.73 rear gears. Suggestions and/or comments would be helpful...
Again, sorry for the long post...
Joe Blow 55
396 engine from a 66 Caprice ... My issue is that the original 396 block must have had some kind of “block rot” as when I torqued down the cylinder heads, the threads were pulling out from the block. I eventually ended up with HeliCoils in every single hole for both heads … not ideal, but it’s what I could do at the time with the resources I had. Engine seemed to run really well, and after crashing the car in the early 80’s, the fresh motor sat on engine stand for 30+ years. Now, after having freshened up the heads, (3872702 / 65-66 oval port closed chamber 98cc … the original heads from that motor) I am thinking the smart move is to use a 427 / 454 block which I already have. Basically, I think the chances of success with the 454 block is higher than going through all the build steps with the original block only to have more problems torquing down head bolts. The 427 internals were from a 425 HP motor (forged crank, rectangle port heads) … I would need to get a fresh set of pistons to use with the 396 oval port heads mentioned above. I have already gone thru the heads and they are ready to bolt on… new guides, hardened exhaust valve seats, 3 angle valve job, and new springs and hardware for use with hydraulic roller cam. Time to select the right set of pistons and roller cam for this combo. Since I plan to use the later block, I can use a roller cam that does NOT require the grooved rear journal. (The 65-66 big blocks required a grooved rear journal to get oil up to the cylinder heads and rockers… ask me how I know) There seems to be a lot more wisdom regarding engine building here than on a couple of other forums I sometimes read. I don’t usually post a lot here, but I do read quite a bit. Hoping to get some solid suggestions and feedback regarding this build, as I plan to start ordering parts. I am assuming that there would not be any issues using the oval port heads with the larger cylinder bore … Oh yeah, and it will need to run on todays unleaded pump gas without knocking. Once short block is assembled, I will look at the budget, but most likely planning on replacing Holley carb with Sniper EFI for drivibility and reliability. Engine will be mated to a Muncie 4 speed, and 3.73 rear gears. Suggestions and/or comments would be helpful...
Again, sorry for the long post...
Joe Blow 55