Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

wagonhoe · 03-25-2008, 11:37 PM

I have a minor dilema. The 396 in my 69 1/2 ton burb is tired and needs a rebuild. My mechanic, a good friend of mine, will do the work but thinks I should go with a crate motor instead. He thinks the 396 is not worth rebuilding from a horsepower standpoint. I think the burb would be worth more with the original motor even though it has already had a 9" rearend and disk brakes added so it is not exactly stock anyway. What do you, my brothers and sisters, think?

Longhorn Man · 03-26-2008, 12:32 AM

Have you figured the cost of both options.. .to include down time?
The 396 can be built up pretty good, so he is flat out wrong on that comment. Any book about 60's GM muscle will tell you that. But, it'll cost you a pretty penny, and you'll still have a very small big block.

*Billla* · 03-26-2008, 12:43 AM

You'd have to pry that BBC out of my cold, dead hands

I'd sure do a stock performance overhaul vs. replacing with a small block.

Frizzle Fry · 03-26-2008, 12:54 AM

Long Roof · 03-26-2008, 01:55 AM

If your talking BB for crate BB then I might consider it, but I would think you could put a performance rebuild on your 396 cheaper. Id say a no go on the SB unless you need it for a slight mileage increase. If you pop the BB out and keep all the pieces/parts, then you can always sell it with the burb or put it back in it and keep the value intact.

Longhorn Man · 03-26-2008, 05:05 AM

the mechanic probably wants the engine for himself... hopin to take it in trade for a dent on the labor

wibilly · 03-27-2008, 06:36 AM

yup

slug · 03-27-2008, 05:02 PM

i would rebuild the 396 for sure.

**truckdude239** · 03-27-2008, 06:45 PM

rebuild it

wagonhoe · 03-27-2008, 11:45 PM

Yea, that's pretty much what I intend to do is rebuild the 396. I just wanted everyones opinion. A crate motor (bbc or sbc) would probably be the cheaper route but this is not my daily driver so mileage is not as important as running well and towing well. As much as I would like to drive it every day, my Caprice gets better mileage. BTW, here's a pic of the Caprice in case any body is interested...

boostat4500 · 03-27-2008, 11:48 PM

What are you looking at as far as HP level for what cost? Both in the rebuild and the crate motor.

wagonhoe · 03-28-2008, 03:17 AM

It doesn't have to scream down the 1/4 mile at 8.8@150mph, just cruise well on the freeway and haul a car trailer when needed. I figure somewhere between 300-400 hp is plenty. I am putting a 700r4 behind it as well. Does anyone have any thoughts on the 396 with a 700r4 rather than the original turbo 400? My mechanic is charging me ~$2500 including all the machine work and new parts. Wish I could do it myself but I don't have the skill, time or space to even try it right now.

boostat4500 · 03-28-2008, 03:34 AM

Have you thought about swapping to a newer style motor instead? That same $2500 will buy you a complete 5.3 or 6.0L LSx AND O.D. tranny. Both have 300+ horse and will net you much better mileage and driveability. Just my .02

wagonhoe · 03-28-2008, 11:24 PM

I hadn't thought about newer motors for this vehicle. I am trying to figure out what to use in my '53 Packard ambulance though. Maybe a newer Caddy motor perhaps?

wagonhoe · 04-18-2008, 10:57 PM

So here is the next question(s). I have a 700r to put in behind the 396. Are there any issues besides driveshaft length to deal with? Can the 700r handle the 396 or should I keep the turbo 400? I'd really like to use the 700r since it has od.

**Hart_Rod** · 04-19-2008, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagonhoe

So here is the next question(s). I have a 700r to put in behind the 396. Are there any issues besides driveshaft length to deal with? Can the 700r handle the 396 or should I keep the turbo 400? I'd really like to use the 700r since it has od.

I really depends on the horsepower the 396 will be pushing. If built correctly 700R's can handle up to 1000 HP.

bigdiceman · 04-27-2008, 10:55 AM

I have been in this same delima. Truck has stock 402, but someone stole exhaust manifolds , carb, water pump, radiator , and engine needs to be rebuilt. What I have found is there are some really good deals on ebay, racing junk etc. You can get really good deals on pump gas big blocks now, Bill Mitchell, Dahmer ,etc. I just decided instead of spending my money on the 402 , Im going 550 inches. It really is not that much more for the power gained over rebuilding the stocker the way I
want.

wagonhoe · 05-09-2008, 11:05 PM

After talking to my mechanic buddy, I think we are going to punch it out a bit and do a good performance rebuild. Not sure how much over we will go over yet though. We'll have to see how everything looks inside first and make sure the block is in decent shape. There's no replacement for DISplacement.

70rs/ss · 05-10-2008, 12:39 AM

Boy oh Boy a 396 crank in a 454 block makes a nice 427, a 454 stroked to 496, hummm. I like 396's and they can be built to do 400hp easy, they came with a 375 hp version in the late 60's. I'd look for a GEN VI BBC Vortec head as technology has come a long way and the ports, chambers etc have been updated and help power and economy as well. Other than that an aluminum intake, maybe headers, good ignition, carb and you should be good to go. Torq is what'll kill that 700r4 before hp, so just know you need to spend a little more $$$ on it to make it live, and do not haul in OD, it'll burn it up/break it. Other than that a gear vendors behind the th400 would be bullet proof and od in all 3 gears if you wanted?!

oscareltemblo · 05-10-2008, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boostat4500

Have you thought about swapping to a newer style motor instead? That same $2500 will buy you a complete 5.3 or 6.0L LSx AND O.D. tranny. Both have 300+ horse and will net you much better mileage and driveability. Just my .02

Or you can stay with your tranny or a th400 and get a 6.0 with the carb manifold.

streetstar · 05-10-2008, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boostat4500

Have you thought about swapping to a newer style motor instead? That same $2500 will buy you a complete 5.3 or 6.0L LSx AND O.D. tranny. Both have 300+ horse and will net you much better mileage and driveability. Just my .02

The wuss factor is too high with that swap ---- big block still trumps LS motor for many, gas mileage and driveability be damned.

I would do an LS motor over a small block in a heartbeat if that were the choice --- (probably even over the big block if it was an actual daily driver, too) -- but for a weekend driver, tow vehicle and toy hauler , big blocks still rock

The LS motors remind me of the current presidential race -- it may take awhile to realize that changes in conventional thinking may be a good thing

wagonhoe · 07-20-2008, 07:06 PM

It's finally happening. The 'burb went in for a rebuild last week and should be done in a couple weeks. I'm looking forward to driving it again, hopefully with some newfound huevos... The last time I put gas in it was January and it only $3.13/gal!

wagonhoe · 08-19-2008, 03:41 PM

I did it. The motor is finally out and at the machine shop for a full rebuild. One question (several actually) though, is anybody familiar with the motor mounts that "clamp" around the motor mount perch? I have never seen this type of mount before and a friend said they are hard to find and expensive to boot. Where can I find them and how are they refered to?

**Hart_Rod** · 08-19-2008, 03:45 PM

Congratulations! Sounds like you have the 72 style. I just sold a set, but you can rebuild the ones you have. You'll have to drill out the rivets to replace the rubber.

R/

MrBeast · 08-19-2008, 06:00 PM

I am glad to see you are rebuilding the 396, you will get many more cool points in my book than if you went with a crate motor.

Just a thought, you really need to post pictures of your build in here. I am sure everyone will be glad you did!

Also if you need some good solid engine building advice, feel free to look me up.

03-25-2008, 11:37 PM	#1
wagonhoe Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, Is there anywhere else? Posts: 125	Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor I have a minor dilema. The 396 in my 69 1/2 ton burb is tired and needs a rebuild. My mechanic, a good friend of mine, will do the work but thinks I should go with a crate motor instead. He thinks the 396 is not worth rebuilding from a horsepower standpoint. I think the burb would be worth more with the original motor even though it has already had a 9" rearend and disk brakes added so it is not exactly stock anyway. What do you, my brothers and sisters, think? __________________ 1969 C10 Suburban, 396cid, Turbo 400, 9" F***, Disk brakes all around 1968 C10 Suburban, 350cid, 700R4, bent frame 1968 C20 Suburban, no motor, trans or interior (SOLD!) 1953 Packard Ambulance 1992 Caprice wagon

03-26-2008, 12:32 AM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor Have you figured the cost of both options.. .to include down time? The 396 can be built up pretty good, so he is flat out wrong on that comment. Any book about 60's GM muscle will tell you that. But, it'll cost you a pretty penny, and you'll still have a very small big block.

03-26-2008, 12:43 AM	#3
Billla Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Monroe, WA Posts: 3,815	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor You'd have to pry that BBC out of my cold, dead hands I'd sure do a stock performance overhaul vs. replacing with a small block.

03-26-2008, 12:54 AM	#4
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor

03-26-2008, 01:55 AM	#5
Long Roof Old School, New Style Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Monroeville, Ohio Posts: 790	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor If your talking BB for crate BB then I might consider it, but I would think you could put a performance rebuild on your 396 cheaper. Id say a no go on the SB unless you need it for a slight mileage increase. If you pop the BB out and keep all the pieces/parts, then you can always sell it with the burb or put it back in it and keep the value intact. __________________ The Good: - 72 GMC Jimmy 4x4 - 307 cid / 350 th - 70 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 2wd - 454 cid /400 th - 96 Chevy Impala SS - mainly stock - 98 Chevy Tahoe LT 4x4 - all stock The Bad: - 86 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 4x4 - winter beater The Ugly: - 72 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 2wd - parts truck Last edited by Long Roof; 03-26-2008 at 01:55 AM.

03-26-2008, 05:05 AM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor the mechanic probably wants the engine for himself... hopin to take it in trade for a dent on the labor

03-27-2008, 06:36 AM	#7
wibilly Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: northwestern wi Posts: 2,111	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor yup __________________ common sense isn't so common anymore

03-27-2008, 05:02 PM	#8
slug Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Groves,TX Posts: 483	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor i would rebuild the 396 for sure. __________________ there is nothing better than cutting metal with fire.......except cutting metal with electricity!!!

03-27-2008, 06:45 PM	#9
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,228	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor rebuild it __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

03-27-2008, 11:45 PM	#10
wagonhoe Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, Is there anywhere else? Posts: 125	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor Yea, that's pretty much what I intend to do is rebuild the 396. I just wanted everyones opinion. A crate motor (bbc or sbc) would probably be the cheaper route but this is not my daily driver so mileage is not as important as running well and towing well. As much as I would like to drive it every day, my Caprice gets better mileage. BTW, here's a pic of the Caprice in case any body is interested... Attached Images __________________ 1969 C10 Suburban, 396cid, Turbo 400, 9" F**, Disk brakes all around 1968 C10 Suburban, 350cid, 700R4, bent frame 1968 C20 Suburban, no motor, trans or interior (SOLD!) 1953 Packard Ambulance 1992 Caprice wagon Last edited by wagonhoe; 03-27-2008 at 11:46 PM.*

03-27-2008, 11:48 PM	#11
boostat4500 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 346	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor What are you looking at as far as HP level for what cost? Both in the rebuild and the crate motor. __________________ 1971 Suburban 4x4, LQ4 6.0L, 4L80E, etc.

03-28-2008, 03:17 AM	#12
wagonhoe Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, Is there anywhere else? Posts: 125	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor It doesn't have to scream down the 1/4 mile at 8.8@150mph, just cruise well on the freeway and haul a car trailer when needed. I figure somewhere between 300-400 hp is plenty. I am putting a 700r4 behind it as well. Does anyone have any thoughts on the 396 with a 700r4 rather than the original turbo 400? My mechanic is charging me ~$2500 including all the machine work and new parts. Wish I could do it myself but I don't have the skill, time or space to even try it right now. __________________ 1969 C10 Suburban, 396cid, Turbo 400, 9" F***, Disk brakes all around 1968 C10 Suburban, 350cid, 700R4, bent frame 1968 C20 Suburban, no motor, trans or interior (SOLD!) 1953 Packard Ambulance 1992 Caprice wagon

03-28-2008, 03:34 AM	#13
boostat4500 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 346	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor Have you thought about swapping to a newer style motor instead? That same $2500 will buy you a complete 5.3 or 6.0L LSx AND O.D. tranny. Both have 300+ horse and will net you much better mileage and driveability. Just my .02 __________________ 1971 Suburban 4x4, LQ4 6.0L, 4L80E, etc.

03-28-2008, 11:24 PM	#14
wagonhoe Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, Is there anywhere else? Posts: 125	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor I hadn't thought about newer motors for this vehicle. I am trying to figure out what to use in my '53 Packard ambulance though. Maybe a newer Caddy motor perhaps? __________________ 1969 C10 Suburban, 396cid, Turbo 400, 9" F***, Disk brakes all around 1968 C10 Suburban, 350cid, 700R4, bent frame 1968 C20 Suburban, no motor, trans or interior (SOLD!) 1953 Packard Ambulance 1992 Caprice wagon

04-18-2008, 10:57 PM	#15
wagonhoe Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, Is there anywhere else? Posts: 125	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor So here is the next question(s). I have a 700r to put in behind the 396. Are there any issues besides driveshaft length to deal with? Can the 700r handle the 396 or should I keep the turbo 400? I'd really like to use the 700r since it has od. __________________ 1969 C10 Suburban, 396cid, Turbo 400, 9" F***, Disk brakes all around 1968 C10 Suburban, 350cid, 700R4, bent frame 1968 C20 Suburban, no motor, trans or interior (SOLD!) 1953 Packard Ambulance 1992 Caprice wagon



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04-27-2008, 10:55 AM	#17
bigdiceman Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Humble,Texas Posts: 18	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor I have been in this same delima. Truck has stock 402, but someone stole exhaust manifolds , carb, water pump, radiator , and engine needs to be rebuilt. What I have found is there are some really good deals on ebay, racing junk etc. You can get really good deals on pump gas big blocks now, Bill Mitchell, Dahmer ,etc. I just decided instead of spending my money on the 402 , Im going 550 inches. It really is not that much more for the power gained over rebuilding the stocker the way I want.

05-09-2008, 11:05 PM	#18
wagonhoe Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, Is there anywhere else? Posts: 125	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor After talking to my mechanic buddy, I think we are going to punch it out a bit and do a good performance rebuild. Not sure how much over we will go over yet though. We'll have to see how everything looks inside first and make sure the block is in decent shape. There's no replacement for DISplacement. __________________ 1969 C10 Suburban, 396cid, Turbo 400, 9" F***, Disk brakes all around 1968 C10 Suburban, 350cid, 700R4, bent frame 1968 C20 Suburban, no motor, trans or interior (SOLD!) 1953 Packard Ambulance 1992 Caprice wagon

05-10-2008, 12:39 AM	#19
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor Boy oh Boy a 396 crank in a 454 block makes a nice 427, a 454 stroked to 496, hummm. I like 396's and they can be built to do 400hp easy, they came with a 375 hp version in the late 60's. I'd look for a GEN VI BBC Vortec head as technology has come a long way and the ports, chambers etc have been updated and help power and economy as well. Other than that an aluminum intake, maybe headers, good ignition, carb and you should be good to go. Torq is what'll kill that 700r4 before hp, so just know you need to spend a little more $$$ on it to make it live, and do not haul in OD, it'll burn it up/break it. Other than that a gear vendors behind the th400 would be bullet proof and od in all 3 gears if you wanted?!

07-20-2008, 07:06 PM	#22
wagonhoe Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, Is there anywhere else? Posts: 125	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor It's finally happening. The 'burb went in for a rebuild last week and should be done in a couple weeks. I'm looking forward to driving it again, hopefully with some newfound huevos... The last time I put gas in it was January and it only $3.13/gal! __________________ 1969 C10 Suburban, 396cid, Turbo 400, 9" F***, Disk brakes all around 1968 C10 Suburban, 350cid, 700R4, bent frame 1968 C20 Suburban, no motor, trans or interior (SOLD!) 1953 Packard Ambulance 1992 Caprice wagon

08-19-2008, 03:41 PM	#23
wagonhoe Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego, Is there anywhere else? Posts: 125	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor I did it. The motor is finally out and at the machine shop for a full rebuild. One question (several actually) though, is anybody familiar with the motor mounts that "clamp" around the motor mount perch? I have never seen this type of mount before and a friend said they are hard to find and expensive to boot. Where can I find them and how are they refered to? __________________ 1969 C10 Suburban, 396cid, Turbo 400, 9" F***, Disk brakes all around 1968 C10 Suburban, 350cid, 700R4, bent frame 1968 C20 Suburban, no motor, trans or interior (SOLD!) 1953 Packard Ambulance 1992 Caprice wagon

08-19-2008, 03:45 PM	#24
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,835	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor Congratulations! Sounds like you have the 72 style. I just sold a set, but you can rebuild the ones you have. You'll have to drill out the rivets to replace the rubber. R/ __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

08-19-2008, 06:00 PM	#25
MrBeast high-Tech Red Neck Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Livingston, MT/On my boat WA/BC/AK Posts: 2,294	Re: Rebuild the 396 or go crate motor I am glad to see you are rebuilding the 396, you will get many more cool points in my book than if you went with a crate motor. Just a thought, you really need to post pictures of your build in here. I am sure everyone will be glad you did! Also if you need some good solid engine building advice, feel free to look me up. __________________ "He used to be a pretty nice feller, now he's a welder!"

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