SamW

I'm doing a project for school on how modern technology can improve an older engine. The engine needs to be stronger and more reliable than what it was stock. I'm considering rebuilding the 400 small block I have or or building a 454. Any ideas off the top of your heads on how modern cylinder heads, intake manifolds, carbs and exhaust affect engines you could share would be great.

SamW

Also, I found a good deal on complete 396 with forged internals and steel crank, I'd just have to replace the top end in order to use it for my project, would this be a good idea? A lot of people say 396's aren't good for anything, but could it make a good 450-500 horsepower?

ulakovic22

iTrader: (12)

a 396 BBC is a good motor and with a steel crank it's a good and cheap place to start. Is this just for a school project or is it going into something afterwards? How modern are you talking about? I mean are you going to convert it to a roller cam? Aluminum heads with revised valve angles are good, intake manifolds haven't really come a long way unless by modern you are going to swap for fuel injection. From the sounds of it you aren't though.

trailwart

whats your parts budget?? that question answered would depend on what way you should go. theres no replacment for displacment. what do you want to accomplish with this engine after the build.. dont do a half *** job on a hp build if the budget isnt there. if there is no budget, get a 305 and a summit build kit for 200$ to get your grade. you just didnt give enough info to asses the situation.

SamW

It's going in a '72 Nova, and I just want it to be a fun ride. I got a budget of around 3 grand, and I already found a couple copmplete engines for around a $1000. The engine already has a roller cam, but I'm probably going to replace it with a different one, because the engine was put together a while ago. I'm going to keep it carb'd and I don't really think I'm going to be able to afford good aluminum heads. After I buy this engine I'll have about 2 grand left, and I'm just going to look for some good rectangular port heads. Right now it has ported oval port heads. How, specifically, do better flowing heads improve an engine?

NemeSS

iTrader: (127)

instead of that engine, y dont u save up another grand or so and go with a lsx engine,?
a 5.3 gets excellent mpg, makes good power and they are cheep
if u have a th350/400 it will work the lsx, u will need a 6.0 flexplate and spacer, 10" th350/400 tq converter, and from the trans back everything can be reused.
i nice combo ive been thinking about lately for use with carb. using low priced oem parts
6.0 lq4 with .030 milled stock 317 heads (317 are like ls6/ls2 243 heads)
super victor intake, 750cfm hp, msd controller
02' ls6 z06 cam
corvette ls2 exhaust manifolds with 3 in exhaust
as u can see the engine parts are very affordable, oem, easy to come by
and the engine will be around 400+bhp even with exhaust manifolds
the intake, and carb, msd would prolly be the most in $ but well worth it

Fast_94_Z

iTrader: (12)

i would save up and get an lsx or save up another couple grand and get a nice rotating assembly and top end package.

SamW

I see what you're saying, but that's a relatively new engine design, compared to a 396. I need to put new technology on an old engine. But thanks for the suggestion.

slow95z

iTrader: (33)

the best thing to do in my opinion, would be show the old school motor as compared to a lsx motor and the power difference. if you want to show the real change in technology that would be the way to do it, gen1 300hp motor versus a ls1 300hp motor for mpg's, dependability, etc.

SamW

Bump for more info