396 stroker - pros / cons
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Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2006
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From: Forest VA
396 stroker - pros / cons
For those who have done the 383 stroker build why would you not have stroked your motor to a 396? 396 Kits are available. What are the pros and cons of going to a 396?
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
The pros are that it cost the same if you are using a forged rotating kit. I have the block at the shop getting a blueprint and bore to 4.040 for 398 ci. 6 inch rod. this is drag race motor with domed pistons. The final compression is going to be 13.2. It will be a good time motor EDL VJ heads electric water pump two inch primary headers
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Forest VA
I am planning on mostly street use only / some highway - definitely not for drag race use - no high RPMs - is this overkill. Looking at 30 overbore - with this stroke will the RPMS required be higher with this motor?
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
The pros are that it cost the same if you are using a forged rotating kit. I have the block at the shop getting a blueprint and bore to 4.040 for 398 ci. 6 inch rod. this is drag race motor with domed pistons. The final compression is going to be 13.2. It will be a good time motor EDL VJ heads electric water pump two inch primary headers
I don't believe there are any downsides to building a 396 vs a 383, besides costs. I have a running 396 (not in the car yet) and am very pleased with the outcome. The additional clearancing is minimal & the forged kit gives you plenty of leeway for nitrous, etc.
Besides you can get 396 emblems to put on the hood if you wish.
Last edited by ratflinger; Oct 23, 2007 at 07:50 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: New Baden Illinois
I went with the 383 because of cost. I got the cast crank with the hyper pistons. You can only get the 396 in a forged setup. If you are going forged anyway, it costs about the same for a 396 setup.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
One of the biggest Pro's about 396 is the additional free TQ that comes with extra ci. It is @20 foot pounds over a 383 and about 60 more than 350.
So when air resistance goes up as speed increases the big ci motor can still accelerate.
So when air resistance goes up as speed increases the big ci motor can still accelerate.
