Advice needed regarding Chevy 396ci engine

[nibulus]

Since my truck has a 396ci engine in it and I'm sort of a newbie with these old school big blocks, I thought it might be helpful to start a thread about it.

I certainly will have many questions regarding the engine through the following years, and I'm pretty sure a number of you guys have dealt with them before, so why not grab on to that experience...

Anyway, first thing I have to do is take it out of the truck to sort some clearance and a few other issues the previous owner didn't bother to fix (or do it right in the first place).

I'm just not 100% sure where the correct engine lift bracket mounting points are. After some internet research I think I've located them, but I still want to double check.

Anyone know if the brackets are supposed to be mounted here?

Right side:

[IMG]

Left side:

[IMG]


Thanks in advance for the replies.

[Corts60]

Usually there is a lifting eye mounted on the forward driver side intake manifold bolts and one lifting eye on the back of the pass. Side cylinder head. I would not lift from the locations you pointed out. The easiest way is to buy a cheap lifting bracket that mounts to the intake manifold where the carb sits. Pull the carb, put the plate on. Done.
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[Captainfab]

I typically use the lift plate on the intake also.

[nibulus]

So I guess we're talking about something like this ?

[Pop's C-10]

yes..that

[Captainfab]

Yes, that is the lift plate mentioned. Given your location, it might be easier to make one, or have one made locally. They're not hard to make. You just need a couple pieces of 8-10mm steel, a drill press, a torch and a welder. Use the carburator gasket for a template on the base plate.

[nibulus]

Thanks for the infos guys.

Since I'm ordering parts for the truck/engine/trans from Summit next week anyway, I'll have the plate shipped as well. With those prices, it's actually more costly to make it yourself here than to have it shipped. I'd probably pay more for the required steel alone. The pricing of almost everything here is a bit (read: a lot) higher than in the states.

[Captainfab]

I agree that if you are ordering parts from Summit anyway, it would only make sense to buy one already made.

[nibulus]

Thread revival.

Does someone happen to know, from which truck (or manufacturer) my engine mounts are (see attachment)?

I‘ve got a 1964 C10 with a 396 sitting on a 71-72 front axle. The or one PO unfortunately cut (too) many corners to get the truck running with this setup somehow. This included „fabricating“ an engine mount on the driver side, which I must replace for safety.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[Captainfab]

That is a factory '63-'66 engine mount bracket for the 230/250 I6 and all small blocks. If you want to avoid modifying the firewall, a big block needs to be moved forward from that location. Using the '68-'71 big block engine mount brackets are a simple bolt in way to accomplish that. The reproduction '68-'71 big block engine mounts are a bit spendy but the standard small block mounts will work. They just are not as durable under hard use.

[nibulus]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

That is a factory '63-'66 engine mount bracket for the 230/250 I6 and all small blocks. If you want to avoid modifying the firewall, a big block needs to be moved forward from that location. ...

Thank you sir. That is exactly my issue. The left cylinder bank already (slightly) rubs against the firewall, which I want to clear.

I'll have a look at the options.

[Captainfab]

You can also use the engine mount brackets and related components from a '73-'87 C20 or C30. They will require trimming the top flange of the frame in the engine compartment, which often needs done for exhaust manifold or header clearance anyway.