early 65 396

[veltex]

This may be the wrong board but since it was in my truck it kind of applies, switching from 396 to 454, just to start over, the thing is the 396 which runs fine turns out to be a March 1965 block, not the high horse version but just a 325hp, does this have any more value than the run of the mill BBC? Any thoughts on value for running core long block? I probably will keep it for a while, but may sell. thanks all

[Bowtie67]

It probally does, There wasn't to many things that had the 396 in them in 65 and I beleive the first year of the 396 was in 64, If your switching the engine only because it was rated at 325 horse all you need for that is a better cam like the 390 horse cam from a 427. I would think it would get far better gas milage than that 454 your thinking of putting in. JMO

[veltex]

thanks, unfortunatly it isnt about mileage, its about towing, and starting with a fresh motor that I know the details of, and that I can count on for several years (no flat cams!!), I dont mind having an extra motor lying around, this 396 was in a passenger car with an automatic, I figure its got to be an SS Impala, but who knows? I dont think production cars had a 396 until 65, but I am no expert maybe someone who is can help here.

[veltex]

Oh, and also its too late, 454 is in and should be on the road by tonight if all goes well, yee haa

[Olden Days]

I know they were in some "rare" 65 chevelles too. I would guess that motor would be worth a lot to the right person. I also believe 65 was the first year in production cars.

[72C203503ONTHETREE]

The only cars that got the 396 were the Vette and ther Z16 option Malibu SS, and halfway through the year the Impala SS got it, which yours is I'm sure. The early Impalas still came with the 409. If your 396 has an iron intake and Q Jet its a Impala engine. The Vette and Malibu 396 had the high rise dual plane aluminum intake. Still a good engine though, keep it. No cars had the Mark IV big block until 65. Chevy did try running it in 64 in a race car and was called the mystery motor. If you get a cam for the 396, make sure you get the correct version. The 65 and 66 big blocks used a different cam than the following years, the rear cam journals are different. If you put a newer style cam in, you will need to install a rear cam bearing for a 67 up engine, then it will be fine.

[Pont]

72C203503ONTHETREE is right on the money to the best of my knowledge. However, not all Malibu SS 396's had the aluminum intake. I have a 396 out of a 66 Malibu SS that has a factory iron intake that is not the spreadbore design. It's a square flange for the Holley and is stamped "Holley" on the intake. All in all, that engine is worth some money, definitely to someone wanting to restore a 65 Chevelle SS.