I'm considering buying a '65 396 but want to know if the asking price of $800 is reasonable. its been bored .060 and then sat for many years. As a result, a small amount of surface rust has developed, which will need another 0.010 to clean. Boring 0.070 over might sound risky, but i had it sonic tested and the walls are the thickest i've ever seen (over 0.250 on all cylinders). Worth it?

This depends on what you are wanting to do with the motor. If you just want a nice big block, skip this dog and go for a 454. You can most likely find what you are looking for in a salvage yard or elsewhere much cheaper anyway.

If you simply must have a 396 I would look for another one that has more metal to work with.

Just my $.02

Well, with all that said, what would be a reasonable price for a junkyard 454? I'm kinda leary of buying when I can't hear it run. I have been looking on e-bay and I think the prices are out of control!!!

[This message has been edited by cpodeep (edited 11-24-2001).]

You may be looking at one of the thick cylinder 396 blocks. Some of the early 396 castings were the same as the 427 castings. This means they can be boared to 4.250. The 427 and 396 have the same stroke and boaring the block to 4.250 makes it a 427. You can knock out the center freeze plug and try sticking a standard wooden pencil between the cylinders. If it goes it isn't the thick casting. If the pencil won't go it probably is the thick casting.

------------------
'69 RS/SS396 pro street
427/4spd/9"
Byars Performance
High Performance Drive Train Parts And Service
www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead (http://www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead)

I gave $500.00 for my 396 complete, running needing overhaul,never bored.

I believe its one of the 427/396 castings that Big Gearhead is talking about. If it is, is it worth it?

Depends on what else you are getting with it.

------------------
'69 RS/SS396 pro street
427/4spd/9"
Byars Performance
High Performance Drive Train Parts And Service
www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead (http://www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead)

Mr C,
If you run across another one for that price (or close)give me a SHOUT.... Need a big block real bad.

For that price I get the block and a sonic test in my presence, but nothing else. The seller does guarantee the block is not cracked or otherwise defective. I have bought stuff from him in the past, and it was fine, so i do trust him.

Things may be different in your area, but I would not pay over $500.00 for a 454. I wouldn't pay anything close to that for a 396. Just be patient, you'll find a good deal out there.
Rick

Thanks for the input.

CPOdeep same guy I bought 396 from has a 454 if your interested,he wants a little more money for it I think.

Thanks MR C I'll email you.