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Old 04-02-2012, 12:04 AM   #1
shipma2
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ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

when i get enough funds i want to find a 396 to stick in my truck. will it fit and bolt to everything in a 1978? i love the 396 always have and deem it better then a 454. just my opnion my truck is a 1978 chevy k10
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Old 04-02-2012, 12:24 AM   #2
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

Would fit just fine. Do it!
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Old 04-02-2012, 01:29 AM   #3
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

Yeah it will bolt right in the 3/4 and 1ton had big block options for them.But i would think hard about upgrading the axles in it to a dana 60 and 14 bolt to handle the power.
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Old 04-02-2012, 07:28 AM   #4
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

Why not get the best of both worlds? Find a good 396 crank and drop it in a 454 block and you'll have a true 427. You'll have the short stroke fun of the 396 and it'll breathe so much better with the big bores of the 427. She'll rev like a 396 and pull like a 454! And externally, nobody can tell what you have!!!
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Old 04-02-2012, 02:28 PM   #5
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

Save the time of putting that 396 in there and give it to me!

In all seriousness, everything will work except your small block exhaust and I think the fan shroud may be different. Gonna want a 4 core radiator. Good luck
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Old 04-02-2012, 06:39 PM   #6
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

it already has a 454 in it, so im sure the raditor has been upgraded, i wonder though if a 12 bolt rear end would handle it ok. some of the muscle cars GM made had 12 bolts and 396s so im guessing it will be ok i dunno
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Old 04-02-2012, 08:28 PM   #7
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

Why not leave the bigger engine in there? You're going to miss the torque and hp and not pick up diddly in mileage...drop a 396 in a muscle car that needs it...
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Old 04-03-2012, 07:20 AM   #8
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

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i love the 396 always have and deem it better then a 454. just my opnion
Not tryin to pick a fight - but - as the saying goes, "there's no subsititute for cubic inches".

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Old 04-03-2012, 08:16 AM   #9
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

i just pulled a 396 out of a half ton 78 to go in our 68 camaro project. i agree, leave the 454 with more tourqe
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Old 04-03-2012, 10:33 AM   #10
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

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Not tryin to pick a fight - but - as the saying goes, "there's no subsititute for cubic inches".

K
Folks, we have a winner My guess is he feels the 396 "sounds" cooler when you tell your friends what your running.
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Old 04-03-2012, 12:38 PM   #11
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

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Folks, we have a winner My guess is he feels the 396 "sounds" cooler when you tell your friends what your running.
Lol - Thank you; around my house the 454 is the "small motor"...



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Old 04-03-2012, 09:03 PM   #12
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

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Originally Posted by Keith Seymore View Post
Not tryin to pick a fight - but - as the saying goes, "there's no subsititute for cubic inches".

K
I couldn't agree more. "There's no replacement for displacement."
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Old 04-05-2012, 01:04 AM   #13
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

Just by some 396 flags and stick 'em on the fenders
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Old 04-05-2012, 01:11 AM   #14
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

The 12 bolt will be fine. Hard to break it without hooking it.
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Old 04-05-2012, 08:07 AM   #15
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

If its a smog built 454 vs a proper 396 I would go 396 all damn day. But if I just do nothing but tow then I would keep that monster crank 454 and deal with the lesser lifespan of the 454
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Old 04-05-2012, 01:29 PM   #16
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

454 with an 8:71 blower......and nos......and a turbo....all day long
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Old 04-05-2012, 02:14 PM   #17
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

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454 with an 8:71 blower......and nos......and a turbo....all day long
Don't forget to bolt on the turbo encabulator
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Old 04-05-2012, 02:17 PM   #18
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

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Don't forget to bolt on the turbo encabulator
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Old 04-05-2012, 02:55 PM   #19
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Re: ok to put a 396 in a 1978 half ton?

My fathers 77 k5 blazer has a 454 in it. goes like crazy.
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