Don Terrill’s Speed-Talk

Can I put a stroker crank in it reasonably?

Are you talking about a BB Chevy 396?

econo racer wrote: ↑Wed Dec 04, 2019 1:54 pm Can I put a stroker crank in it reasonably?

The net is full of stroker kits for BBC engines. The issue is the 4.125 bore size may be a problem as most kits are designed
around a 4.250 or larger bore size.
Its not impossible the piston size may be the stumbling block with the econo kits out there. You will have to call and ask
about cost difference in the two different bore sizes.
But I have seen kits go for as little a $1050.00 to $2050.00 depending on crank cast or forged and piston options. The real
question is how much bigger do you really want??
You can bore about .120 over max on the right block or just get a 454 block and do it.

Are you stuck with the 396 block?? Or are you open to locating a 454 for the project??

econo racer wrote: ↑Wed Dec 04, 2019 1:54 pm Can I put a stroker crank in it reasonably?

A 4.00" stroke crank or 4.250" stroke crank from the aftermarket with a 6.385" long aftermarket rod is a common thing with any big block Chevrolet, regardless of bore size. They easily fit in the blocks when using a steel connecting rod.
Custom pistons are probably necessary with the 396 bore size so, you will need to put together you own combination for this.

If it is a mild street type combo, I built one a few years ago for a guy using the KB 361 piston and a 454 crank. 434 inch engine. It was for a 4x4 truck on pump gas, ran well, the guy was very happy with it. He really wanted a 454, but had several free 396 blocks sitting around, so we used one.


https://uempistons.com/series-2655-kb-a ... kb361.html

It is bored 90 over. KB makes the pistons using the 396 crank. I would like to put a 4.00 stroke in it somehow. Its a BBC. As of now its about 418 cid.

econo racer wrote: ↑Wed Dec 04, 2019 8:53 pm It is bored 90 over. KB makes the pistons using the 396 crank. I would like to put a 4.00 stroke in it somehow. Its a BBC. As of now its about 418 cid.

See if the pistons can take a .120 whack off the top. If so, use a 454 crank.

econo racer wrote: ↑Wed Dec 04, 2019 8:53 pm It is bored 90 over. KB makes the pistons using the 396 crank. I would like to put a 4.00 stroke in it somehow. Its a BBC. As of now its about 418 cid.

It's my understand bore now about 4.184" It's also my understanding that BBC valve spacing & that relatively small bore results in pronounced valve shrouding from cylinder wall. Probably not an issue with 4x4 truck but for hotrod, suggest start w/ a 454 or 502 block.

I was told years ago by an engine builder that you can put a 454 crank in a 396 and use stock pistons with a 6" rod from a 409. Not sure if it's true but there was some kind of article in one of the car craft mags about it.

How many cid would it make with the 454 crank?

econo racer wrote: ↑Wed Dec 04, 2019 9:42 pm How many cid would it make with the 454 crank?

Supposed to be a 435 cube engine. Kid of like a big block 383 deal.

econo racer wrote: ↑Wed Dec 04, 2019 9:42 pmHow many cid would it make with the 454 crank

Bore x Bore x Stroke x .7854 x # of cylinders

1980RS wrote: ↑Wed Dec 04, 2019 9:32 pmI was told years ago by an engine builder that you can put a 454 crank in a 396 and use stock pistons with a 6" rod from a 409. Not sure if it's true but there was some kind of article in one of the car craft mags about it.

BBC rods are 6.135, 409 'W' rods are 6.000.

I came up with 446 @.090 over ,440 @.060 over . Icon lists pistons up to .060 over in their FHR line for the 454 crank combo using 6.135 rods . Dan

econo racer wrote: ↑Wed Dec 04, 2019 8:53 pmIt is bored 90 over. KB makes the pistons using the 396 crank. I would like to put a 4.00 stroke in it somehow. Its a BBC. As of now its about 418 cid.

I hope it's filled at .090 over. The 3855962 block is the only one that could possibly go that far without serious cylinder wall compromise.