396 super stock engine developtment
 

Hi again! We are in the planning phase of our new venture into the super stock ranks, this question is about how competitive the 375 hp 396 combo is, we have a good selection of castings for a motor like this, and were wondering about the pro's and cons (extra weight?) or higher class? with our car, the former Yves Perigny 69 camaro convertible.
Any insight would be welcomed, the choices are a bit overwhelming at the moment!
Bill

Re: 396 super stock engine developtment
 

It just depends on how much you want to spend. I can see a SS 396-375 motor costing between 30 and 40k if you want to run decent and I'm not talking about a 1.20 under motor.

Re: 396 super stock engine developtment
 

Bill

I'm sure you will get lots of opinions but I will give you one more. Seeing as you are in Canada I'd be calling the Armstrong brothers. They have proven to be one of the best with the BBC and are right here in Canada. They are honest and fair. If you have any other questions feel free to reach out

Mark

Re: 396 super stock engine developtment
 

Great advice !

Re: 396 super stock engine developtment
 

Run the 401 aluminum head, the cast iron heads are way more trouble.

My 396/375 runs around 0.9 under (9.45-9.50 in SS/EA) at over 142 MPH, with Kevin Cradduck driving. We have not had time to sort it out. The car had severe 4 link problems, it went that quick with a 1.34 60' time, and it should have a 60' time around 1.22-1.24. The 4 link has been repaired, and we've updated the engine. We go to the dyno again in about 3 weeks. My engine has Jimmy Bridges heads, intake, and Quick Fuel carburetor, on my shortblock. It is not a max effort engine. It's in an old school 69 Camaro that belongs to Scot LaMar.

Re: 396 super stock engine developtment
 

The 69 Convertible is a natural SS/G car....Many believe that you can run it is "E" but it doesn't fit. IMO, your car is not a good fit with the 375 HP engine....I would look into the 325.

Re: 396 super stock engine developtment
 

WOW,how in the world could a 396 SS motor cost $40,000.00?

Re: 396 super stock engine developtment
 

As Burt Reynolds said in Smokey and the Bandit, speed costs money, how fast do you want to go?

I can show you where the money goes.

You pay for a lot more than parts and labor, you pay for what people spent years learning.

Re: 396 super stock engine developtment
 

Wow my first engine a 327/275 engine I paid 7500.00 for and went a best of -.78 under. Not lighting the world on fire but not bad for the money I spent.

Re: 396 super stock engine developtment
 

Looking at this from the point of:
You have a pretty good old stocker motor laying around. Put a roller and a good manifold on it. Engine should make enough power to create an entry level SS car. I'm talking about 2 to 3 tenths under, and there are not a whole bunch of cars in those classes, SS/EA, and SS/FA.