Hello All
As the title says, I'm looking for opinions on my combo and what to possibly change. The motors coming out soon so I can chase down a few leaks and hunt for a ticking noise (assuming its a valve guide because all the other usual stuff has been changed).


I currently have a 66 396 (961 cast) in my 68 Camaro:
702 heads
Comp Cams 270H cam
Roller rockers
edelbrock Performer intake
edelbrock 800 cfm
Th400 trans
2200 stall converter
Open diff Unknown gear rear (gonna be a 373 posi soon)
headers with flowmaster 40s (and electric cut outs)


*I assume the pistons, valves, crank, are stock and stock sizes but will know for sure after tearing it apart


*Yes the cam was put in with the oiling groove ( The one I removed didn't have the groove. May be why its had a "tic" since I bought the car )


So assuming the heads will go in for new guides and maybe valves if damaged, should I be thinking about different valve sizes (Think stock size is 2.06I, 1.72E)?


Block - I was just going to Hone and re-ring what I have and check bearings & crank. Would I benefit that much from an overbore to justify the cost? I hear the 961 block can go pretty large


I'm not looking for a race car but want my combo to make sense for the most performance I can get. I don't have replace the engine with a larger one $ either.


Thanks for your input...

 

One thing I'd change out is the carb. Those Edelbrock/Weber carbs cost you hp.
Go with an AED, QuickFuel, Demon etc.
And with a 396 750 cfm is as big as you should go.

What are you running for ignition? If you haven't already, invest in a MSD or equivalent dist and box.

As far as boring goes.... everyone knows; there's no replacement for displacement, but the limiting factor is always $$$. Comes down to what you want to spend.

 

you may already have headers an true duals ,but if you don t that should let out a lot Hp that those big 396 BB makelike 325hp I think is closer to 385hp,they have kits ,rebuild kits that you could upgrade ,then there is 427 upgrade but looks like your trying to keep your cost down, an yes the msd will help too

 

You may chose to have hardened seats installed in the older heads as gas today does not have lead.

 

I have pretty much the same set up in two cars a 66ss396 impala with a 373 gear 12bolt and in my 68 Camaro same but a 4speed and like you said not a race car but sounds great runs great I love doing burnouts LOL your on the right path and like stated above money is speed enjoy