BBC Questiones??? 396 vs 402

[67chevytodd]

Here is a good problem to have, I have both a 396 and a 402 BBC. Both engines are complete and are currently running, but could use a freshening up before I would install one in a 72' short-step I am working on. They are only 6 cubic inches apart, but are there any pros or cons, is one better than another? I know the 402 would be the correct year engine for the 72, but it has a junk 307 in it now and I am thinking a BBC would be lots more fun!!! They both have the granny low truck 4spd manual behind them now, but was thinking either Richmond 5 or 6 spd or 700R4. Also what are most of you all running behind your BBC's?? Thanks for the help, Todd.

[Longhorn Man]

I'm running a fresh TH400 with a shift kit on my 402
I doubt there is any real advantage or disadvantge. In reality, you'll probably bore the 396 to a 402 just in cleaning it up, and then the 402 would be bored to a 408.

[Tx Firefighter]

In my opinion, the 396 will likely be stronger. The reason I say this is vintage. 396s were earlier engines and they were typically stronger configuration. The 402 came later and were mostly softer tuned due to emissions reasons.

[DirtyLarry]

I have had both in the past as well and in stock form I couldn’t tell the difference between the two with respect to performance even though the 402 is hogged .032” more than a 396.

My 396 actually has .030” 402 pistons in it. Go figure out how that one happened…. It wasn’t the plan that is for sure! Guess you could say my 396 was bored a lot and maybe even too much!