1986 El Camino engine swapping question

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

Don't forget the cost of a fuel system too, and little things like wiring, hoses, a bigger radiator and cooling system, etc. will all make it pricey. Frankly, you would have been better off with a 406 than a 396 since it is a direct bolt in and has 4 more ci than the typical .030 over 396 ( 402). You will also need stiffer springs for the added big block heft, and depending on the intake and carb may need a cowl hood as well. Then there is the alignment, and the cost of rebuilding the front end. Plus, have you priced a good rear axle for a G body? It starts at $600 and goes up from there.

 

[Tuggy24g]

Hey guys thanks a lots for all your help. You really saved me a ton!

 

[Vern]

Takeing everything 85 Cutty said into consideration and the fact that I like the 400 for a street car. I will take the 396 everytime.

"The power is in the heads" the big block has better heads hands down. Which means you can make the same or more power with less cam. Strength and durability starts with the block, the 396 has it all over the relatively flimsy 400. Yes you have more weight to contend with are you thinking of turning this Elco into a slalum racer?

 

[Tuggy24g]

Well I want to be able to take it to car shows, race it every now and then, and cruise with it. The 305 I feel is not wroth fixing up at all. I will put in the same amount of money I could put towards a new engine. Also I know in the future I will need to upgrade all those parts (rear end, shocks, radiator, fuel lines, heads, ect..) regardless so getting it done sooner is no big deal for me.

Also I got my 396 for 3000 and I was shocked the guy sold it so cheap!!!

 

[Elky 83]

Of course you could re - sell it and build a 383. You would get between 400 and 450hp and it would fit alot better in the Elky. I have a 350 putting out around 400 hp and have a Ford 9" with posi and disk breaks to go in when it gets a little cooler down here in Texas, and have run it pretty hard with my 7.5 with 373 gears and it has held up surprisingly well.

 

[Tuggy24g]

Everyone told me to just go for a small block and you will save your self so much trouble. Well I was thinking I will need a new rear end, suspension, fuel line, radiator eventually. So if I get a big block in there, then I will have tons of HP and all the new parts that would of eventually need the future.

 

[megaladon6]

if you want really good handling, go with a small block. if you're showing off and occasionally at the drag strip-you have the BBC, you might as well use it.
as to transmission? a properly built 200r4 will hold up to BB power (especially the 396-not the most powerful motor) and the th-350 will easily take it. you do not need a th40, they're really a truck transmission and overkill for a car.
do you know how the engine was built? what cam, compression, etc? or if it's just stock, what car it's from? some of them were REALLY wimpy.

 

[Tuggy24g]

Well from what I was told it came from a 1968 Chevelle and he told me it had around 540hp. He also said he spent over 8 grand in parts

 

[midwestls]

More work, definatly, but big blocks are just cool 😀

 

[1981ElCamino]

Put some big block headers and the mounts and drop it in. A lot of people use the original springs (even if it is for a V-6) for the strip. It does not cost 5 thousand like everyone is saying and it will do fine with a strong TH350. You also gave no specs on this 396, but based on the price it should be making about 500 horse power right?