I've got a 67SS (clone) with a 396 that is toast. I need to replace the motor so the question is which big block should I install? Should I stick with a 396 since that was the only BB option in 67? Will a 427 or 454 add or decrease the value (all else being equal)? Very few original parts left on the vehicle, excellent condition (except for the motor) and driven only on dry days. I'm not interested in street racing but I do like the BB power and I am interested in maintaining or improving the vehicle value. Might even consider a crate motor (454). Appreciate your thoughts.

 

Since it's not a true SS396 or a numbers matching car it really doesn't mater,any big block would be fine including a 402.
I like 427's but they're getting hard to come by these days,same stroke as a 396 and 402 but bigger bore.
The 454's are easiest and cheapest to come by but you'll need a special flywheel or flexplate and harmonic damper because they're externally balanced.

 

454 tons of power tons of parts,,,the flex plate and or flywheel are only 150...200 bills

 

Thanks. I'm getting prices on all three options (remanufactured). I'm definately leaning towards something bigger than the 396. Cost is a factor. I'll let you know what I come up with.

 

So what's wrong with the 396,is it just tired or completey destroyed like a rod through the block or something?
A 396 bored out .030-.060 over with a set of L78 or aluminum L89 rectangular port heads and a forged rotating assembly with a bumpy cam can be a potent weapon.
Might be worth rebuilding what you have especially if you come up with a few good parts used like a set of L78 heads.

 

I think I would lean towards the 396 as well. It has a better ring to it, since it is "vintage correct" even though it isn't numbers matching.

 

Typical story you have probably heard before. I bought a 67 with a freshly rebuilt 396 with less than 500 miles (so the previous owner stated). Long story short, I pulled the motor shortly after acquiring the car and found the following:
- Scored bearings and crank
- One of the bearings had spun, damaging the block
- Block broken where the water pump connects
- One of the cylinders was sleeved and appears to have been put in crooked
- One of the heads leaks at a valve (leaks into the water jacket). Oversized valves with hard seats. Not repairable.

So I've got one steel crank and one head. Expensive lesson. Starting from scratch now, hence, the question about which BB to build.

 

Gee, you weren't kidding when you said it was toast. Maybe a little JB Weld will patch it right up?
Guess it doesn't matter now any more. Might as well go the "as big as will fit into the budget" route.

 

Oh ouch!

 

I just think having a 396 in a first gen sounds right

427s rev the best for a big block

454s have all the grunt

you just have to decide what you want to do, because none of them are going to improve or ruin the value on an unoriginal car