Air Force putting 396's in G-bodies???

[Mikej89]

You could not buy a 396 "new" in the 80's if they were to use or swap anything it would have been a 454.

I know you couldn't. If you read my full post I said they may of had extra 396's laying around in case the older Elkies blew a motor. Would a fresh 1969 motor still run in 1982 if it had never been used? I've read many articles stating the G-bodies had 396's in them.

 

[TURNA]

The last year for the 396 was 1969 1972 if you count the 402 Highly unlikely they made it to the 80's

But who knows

 

[Mikej89]

The last year for the 396 was 1969 1972 if you count the 402 Highly unlikely they made it to the 80's

But who knows

You wouldn't think so. These cars fascinate me and there isn't much info on the G-body Elkies used... So I thought maybe the air force bought a bunch of 396's in bulk back in the 60s and stuffed them in the G-bodies. Could you bolt a BBC to a metric 200 or 700r4 without massive upgrades?

 

[fleming442]

The only way to know for sure would be talk to someone from the Motor Pool that was at a base where they were used. If they had 396s lying around, why wouldn't they have TH350 or 400s, too?
I think, given the General's fascination with turbos in the early 80s, a turbo 3.8 would have been a more likely power plant.

 

[Ribbedroof]

I think the statement that 5.0 Mustangs killed the Caminos is your answer. I'd bet the Caminos were 305 or 350 powered, low on HP/torque and would bring poor axle ratios to the table.

Yes, you COULD bolt a 396 to a TH200, but it wouldn't be a long term affair.

Lot of logistics problems with BBC swaps in those days...and from an emissions standpoint very problematic, especially given that it was a government agency.

 

[vanrah]

Greetings Guys: I'll try to attach a link http://jalopnik.com/5537629/the-140-mph-chase-cars-of-the-us-air-force
The last I heard was they were using G-8's, but I see from this link that they still have some or a GuTOo in service. If in fact they (Air Force) did install BBC's in G car's that would of been many years ago. And my best guess is they (Air Force) would of asked GM to do it for them?? Take care, Ole' Bob.

 

[TURNA]

Air Force ditched GM and is strictly using Dodge's now.

They are currently testing the Teslas for use.

 

[Jimray23]

The government dont have to adhere to emissions laws either.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J320A using Tapatalk

 

[rogue_ryder]

The government dont have to adhere to emissions laws either.

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It depends. I used to work in a maintenance group for the USGS and I had to take the GOVs to the inspection station for safety and emissions inspections. The true military vehicles even have to be DOT compliant. Although I do believe those never need to pass an emissions test or built EPA compliant.

Before the GTO & G8 the USAF was using the LS1 powered SS & Z28 4th gen Camaros as the chase vehicle.

I could see a stock Gbody really struggling to get up to the U2s landing speeds in the distance required to accurately spot.

 

[CaliWagon83]