396 small block
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 1
From: OKC Oklahoma
396 small block
Hi gang,
I have a 1970 Monte Carlo with the original 300hp/350 motor. I have the parts for a 396 small block build, but am concerned with wear and tear as a daily driver. I didn't want to really put this combo in my daily driver- I had intended to install the 396 into my Vette, but am kinda juggling projects. I already have a 377(383, but with a new standard bore GM block) short block built that was going into the Monte, but then I'd be inclined to build the Monte motor for the Vette and do not want to do that. ANYWAY, The 396 assembly would be going into the Monte Carlo and will be driven every day. I know that the huge stroke will be stretching the limits of a GM block. I already have a forged Eagle crank, Eagle 6" H beam rods, Keith Black pistons, Total Seal rings and Clevite bearings. The heads are 190cc Pro Comp aluminum with an Air Gap intake and a mild Howards Cam(225/235 @ .050 with about .470 lift on a 112LSA. I know that is a small cam, but the 396 parts were originally going into the Vette with a roller cam and bigger heads.
It is what it is......the bottom line is this: Will I only get 20,000 miles out of this motor because of the side wall wear? I don't brutalize motors, but I will definately get on it some.
I have a 1970 Monte Carlo with the original 300hp/350 motor. I have the parts for a 396 small block build, but am concerned with wear and tear as a daily driver. I didn't want to really put this combo in my daily driver- I had intended to install the 396 into my Vette, but am kinda juggling projects. I already have a 377(383, but with a new standard bore GM block) short block built that was going into the Monte, but then I'd be inclined to build the Monte motor for the Vette and do not want to do that. ANYWAY, The 396 assembly would be going into the Monte Carlo and will be driven every day. I know that the huge stroke will be stretching the limits of a GM block. I already have a forged Eagle crank, Eagle 6" H beam rods, Keith Black pistons, Total Seal rings and Clevite bearings. The heads are 190cc Pro Comp aluminum with an Air Gap intake and a mild Howards Cam(225/235 @ .050 with about .470 lift on a 112LSA. I know that is a small cam, but the 396 parts were originally going into the Vette with a roller cam and bigger heads.
It is what it is......the bottom line is this: Will I only get 20,000 miles out of this motor because of the side wall wear? I don't brutalize motors, but I will definately get on it some.
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
Originally Posted by 79VetteMike
I know that the huge stroke will be stretching the limits of a GM block.
Actually you can fit a 4.00 crank in, so the block isn't streched to the max. I am also building a 396, with the Eagle forged kit. I am interesed in anyone's opinion.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 2
From: Austin TX
If it's thrust wear of the piston against the cylinder wall that you're worried about because of the longer stroke, then look at the rod ratio (rod length to stroke). With your 6" rod and 3.875" stroke your rod ratio is 1.55 (roughly). The rod ratio on a 454 is 1.53, and the rod ratio on a small block 400 from the factory is 1.48. These are factory configurations, so I don't think you need to be concerned, and I wouldn't be worried about a sbc 396 as a daily driver.
Dan
Dan
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 1
From: OKC Oklahoma
Originally Posted by ratflinger
Are your H-beam K cut? As long as everything is forged then it will handle any abuse you give it.
