[d-666]

a 396 is a stout motor and you have a 69' wich is good and they are getting hard to find these days..as for parts its about the same cost as a 454. 396 rev a little more and have a little less low end torque but a fine tuned one can kick ass all day long. i've seen 396's beat hemi's, 440+6, bbf, etc. at the track often.a friend of mine have one in blazer on 46`' bogger and this thing really moves.so a well prep 396 is as good as a 454 for me but if you want to have more low end torque go with a 454 and make sure it's in good running order and try to get a good year..73-74+ 454 are considered as boat anchors but they are easy to ''wake up'' for a daily driver i'd keep the 396 it will be as reliable as the 454