How did the 396 big block engine get its name?

Big blocks are named after the size of their displacement as measured in cubic inches (e.g., 350, 396, 440 and so on). It is easy to identify a 396 Big Block engine made by Chevy as the engine code is stamped above the timing chain cover.

When did the Chevy 396 engine come out?

Chevrolet developed its big block 396-cubic-inch V8 engine in response to the big engines powering the Oldsmobile 4-4-2 and Pontiac GTO. Beginning in 1965, the 396 engines powered Chevelles, Corvettes and El Caminos. Chevy phased out the 396 in 1969.

Where is the timing chain on a 396 big block?

Open the hood of the engine compartment and locate the timing chain cover at the front of the engine. The timing chain cover is on the front of the engine block, above where the crank shaft connects to the drive belt pulleys, and it looks like a small dinner plate attached to the block.

How do you clean a 396 big block engine?

Spray the top of the timing chain cover and the area of the engine block directly above it with a spray engine degreaser. Wait a minute or two for the degreaser to begin loosening the engine grime. Wipe the degreaser off the engine block and timing chain cover with a clean rag.

What’s the crank trigger number on a big block Chevy?

Ninety percent of you are perfectly served with the first option, especially if the car is driven on the street, and the crank trigger option number-2 is good for the 9 percent of you racing your big-block at the dragstrip with engine speeds up to 8,500 rpm.

What was the displacement of the Chevy 396 in 1970?

Worth noting, for the 1970 model year Chevrolet increased the 396’s displacement to 402 cubic inches using the same increase in bore Hot Rod did for their test. So the L78 396 for 1970 was a 402 V8. The same was true for all other versions of the 396 for 1970. Chevrolet kept the “396” moniker instead of changing it to correct “402”.

What kind of engine does a 396 engine have?

Take that same shortblock, swap on the #063 heads and 4bbl intake and you have the 325 horse engine. Take the 325 horse engine, install the larger (but far too small) hyd hi-perf cam and you have a 396/350 horse. The basic engine is sound.

When did the Chevy L78 396 V8 come out?

The L78 396 made its first appearance during the middle of the 1965 model year in the Chevrolet Corvette and full-size Chevrolet models. Its output was factory rated at 425 gross horsepower and 415 lb-ft of gross torque in 1965. The L78 396 after 1965 would never again be available in the Corvette or any full-size Chevy model.

What is the bore and stroke of a 396 Chevrolet?

Bore/Stroke/Compression. The Chevrolet 396 has a stroke of 3.76 inches and a bore of 4.094 inches . This bore and stroke combination in conjunction with different pistons and cylinders heads produced compression ratios for the 396 ranging from 9.0 to 11.00, again depending on the engine’s intended applications.

What was the last year for a 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.

What year did the 396 come out?

396 Basics The Chevrolet 396 was introduced in 1965 and was based in what was known as the Mark IV block that later became the basis for larger displacement engines. The 396 engine is based on a 90-degree V8 design that uses a camshaft in the center of the block.