396 Lt1
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 1
From: OKC Oklahoma
I'm not aware of where you can find a "bare 396" small block. I have a 396 sbc stroker crank(for a two piece seal), connecting rods and pistons. It's very difficult to find much info on 396 small blocks, but the September Chevy High Performance has one built by Larry's Performance. The heads that they use are kind of crappy-trust me I have a set. They are the "Pro Comp" heads. They require ALOT of work just to even make them look decent. Anyway, there are few manufacturers that make the cranks. I got a forged Eagle crank. The pistons I bought are Keith Black hypers made for a 6.2" connecting rod 350. The deck heights are the same, so I figure they will work. I do not have a block yet, but I imagine the clearancing gets kinda hairy. There are a few people here that have done a 396, so you may get some help.
I guess I got off on a tangent....The 396 is a 350 block bored .030" with a 3.875" stroke crank.
I guess I got off on a tangent....The 396 is a 350 block bored .030" with a 3.875" stroke crank.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by 79VetteMike
The 396 is a 350 block bored .030" with a 3.875" stroke crank.
I built a 388 stroker recently with an idea that CFI-EFI gave to me. I used a 3.80" stroke crank and pistons with a comp. height for a 3.75" stroke. This virtually zero decks the pistons w/o any block cutting. With an .039" gasket I ended up with a very nice .041" quench. Some block clearancing was needed but it's not difficult, I did it myself.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 1
From: OKC Oklahoma
Originally Posted by sonomacrew01
I'd like to see 450-475 streetable hp. Is it do-able in a stroked 383 LT1?
Last edited by 79VetteMike; Jul 18, 2006 at 10:22 PM.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by sonomacrew01
I'd like to see 450-475 streetable hp. Is it do-able in a stroked 383 LT1?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,367
Likes: 1,593
From: Western NY
There's an engine shop that has been featured in GM High Tech performance by the name of Golen Engine Service, or something like that. They're located in the New England area. They build 396 LT-1 "crate motors".
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis MO
Just purchased my 383 short block from Golen - great service and a terrific looking piece of work. Engine is completely built, and hanging from an engine stand in the garage....waiting for installation in the Vette tomorrow. I'll let you know how she runs once we build a fire in her. 
