How much horsepower does a Chevy 396 big block have?
396 and 402. The 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8 was introduced in the 1965 Corvette as the L78 option and in the Z16 Chevelle as the L37 option. It had a bore x stroke of 4.094 in × 3.760 in (104 mm × 95.5 mm), and produced 375 bhp (380 PS; 280 kW) at 5600 rpm and 415 lb⋅ft (563 N⋅m) of torque at 3600 rpm.
How much power can a 396 make?
The average power numbers from 4,000 to 6,250 rpm (where it carried over 400 lb-ft of torque) were 438 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. While power peaked at a high 6,400 rpm, low-end torque was still plenty respectable with the motor peaking 483 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm.
Is a Chevy 396 a small block?
The Chevy 396 engine is an example of an engine that has a displacement under 400 cubic inches but is considered a “big block” due to its architecture.
Is a 396 SBC a good engine?
At the end of the day the 396 should make as good a top end as a 408 and have a torque output equivalent of about 8 cubes less than a 408. All this comes with greater reliability and a lot less cash investment in the block.
What kind of engine does a Chevy 396 have?
Chevrolet 396 V8 Engine The Chevy 396 V8 was a very important step forward for GM in the battle of the 60s era muscle cars. Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Buick had drawn a lot of attention in 1964 with such muscle cars as the GTO and 442.
What was the last year for the Chevy 396?
The last production year for the 396 was 1969. In 1970 some Chevrolet cars were produced with the 396SS badge but they actually had 402 engines instead of true 396s. Due to the great performance potential of these engines, parts are easily available from most any performance auto parts supplier and usually at reasonable prices.
Why buy a 1964 Chevy 396 V8?
The Chevy 396 V8 was a very important step forward for GM in the battle of the 60s era muscle cars. Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Buick had drawn a lot of attention in 1964 with such muscle cars as the GTO and 442.
When did the Chevelle 396 L78 come out?
Starting in 1966 the L78 396 would receive no changes but now was available only in the Chevelle SS and El Camino. For 1967, the L78’s availability was expanded to the Camaro and for 1968 expanded to the Nova. The 1966-1970 L78’s was factory rated at 375 gross horsepower and 415 lb-ft of gross torque.