Opinions please, 396 or 327 for my 65 coupe
05-23-2007, 08:19 PM
#1
Le Mans Master
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Opinions please, 396 or 327 for my 65 coupe
I have a local guy that build engines and he can put together a 396 big block, total rebuilt, all new parts for around $2K. Yep, $2K! Can even get me correct date castings within a couple months. I already have the 327/365 block, crank and heads but not sure I want to put them in the car. If I can get a complete 396, what would it take to swap it out including bell housing etc? Motor mounts etc. ? Worth the time, trouble, and expense? My car is an original 327/365 car but I just kind of drool thinking of a 396 motor in it. Give me some opinions please! 
Thanks,
Ken
Thanks,
Ken
05-23-2007, 08:35 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
If you install a 396 you will have to get a different rad and shroud, an intake, new head pipes for the exhaust, you would most likely want to put the correct style rear end in the car to name a few of the expenses that go along with installing a BB.
I like BB's but a built SB is fine for me.
just my 2
oWEN
I like BB's but a built SB is fine for me.
just my 2
oWEN
05-23-2007, 08:42 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
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If you install a 396 you will have to get a different rad and shroud, an intake, new head pipes for the exhaust, you would most likely want to put the correct style rear end in the car to name a few of the expenses that go along with installing a BB.
I like BB's but a built SB is fine for me.
just my 2
oWEN
I like BB's but a built SB is fine for me.
just my 2
oWEN
I know intake, exhaust manifold, I have 2 1/2" side pipes. Have the Dewitt's aluminum radiator. Would I really need a new radiator and shroud? I have the 3.70 rear end, so would need new half shafts? Driveline? U-joints etc.? If this is a major project, think I will stick with the small block.
Thanks,
Ken
05-23-2007, 08:47 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
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I'd go crate bb 502 or if i had the 12K$$ i'd go the 572 bb crate motor--save the 327 for someone else or when you sell it--The 502 is an easier swap with a warrenty also--Just my thoughts Ken--Glenn 
05-23-2007, 08:52 PM
#5
Le Mans Master
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This motor is only $2K. Yes, a 572 would be nice but way too much money. For $2K I would be willing to changes some stuff over. Unless of course you want to chip in and help a fellow vette owner out!
05-23-2007, 08:56 PM
#6
Racer
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What you need depends on what you want to do. If you are interested in cloning a factory car this peoject gets much more complicated. If you want an operational 396 in your Vette the task is much easier.
At minimum you need all the accessory brackets ( none of them will transfer from the small block), a new radiator, new exhaust manifolds and new side pipes (not covers). Your alternator and distrib. will work. Some minor wiring changes will be needed to connect the 396 alternator at its new location to the 327 wiring harness because the 396 alternator is on the other side of the engine.
On the bellhousing ...you need the matching bellhousing to the clutch you are currently running. All 327 bells will fit all BB Chevy engines and vice versa. Forget 454's the rotating clutch parts from you SBC will swap but won't work but you are not fooling with a 454 anyway. You can swap the clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, starter and disc from the 327 to the 396. All the pieces will transefer AS A SET from the SBC to the BBC.
Along with the radiator mentioned above you will need correct BBC radiator hoses to make this work. You also need a BBC SHORT water pump. Minor item here is you will need a couple piecs of linkage from the clutch pedal to the throwout bearing fork.
This covers most of it just remember this is the minimum for the transplant. Some guys will say change the fuel line to a bigger one, change the rear end, add a rear sway bar and god knows what else. I am telling you most of what you need to make it work NOT what you need to make you car match an original BBC powered Vette.
Oh yeah if you don't have a BBC hood and you want the high rise manifold you need a new 66 or 67 hood. You can avoid the new hood issue by using the low rise intake from a cowl induction Chevelle (HoLLEY carb) or a low risr cast iron Q-Jet carb and manifold from any BBC
At minimum you need all the accessory brackets ( none of them will transfer from the small block), a new radiator, new exhaust manifolds and new side pipes (not covers). Your alternator and distrib. will work. Some minor wiring changes will be needed to connect the 396 alternator at its new location to the 327 wiring harness because the 396 alternator is on the other side of the engine.
On the bellhousing ...you need the matching bellhousing to the clutch you are currently running. All 327 bells will fit all BB Chevy engines and vice versa. Forget 454's the rotating clutch parts from you SBC will swap but won't work but you are not fooling with a 454 anyway. You can swap the clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, starter and disc from the 327 to the 396. All the pieces will transefer AS A SET from the SBC to the BBC.
Along with the radiator mentioned above you will need correct BBC radiator hoses to make this work. You also need a BBC SHORT water pump. Minor item here is you will need a couple piecs of linkage from the clutch pedal to the throwout bearing fork.
This covers most of it just remember this is the minimum for the transplant. Some guys will say change the fuel line to a bigger one, change the rear end, add a rear sway bar and god knows what else. I am telling you most of what you need to make it work NOT what you need to make you car match an original BBC powered Vette.
Oh yeah if you don't have a BBC hood and you want the high rise manifold you need a new 66 or 67 hood. You can avoid the new hood issue by using the low rise intake from a cowl induction Chevelle (HoLLEY carb) or a low risr cast iron Q-Jet carb and manifold from any BBC
Last edited by hpexpatriot; 05-23-2007 at 09:01 PM.
05-23-2007, 09:06 PM
#7
Melting Slicks
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502 ci 502 hp 567 lbs torque is $7699.00 from gilbert chevy (the old Sallee Chevy) assembled complete--Ok more than 2k$$ but the smile on your face will be worth so much more--Oh and Gilbert is 100 miles from my house--They have a dyno shop and can do almost anything you want to a motor--bad part-
-my wife won't let me go in with the check book--you see they have about a dozen engines on display and for sale--along with all the goodies to go with them- -It's only money buddy you cannot take it or the Vette with you-
--Glenn Ps IF you come up to pick one up swing by my place for a BEER--Heck i have Elk steaks to go with it if you'll let me drool over the new engine??
-my wife won't let me go in with the check book--you see they have about a dozen engines on display and for sale--along with all the goodies to go with them- -It's only money buddy you cannot take it or the Vette with you- --Glenn Ps IF you come up to pick one up swing by my place for a BEER--Heck i have Elk steaks to go with it if you'll let me drool over the new engine??
Last edited by Glenn's 67 BB Vert; 05-23-2007 at 09:09 PM. Reason: splin
05-23-2007, 09:06 PM
#8
Le Mans Master
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What you need depends on what you want to do. If you are interested in cloning a factory car this peoject gets much more complicated. If you want an operational 396 in your Vette the task is much easier.
At minimum you need all the accessory brackets ( none of them will transfer from the small block), a new radiator, new exhaust manifolds and new side pipes (not covers). Your alternator and distrib. will work. Some minor wiring changes will be needed to connect the 396 alternator at its new location to the 327 wiring harness because the 396 alternator is on the other side of the engine.
On the bellhousing ...you need the matching bellhousing to the clutch you are currently running. All 327 bells will fit all BB Chevy engines and vice versa. Forget 454's the rotating clutch parts from you SBC will swap but won't work but you are not fooling with a 454 anyway. You can swap the clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, starter and disc from the 327 to the 396. All the pieces will transefer AS A SET from the SBC to the BBC.
Along with the radiator mentioned above you will need correct BBC radiator hoses to make this work. You also need a BBC SHORT water pump. Minor item here is you will need a couple piecs of linkage from the clutch pedal to the throwout bearing fork.
This covers most of it just remember this is the minimum for the transplant. Some guys will say change the fuel line to a bigger one, change the rear end, add a rear sway bar and god knows what else. I am telling you most of what you need to make it work NOT what you need to make you car match an original BBC powered Vette.
Oh yeah if you don't have a BBC hood and you want the high rise manifold you need a new 66 or 67 hood. You can avoid the new hood issue by using the low rise intake from a cowl induction Chevelle (HoLLEY carb) or a low risr cast iron Q-Jet carb and manifold from any BBC
At minimum you need all the accessory brackets ( none of them will transfer from the small block), a new radiator, new exhaust manifolds and new side pipes (not covers). Your alternator and distrib. will work. Some minor wiring changes will be needed to connect the 396 alternator at its new location to the 327 wiring harness because the 396 alternator is on the other side of the engine.
On the bellhousing ...you need the matching bellhousing to the clutch you are currently running. All 327 bells will fit all BB Chevy engines and vice versa. Forget 454's the rotating clutch parts from you SBC will swap but won't work but you are not fooling with a 454 anyway. You can swap the clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, starter and disc from the 327 to the 396. All the pieces will transefer AS A SET from the SBC to the BBC.
Along with the radiator mentioned above you will need correct BBC radiator hoses to make this work. You also need a BBC SHORT water pump. Minor item here is you will need a couple piecs of linkage from the clutch pedal to the throwout bearing fork.
This covers most of it just remember this is the minimum for the transplant. Some guys will say change the fuel line to a bigger one, change the rear end, add a rear sway bar and god knows what else. I am telling you most of what you need to make it work NOT what you need to make you car match an original BBC powered Vette.
Oh yeah if you don't have a BBC hood and you want the high rise manifold you need a new 66 or 67 hood. You can avoid the new hood issue by using the low rise intake from a cowl induction Chevelle (HoLLEY carb) or a low risr cast iron Q-Jet carb and manifold from any BBC
I am not trying to make this a BB car. That is why I will keep the 327/365 motor. Would just like to run the 396 and keep the 327/365 and original parts if I ever decide to sell or change back to original. But I don't want to make any changes I don't have to. That way I can switch back to the original configuration whenever I want but have a BB to play with! or NO?
05-23-2007, 09:13 PM
#9
Burning Brakes
If you want to drive your car,enjoy your car and have fun with your car, put the small block in it. Just my 2 cents. Or should I say just the $6.79 per gallon of race gas it takes to make my 396 run the way it should. If you drive a BB regulary like I do it gets expensive but Big Blocks Rule and are just plan bad @$$. I have a small block in my pick-up !
05-23-2007, 09:32 PM
#10
Le Mans Master
There is no way I would put a 396 in anything.
The bore is too small.
A 454 block, new pistons, and the 396 crank and rods, you now have a 427.
Bigger bore = more horsepower for little money. 
I would use a 396 as a boat anchor. About all they a worth to me.
The bore is too small.
A 454 block, new pistons, and the 396 crank and rods, you now have a 427.
Bigger bore = more horsepower for little money. I would use a 396 as a boat anchor. About all they a worth to me.
Maybe I am just missing the boat?
05-23-2007, 09:38 PM
#12
Racer
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If you want to drive your car,enjoy your car and have fun with your car, put the small block in it. Just my 2 cents. Or should I say just the $6.79 per gallon of race gas it takes to make my 396 run the way it should. If you drive a BB regulary like I do it gets expensive but Big Blocks Rule and are just plan bad @$$. I have a small block in my pick-up !
This swap is not a big deal and is more about torque than horespower. The 327 / 365 HP engines are nototious for their lack of low end grunt. Any BBC ..396 / 427 / 454 with low compression in the 9.10 to 10.2 / 1 ratio range is likely to produce more torque than the 327 / 365. It is all a matter of what the guy wants. Horsepower is not the real issue on the street...... torque is the issue for fun on the street. The SBC 365 HP motor he has already requires High test gas and produces less torque than the 396 would at the same RPM. Add in todays cam technology and the 396 might be a real hoot as far as low end power and mid range power.
If this is about low end grunt on the street, on regular gas the 396 is a better option if the 396 has the right guts inside. Even if the issue is horsepower and gas is not an issue the 396 can be EASILY built to make more HP and Torque than the 327. Given that the 327 alreay needs high test the issue of gas is a moot point. The 396 will produce a little less milage per gallon BUT the power produced perm gallon could be worth the extra gas.
Last edited by hpexpatriot; 05-23-2007 at 09:49 PM.
05-23-2007, 09:40 PM
#13
Le Mans Master
05-23-2007, 09:44 PM
#16
Le Mans Master
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He does not mention the compression ratio of the 396. Race gas might not be an issue. Assumptions that the 396 will have high compression might be incorrect. If this engine has 10 / 1 compression it ca easily run todays High Test. Also...the 327 365 he already has might require more octane than the 396.
This swap is not a big deal and is more about torque than horespower. The 327 / 365 HP engines are nototious for their lack of low end grunt. Any BBC ..396 / 427 / 454 with low compression in the 9.10 to 10.2 / 1 ratio range is likely to produce more torque than the 327 / 365. It is all a matter of what the guy wants. Horsepower is not the real issue on the..... street torque is. The SBC 365 HP motor already requires High test gas and produces less torque than the 396 will. If this is about low end grunt on the street on regular gas the 396 is a better option if the 396 has the right guts inside.
This swap is not a big deal and is more about torque than horespower. The 327 / 365 HP engines are nototious for their lack of low end grunt. Any BBC ..396 / 427 / 454 with low compression in the 9.10 to 10.2 / 1 ratio range is likely to produce more torque than the 327 / 365. It is all a matter of what the guy wants. Horsepower is not the real issue on the..... street torque is. The SBC 365 HP motor already requires High test gas and produces less torque than the 396 will. If this is about low end grunt on the street on regular gas the 396 is a better option if the 396 has the right guts inside.
05-23-2007, 09:49 PM
#17
Le Mans Master
05-23-2007, 09:52 PM
#18
Le Mans Master
05-23-2007, 09:52 PM
#19
Team Owner
Ken
Don't let the 2K engine cloud your vision. My 66 had a 350 and I swapped it over to a 427 and it cost 10K.
Don't let the 2K engine cloud your vision. My 66 had a 350 and I swapped it over to a 427 and it cost 10K.
