i want a 396! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dinnut · 06-07-2003, 01:37 AM

anyone have a 396, in any condition except blown (threw a rod or anything like that) for a couple hundred... more around a hundred around houston, tx? anyone know anyone? have a transmission for it? i dont care if it is running or not.

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 06-07-2003, 07:40 AM

I have a few running 402's with 400 trans in Florida. They are complete with all a/c brackets,manifolds,air cleaners and the elusive heat stove.

**JDL** · 06-07-2003, 11:33 AM

I have one that needs rebilt $200 might trade you would like the trip.

**ScottH** · 06-07-2003, 12:16 PM

JDL, I'm interested in the motor if Dinnut isn't. Keep me in mind.

Thanks.

**Desert Rat** · 06-07-2003, 02:47 PM

I have 396 and 402s several most of the $250 range are 402's because they dont run,and are apart.the easiest one to get to is out of a 1970 short 1/2 ton,it had 4 broken pushrods when i bought the truck,i pulled the heads,short block is still together.i have others 5-402s as well,all 396s i have 3 that are runners and start at $400,2-454s from $500-$1500.im in AZ.i am leaving in 2 hours for the Grand Canyon so i wont be able to respond for a couple days.if interested email me.

dinnut · 06-07-2003, 02:53 PM

what im probably going to have to do is goto a junkyard and find a cheap big block... this isnt working, every one is so damn far!

my new 72 · 06-07-2003, 03:49 PM

I found a SB400 in a 71 yesterday at ABC Salvage on Shepherd at I-10. Atleast the badges said 8-400. It may have been a replacement engine, but I didn't have a chance to get the numbers off the block. It was complete to the flexplate though. It's worth a look.

da-burb · 06-07-2003, 04:38 PM

cheap and big block are seldom in the same sentence.

69c10stepside · 06-07-2003, 06:33 PM

Ditto that da-burb

the v8-400 badges that you found my new 72, were for a factory 402 big block truck, they just called it a 400 on the badges.

my new 72 · 06-07-2003, 08:38 PM

They did make a sbc 400 though. And I am pretty sure these could be gotten with one.

dinnut · 06-08-2003, 01:27 AM

if i go see, how can i tell if it is a small or big block?

my new 72 · 06-08-2003, 12:26 PM

The heads is the best way to tell. But a big block is noticeably bigger than a small block. Get the Numbers off the rear of the block behind the drivers side head and post them on here and someone will tell you exactly what it is.

dinnut · 06-08-2003, 02:43 PM

... a 396 is a big block, a 402 is a bb, but a 400 is a small block? if they are within cubic inches of each other how would the 396 look bigger than a 400... or im thinking along the wrong lines. yeah im stupid and thinking wrong

my new 72 · 06-08-2003, 04:08 PM

It's the block size and head difference. A big block is a completely different block than a small block. It is very evident once you see them side by side. A big block is wider from side to side, but the same depth from front to back.

Pont · 06-08-2003, 04:11 PM

dinnut, the 400 small block has more cubic inches than the 396 big block but they are two totally different engines. If your not familiar with what a small block and big block look like, the fastest, easiest way to tell the difference, is look at the valve covers. Small blocks will have 4 bolts holding the valve cover on. Two on the top and two on the bottom. Big blocks have 7 bolts holding the valve covers on. 3 on the top and 4 on the bottom.

Here's a pic of big block valve covers.

Also, do you absolutely have to have a 396? They are not as common as some other big blocks as the quit making them in 1969 I believe.

my new 72 · 06-08-2003, 06:27 PM

I didn't even think about the valve cover difference. Good point.

ZOOMY · 06-09-2003, 03:21 AM

.

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 06-09-2003, 08:32 AM

1 of the 402's has 61000 miles on it and is still driven daily in a 71 cheyenne super, it is bone stock and every factory part on it from air cleaner to oil pan, it has working ac and power steering and the ps resivoir goes with the motor and t400 trans. 1200.00 you can drive it before we pull it, also has a 3.42 posi 3/4 ton leaf rear and 3/4 ton discs, the bed has the aux fuel tank and tool box and is totally rust free but has some dents in the rear quarter. The only thing not for sale is the cab and front sheetmetal. We are building a swb coil spring frame with an LS1 and overdrive to put the cab and front on. A serious buyer can drive the truck before we pull the cab and front and take the rest for 3000.00 with title.

**CPNE** · 06-09-2003, 09:32 AM

Cheap and Big Block are oxymorons like da-burb said. If you find one cheap you're still going to pay way more for parts to rebuild.

My son's 402 was professionally rebuilt getting parts near cost for $3500! It's new now and better than stock, but the same on a small block would be much less.

The engine is just the start. You need to hunt down correct motor mounts, pulleys, brackets, driveshaft changes, fan shroud, etc etc etc. Mothertruckers 1200 engine if complete is a steal!

FYI, no 400 smallblocks were factory installed in trucks (for the general public at least). Some people swear by them, others claim they are prone to failure due to overheating because of thin castings (50 more CU in same size block as 350), plus you can't overbore them much.

Unless you have a fat wallet, stick with the small block. If you do go BB, find a complete donor truck, otherwise you're going to be looking for parts to complete and they DO NOT come cheaply.

71blazerman · 06-09-2003, 09:40 AM

the easiest way to tell the difference between a big block and a small block is by looking at the headers or exahust manifolds. The 4 pipes that attach to the block are equal distance from each other on the big block. On a small block, the two middle cylinders on each side are pushed closer together. Its a big difference between the two. Can anyone post a pic of their blocks to show the difference?

dinnut · 06-09-2003, 12:42 PM

i just need an engine and have always like the 396... i want to try and find a donor motor from a chevelle. my dad had a 69 chevelle ss 396 and he loved it. my moms friend has put 396s in a bunch of cars and trucks also and he loved em. hes a big block man. haha. he has a ford van with a 460, a jet boat with a hi-po 460 (330hp) a 360 jeep(not quite a big block) and hes owned TONS of nice carsin the past.

**Desert Rat** · 06-09-2003, 01:42 PM

$1200 and a trip to FL is a good bet,or look for a 73 up pickup locally for a decent price and buy a 454.If you find a 396 car(good luck)and a car is a shame to part if its a factory big block car.well unless its a 4dr or something.but seriously look at 73 up trucks 3/4 tons,burbs etc it maybe a 454 but finding a runner is alot easier.or a 396 in a 68-69 truck or burb,in 1970,71,72 the badges said 400 but it was in reality a 402 a .030 396. if your wanting cheap,then i wouldnt get a big block,unless you find a cheap donor truck with one.call your local yards and ask what they get for a 396,454 core.then call your local machine shop and ask. "whats a rough estimate of what it costs to rebuild a STOCK big block chevy" im sure it will be in the $3000 range. for that much it might be as wise to save up some extra pennies and buy a crate motor,or buy a complete one from Mothertruckers. you need more than the engine you will want the
big block towers 68-71 style can be had from $50-$75,72's usually run $125,BB Power steering pumps can be had from $125-$200,BB Alt Brackets $50-$75,Pulleys can run you $25-$40 each,AC brackets $125-$200, then when you break it all down $1200 is a good price.thats over $600 in parts then your basically paying $600 for a good motor,and you dont have to hunt for the rare and hard to find stuff! If you buy a $250 one its going to cost you more than $3000 to have a rebuilt motor,and then try to buy the rare parts you need.then the carb,air cleaner,exh manifolds/headers,air cleaner.

**CPNE** · 06-09-2003, 02:13 PM

Like Micah said, the 1200 Mothertruckers engine gets you way ahead. BTW, the 3500 rebuild is not stock but not wild either. Brian did get all parts thru NAPA's machine shop at cost because he worked there. We bought a complete 72 BB donor truck for $500. It came with everthing intact and he netted PB, PS, swaybar and tach in the deal too. Drove engine for a year "as is" before rebuild.

06-07-2003, 01:37 AM	#1
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	i want a 396! anyone have a 396, in any condition except blown (threw a rod or anything like that) for a couple hundred... more around a hundred around houston, tx? anyone know anyone? have a transmission for it? i dont care if it is running or not. __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

06-07-2003, 07:40 AM	#2
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	I have a few running 402's with 400 trans in Florida. They are complete with all a/c brackets,manifolds,air cleaners and the elusive heat stove. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

06-07-2003, 11:33 AM	#3
JDL Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Agency IA. Posts: 1,839	I have one that needs rebilt $200 might trade you would like the trip. __________________ 72 Chevy short step side with 454 air and tilt. 72 nova project car 63 chevy II drag car Agency Iowa

06-07-2003, 02:53 PM	#6
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	what im probably going to have to do is goto a junkyard and find a cheap big block... this isnt working, every one is so damn far! __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

06-07-2003, 03:49 PM	#7
my new 72 faster, faster, faster Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston ,Texas ,USA Posts: 1,354	I found a SB400 in a 71 yesterday at ABC Salvage on Shepherd at I-10. Atleast the badges said 8-400. It may have been a replacement engine, but I didn't have a chance to get the numbers off the block. It was complete to the flexplate though. It's worth a look. __________________ I'm going to Law School, wanna debate? It's good practice.

06-07-2003, 12:16 PM	#4
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,187	JDL, I'm interested in the motor if Dinnut isn't. Keep me in mind. Thanks.

06-07-2003, 02:47 PM	#5
Desert Rat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Darrington, Washington Posts: 3,963	I have 396 and 402s several most of the $250 range are 402's because they dont run,and are apart.the easiest one to get to is out of a 1970 short 1/2 ton,it had 4 broken pushrods when i bought the truck,i pulled the heads,short block is still together.i have others 5-402s as well,all 396s i have 3 that are runners and start at $400,2-454s from $500-$1500.im in AZ.i am leaving in 2 hours for the Grand Canyon so i wont be able to respond for a couple days.if interested email me.

06-07-2003, 04:38 PM	#8
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	cheap and big block are seldom in the same sentence. __________________ Bowtie Truck Stop Inc. Mid-West GM Truck Restoration Parts Supplier Your Key Parts, Auto Metal Direct, Dynacorn, and Goodmark dealer. like us @ www.facebook.com/BowtieTruckStop 1971 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1971 K-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 K-20 Suburban (Yellow- that just aint right!) Springfield, Minnesota 56087

06-07-2003, 06:33 PM	#9
69c10stepside Large Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Northwest Arkansas Posts: 747	Ditto that da-burb the v8-400 badges that you found my new 72, were for a factory 402 big block truck, they just called it a 400 on the badges. __________________ 1989 GMC C1500 ECSB 1972 Gmc Jimmy 1972 Chevy C10 SWB Sold

06-07-2003, 08:38 PM	#10
my new 72 faster, faster, faster Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston ,Texas ,USA Posts: 1,354	They did make a sbc 400 though. And I am pretty sure these could be gotten with one. __________________ I'm going to Law School, wanna debate? It's good practice.

06-08-2003, 01:27 AM	#11
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	if i go see, how can i tell if it is a small or big block? __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

06-08-2003, 12:26 PM	#12
my new 72 faster, faster, faster Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston ,Texas ,USA Posts: 1,354	The heads is the best way to tell. But a big block is noticeably bigger than a small block. Get the Numbers off the rear of the block behind the drivers side head and post them on here and someone will tell you exactly what it is. __________________ I'm going to Law School, wanna debate? It's good practice.

06-08-2003, 02:43 PM	#13
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	... a 396 is a big block, a 402 is a bb, but a 400 is a small block? if they are within cubic inches of each other how would the 396 look bigger than a 400... or im thinking along the wrong lines. yeah im stupid and thinking wrong __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

06-08-2003, 04:08 PM	#14
my new 72 faster, faster, faster Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston ,Texas ,USA Posts: 1,354	It's the block size and head difference. A big block is a completely different block than a small block. It is very evident once you see them side by side. A big block is wider from side to side, but the same depth from front to back. __________________ I'm going to Law School, wanna debate? It's good practice.

06-08-2003, 04:11 PM	#15
Pont I need another Barley Pop Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,629	dinnut, the 400 small block has more cubic inches than the 396 big block but they are two totally different engines. If your not familiar with what a small block and big block look like, the fastest, easiest way to tell the difference, is look at the valve covers. Small blocks will have 4 bolts holding the valve cover on. Two on the top and two on the bottom. Big blocks have 7 bolts holding the valve covers on. 3 on the top and 4 on the bottom. Here's a pic of big block valve covers. Also, do you absolutely have to have a 396? They are not as common as some other big blocks as the quit making them in 1969 I believe. __________________ 67 Short Fleet 4x4 04 Honda CRF450R 89 Toyota 4-Runner 34 Ford 2 door sedan - Long term project ---------------------------------------------- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness" Last edited by Pont; 06-08-2003 at 04:30 PM.



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06-08-2003, 06:27 PM	#16
my new 72 faster, faster, faster Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston ,Texas ,USA Posts: 1,354	I didn't even think about the valve cover difference. Good point. __________________ I'm going to Law School, wanna debate? It's good practice.

06-09-2003, 03:21 AM	#17
ZOOMY Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: WIS Posts: 1,752	ttt .

06-09-2003, 08:32 AM	#18
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	1 of the 402's has 61000 miles on it and is still driven daily in a 71 cheyenne super, it is bone stock and every factory part on it from air cleaner to oil pan, it has working ac and power steering and the ps resivoir goes with the motor and t400 trans. 1200.00 you can drive it before we pull it, also has a 3.42 posi 3/4 ton leaf rear and 3/4 ton discs, the bed has the aux fuel tank and tool box and is totally rust free but has some dents in the rear quarter. The only thing not for sale is the cab and front sheetmetal. We are building a swb coil spring frame with an LS1 and overdrive to put the cab and front on. A serious buyer can drive the truck before we pull the cab and front and take the rest for 3000.00 with title. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

06-09-2003, 09:32 AM	#19
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,664	Cheap and Big Block are oxymorons like da-burb said. If you find one cheap you're still going to pay way more for parts to rebuild. My son's 402 was professionally rebuilt getting parts near cost for $3500! It's new now and better than stock, but the same on a small block would be much less. The engine is just the start. You need to hunt down correct motor mounts, pulleys, brackets, driveshaft changes, fan shroud, etc etc etc. Mothertruckers 1200 engine if complete is a steal! FYI, no 400 smallblocks were factory installed in trucks (for the general public at least). Some people swear by them, others claim they are prone to failure due to overheating because of thin castings (50 more CU in same size block as 350), plus you can't overbore them much. Unless you have a fat wallet, stick with the small block. If you do go BB, find a complete donor truck, otherwise you're going to be looking for parts to complete and they DO NOT come cheaply. __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

06-09-2003, 09:40 AM	#20
71blazerman Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Omaha Nebraska Posts: 119	the easiest way to tell the difference between a big block and a small block is by looking at the headers or exahust manifolds. The 4 pipes that attach to the block are equal distance from each other on the big block. On a small block, the two middle cylinders on each side are pushed closer together. Its a big difference between the two. Can anyone post a pic of their blocks to show the difference? __________________ 67 Impala SS Conv 66 Caprice 396 No more trucks.... someday though

06-09-2003, 12:42 PM	#21
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	i just need an engine and have always like the 396... i want to try and find a donor motor from a chevelle. my dad had a 69 chevelle ss 396 and he loved it. my moms friend has put 396s in a bunch of cars and trucks also and he loved em. hes a big block man. haha. he has a ford van with a 460, a jet boat with a hi-po 460 (330hp) a 360 jeep(not quite a big block) and hes owned TONS of nice carsin the past. __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

06-09-2003, 01:42 PM	#22
Desert Rat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Darrington, Washington Posts: 3,963	$1200 and a trip to FL is a good bet,or look for a 73 up pickup locally for a decent price and buy a 454.If you find a 396 car(good luck)and a car is a shame to part if its a factory big block car.well unless its a 4dr or something.but seriously look at 73 up trucks 3/4 tons,burbs etc it maybe a 454 but finding a runner is alot easier.or a 396 in a 68-69 truck or burb,in 1970,71,72 the badges said 400 but it was in reality a 402 a .030 396. if your wanting cheap,then i wouldnt get a big block,unless you find a cheap donor truck with one.call your local yards and ask what they get for a 396,454 core.then call your local machine shop and ask. "whats a rough estimate of what it costs to rebuild a STOCK big block chevy" im sure it will be in the $3000 range. for that much it might be as wise to save up some extra pennies and buy a crate motor,or buy a complete one from Mothertruckers. you need more than the engine you will want the big block towers 68-71 style can be had from $50-$75,72's usually run $125,BB Power steering pumps can be had from $125-$200,BB Alt Brackets $50-$75,Pulleys can run you $25-$40 each,AC brackets $125-$200, then when you break it all down $1200 is a good price.thats over $600 in parts then your basically paying $600 for a good motor,and you dont have to hunt for the rare and hard to find stuff! If you buy a $250 one its going to cost you more than $3000 to have a rebuilt motor,and then try to buy the rare parts you need.then the carb,air cleaner,exh manifolds/headers,air cleaner.

06-09-2003, 02:13 PM	#23
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,664	Like Micah said, the 1200 Mothertruckers engine gets you way ahead. BTW, the 3500 rebuild is not stock but not wild either. Brian did get all parts thru NAPA's machine shop at cost because he worked there. We bought a complete 72 BB donor truck for $500. It came with everthing intact and he netted PB, PS, swaybar and tach in the deal too. Drove engine for a year "as is" before rebuild. __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all Last edited by CPNE; 06-09-2003 at 02:16 PM.

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