No vehicles had the original 396 after 1969, with the exception of the Chevy C/K trucks, which had it until 1970. From 396 to 402 cidīeginning in 1970, Chevy decided to bore the 396 out to make a total displacement of 402 cid. Making the inaugural 396 big block from 1965, the L78, the most powerful production 396 ever. Interestingly, while the original L78 396 big block made 425 horsepower, no other 396 topped 375 horsepower during the remaining production run. In addition to powering Camaros and Chevelles, Chevy also used the 396 in the Impala, Biscayne, Bel Air, and others. In all, Chevy created seven different 396 variants: the 元4, 元5, 元7, L66, L78, L89, and LS-3.įrom the beginning, Chevy used the 396 big block as a workhorse. There was also the even less powerful 元5, which made an entry-level 325 horsepower. The L78 made an incredible 425 horsepower, while the 元7 made a still respectable 350 horsepower. Chevy gave the ‘Vette the L78 version, while they gave the Z16 Chevelle the slightly less powerful 元7. Chevy also introduced the 366 big block, which was basically a debored 396.įor 1965, Chevy put the 396 big block in both the Corvette and Z16 Chevelle. These new V8s were known as Chevy Rat Motors, to contrast with the small blocks that were known as Mouse Motors. Chevy based the new 396 on both the outgoing first generation big block 409 and 427, as well as the Mystery Motor they used for racing in 1963. Chevy 396/402 Big Block Performance UpgradesĬhevrolet introduced the Mark IV generation of their big block engine in 1965 with the 396 V8.Chevy 元4, L78, and LS-3 Engines – 402 Big Blocks.Chevy L78, L89, and LS-3 Engines – 396 Big Blocks.Chevy 元4, 元5, 元7, and L66 Engines – 396 Big Blocks.Chevy 396 Big Block Cranks, Carbs, and the 402.Chevy 396 and 402 Big Block Vehicle Applications.Credit: Haggerty/YouTube Table of Contents Let’s take a deeper look at its history, performance, common problems, and reliability. While it is not as sought out as its larger big block brother the 427, or its small block cousin the 350, the Chevy 396 big block is still a great engine for both reliability and performance builds. Known for its thunderous output, stout reliability, and solid design, Chevy’s 396 big block has maintained its status as a top dog, even though it hasn’t been put in a production vehicle since the early 1970s.Ĭhevy bored out the 396 cid to 402 cid starting in 1970, though most cars still retained the 396 badging. During its production run, it appeared in Camaros, Chevelles, El Caminos, and even briefly in the Corvette. Since its initial release in 1965, the Chevy 396 big block has been one of the top racing engines available.

1967 el camino specifications