FastZ8

im going to be putting together a 396 in a month or so i was just wondering what kind of combinations you guys are running and what works good for for you. Any suggestions on some parts would be great. Im looking to put down around 500rwhp N/A. Thanks

96capricemgr

Your goal is barely attainable for a street car, but grossly unrealistic if you think things like Edelbrock headers and pcmforless are part of the equasion.

What do you want the car to run and why do you think a 396 should be part of the equasion?

FastZ8

thats what my car has now, what i have listed im going with a whole new setup and im building a 396 for it. im asking what kind of setups everyone else is running with a 396

The Engineer

Good heads, there are several options to use (I'm running AFR 195s) and a big HR cam (XFI-292) that will allow the 396 to breath and turn some RPM. Also, don't be afraid to run some compression (12-1, or more). Then some good programming!

WD

The Engineer

And, just what is the issue with PCMforLess programming? Bryan is one of the best! More often than not, dyno tuners can't improve on Byran's mail-order work.

WD

FastZ8

Thanks for that i was looking at those heads actually good to hear they work well. What kinds of goodies do you have in the heads, also what kind of internals are you running with your motor ?

danhr

you question is kinda of *** backwards... u want a 396, but you dont know what direction to take it in.

bigger isn't always better.... a 396 is gonna cut it close to the water jackets imo.

FastZ8

There are many people running very fast and reliable 396 that they drive with no problems. And i know what im building im just looking to see what kind of combos everyone else is running to see how they like it.

96capricemgr

A NA 355 I know if puts down roughly the numbers you want on ported GM castings.

Some guys blindly thow gobs of money at cars picking all the parts that are "supposed" to be the best and in the end guys with much "less" run faster because they do results based research not magazine based. You will get more magazine based(meaning marketing driven" "information" here than you will results based.

pcmforless gets a couple cars done well just enough to perpetuate the myth that he is great. I believe that most dyno tuners can't find any more power than he does but I also KNOW that the dyno is not the best tuning method. I used to use him and had a lot of issues as have friends. One guy just contacted me about changes to make to his engine while he replaces a cracked piston, 14.xx:1 AFR at WOT.

The Engineer

I let Chad Golen do all the hard work with my short-block build up (Chad is the master of the LTX 396). Then I picked all my compnents and did the final assembly.

Also, those "new" Edelbrock LT-4 heads should be about the same as my AFR-195s (same size valves) and they have the small 54cc chambers to keep the compression in the 12s with 0-deck heigth.

Also, I'm running the PAC-1518s in place of the springs that came on the AFRs (they couldn't handle the XFI-292 lift).

I really like my 396 and it appears to be holding up really well. And, cubic inches is your friend with performance!

WD

Kaj

You can run a successful 396. The Engineer is proof of this, don't let people talk you out of what you want to do. As long as you can get decent heads and headwork with a big cam. All the necessary tuning and plumbing for the fuel system, and a way to successfully put the power to the wheels, without sacrificing traction you'll have a good runner.

96capricemgr

Thing is well done 355s are running what 396 supposedly done well run for a LOT less money.

mad95z

396 inches of goodess!!
The extra displacement will allow for more power and torque.
If you got the cash go big or go home! plus its nice to say 396 v.s 355

FastZ8

i totally agree with the 396 guys!! this is what im going to build regardless of what anyone wants to say bad about it. i believe there is alot of very proven reliable combos and hearing people with good sucess stories just makes me want it even more. thanks for all the support guys.

My Red 93Z-28

I'm not calling B.S. but do you have some numbers and timesheets on these? Those won't change the mind of the O.P. but I would like to see them. How many rpms are they turning? What combos are they running?