[lleclair]

Hi everyone, I'm brand new here and just had a question.

Could you fit a 396 in a stock 3rd gen Camaro, would the engine mounts be compatible and would it fit without breaking or damaging anything. I got offered a roller 3rd gen by a guy and he says he has a 396 for it, I'm not particularly familiar with chevy in general and figured I should ask online before even considering it.

I can get exact year, spec, transmission, etc if it helps. Also the year of the engine.

 

[396 SS/RS]

That would be different. Mike check outThirdGen.org!

How To Install A Big Block Chevy Engine Into A Third-Gen! - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

 

[67econobox]

they do fit. I had a 532 big block in an 87 Trans Am for may years. I still have some of the conversion parts. A 396 hardly seems worth the effort. A healthy 383 small block will make the same (if not more) power and pretty much bolt in.

 

[396 SS/RS]

I agree with 67econobox. However, if I was going to go with a BB I would drop in a 454 instead as there more plentiful, likely cheaper and more bolt on options for more power.

 

[lleclair]

they do fit. I had a 532 big block in an 87 Trans Am for may years. I still have some of the conversion parts. A 396 hardly seems worth the effort. A healthy 383 small block will make the same (if not more) power and pretty much bolt in. View attachment 317683

I mean if I could find a 454 maybe I'd do it, and it'd mount right up if I did?

 

[lleclair]

I agree with 67econobox. However, if I was going to go with a BB I would drop in a 454 instead as there more plentiful, likely cheaper and more bolt on options for more power.

True, but the motor would be included in the deal which is why I asked about it. I just have no idea what would be compatible with the current mounts.

 

[67econobox]

True, but the motor would be included in the deal which is why I asked about it. I just have no idea what would be compatible with the current mounts.

There is no difference in the external block size of a 396 or 454. Even my current 565 has the same external size. They are what is called short deck 9.8” blocks. I have a bored and stroked 496 motor that is built 454. The point I was making is that you need to establish what kind of power you want. A 396 involves the same parts and cost as a 454/496/500+ motor. It is all about power to cost. Spend wisely.

 

[lleclair]

There is no difference in the external block size of a 396 or 454. Even my current 565 has the same external size. They are what is called short deck 9.8” blocks. I have a bored and stroked 496 motor that is built 454. The point I was making is that you need to establish what kind of power you want. A 396 involves the same parts and cost as a 454/496/500+ motor. It is all about power to cost. Spend wisely.

I didn't know that, thanks. Well I know the stock trans wont be able to handle a huge motor or anything, if I beat on it enough with the 396 it might even break down as it is. The 396 is coming with the car, along with the parts needed for the swap. I'm not trying to build a racecar or anything, just interested in getting it running again.

How do you think a 396 would perform in it, those old Camaros are fairly light, and I mean I'm hoping a 6.5 would be more than enough have some fun with. As cool as a true BB would be it would just be more spending.

 

[copo9560]

Do you have any details on the 396? GM mad a lot of different versions, with the L78 being at the top performance wise.

An all iron BB will fit in the Gen 3 but front springs are going to need some help to control the weight added.

 

[67econobox]

The gen 3 came with a 700R4. The trans that it came with would be borderline on anything more than stock power. Plan on upgrading it. The issue is the rear suspension has a trailing arm that attaches to the rear of the transmission. You will need to modify or find a replacement for that mount if you change transmissions to another style. the stock engine mounts work. Unless you plan on cutting the hood or doing a bunch of work for a custom air cleaner, you will need to use a low profile intake manifold.

 

[FbodyMike]

You could always negotiate without the motor. Or just sell the motor to someone who actually wants it and get yourself a 350. Someone doing a resto might be interested.

 

[lleclair]

Do you have any details on the 396? GM mad a lot of different versions, with the L78 being at the top performance wise.

An all iron BB will fit in the Gen 3 but front springs are going to need some help to control the weight added.

It's from a 1969 Chevy ss

 

[lleclair]

The gen 3 came with a 700R4. The trans that it came with would be borderline on anything more than stock power. Plan on upgrading it. The issue is the rear suspension has a trailing arm that attaches to the rear of the transmission. You will need to modify or find a replacement for that mount if you change transmissions to another style. the stock engine mounts work. Unless you plan on cutting the hood or doing a bunch of work for a custom air cleaner, you will need to use a low profile intake manifold.

Okay, a hood intake would definitely be something I could do, and if done right might look decent. I was planning on getting the trans swapped as well, but now Ill definitely keep that suspension mount in mind.

 

[lleclair]

You could always negotiate without the motor. Or just sell the motor to someone who actually wants it and get yourself a 350. Someone doing a resto might be interested.

Well I'd be getting this in exchange for a truck. A non running Camaro, a 1969 chevy SS 396, a running Camaro, and all the parts needed for the swap.

Is there something wrong with the 396? I just feel like all I've gotten for responses is that I shouldn't use it, and that I should either go bigger or original.

 

[FbodyMike]

It'll be a little more difficult to fit, heavier, and more expensive for parts if it needs anything. And it won't make any more power than a 383 stroker SBC could achieve.