I have a 69 Camaro that currently has a half way decent built 396 in it. It is backed by a 4 spd T-10, and a 3.90 12 bolt posi. I am going to convert it to a 400 Turbo tranny and a 3500 rpm TCI stall converter. I am really wanting to spice up the power, and am considering building a 427. I am considering finding a bare 454 block and using all my new parts, exc. pistons, cam, etc. My rods are all rebuilt, the crank is balanced, and everything is brand new. I have a set of closed chamber, ported heads, with new 2.19/1.88" GM Performance Take out valves---at 3.95 a valve, I had to try them. Anyway, I am wanting more power, even though the 396 has plenty of power, you can never have enough. I was wondering if this swap would be worth the extra money, or should I juice up the 396?, such as roller cam, etc. Or 468 cubes!!!!????

I love 427s but there is no substitute for inches if you can use them. If you don't have some chassis mods to hook up the extra torque use the 427.

What are your goals? A hot street car ? Street/ strip? You can get 475 HP out of a 396/402 and still have a steertable ride.Plus there is always N2O.


A 427 will give you about 35-40 HP more an identicle 396/402.
Some of the gain is from the extra couple of cubes and some from the better breathing because of the larger bore.

Considering the extra cost ( gaskets, block, rebalance, pistons ) is it realy worth it?