Guy Algar reports that the installation of the engine and transmission in the 1970 Chevelle SS went very smoothly. Sometimes it's difficult to fit a big block into an engine compartment with the hood on, but with the years of experience Guy has doing it, we've again managed without a hitch! The Chevy 396 now looks much more at home resting on the motor mounts and bolted up to the transmission. We go into the weekend having discussed a parts list with the owner, and once okay'd we'll proceed with ordering the needed parts so we can get into the next phase of the project.
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| 1970 Chevelle SS with 500 hp 396 |
While the original 396 was designed to produce 375 hp and 415 lb-ft torque, this engine's been upgraded during rebuild and will put out 500 hp! And this is with cast iron heads! Did you know that some versions of the 396 were equipped with four bolt main bearing caps and are very comfortable pushing the upper 6000 rpm range! And the 396 is the precursor to the 402, as the first 402's were bored out 396's!
For those intrigued by the thought of a 396 or 402, our sister newsletter
Classic Car News, will be doing a feature story on the 396 in the next few weeks. Guy will also be sharing his tips on installing a big block engine without removing the hood in a separate article! Hope you tune in!
