So I have this "running" 396 that I picked up back east last summer. It's the original 300 hp 402 out of a 71 SS396 Chevelle that I plan on running in place of my born with motor that I'm storing away. Of course once I cracked it open to assess things, I found it obviously wasn't running in a long time....
When I say "budget build" I mean this engine will probably make engine guys cry when I get it back together... I know I can buy a 454 etc. I have what I have and I'm going to make the best of it. Help with doing that will be appreciated.
I'd like to get away with new bearings, rings, cam & lifters. I might replace the valves too. There was some damage to one. I'm planning on honing the block myself. This is just going to be a runner for a while. I know it won't be a rocket... I can't afford to "build" this motor right now, so I just want to fix it and maybe cam it. Any recommendations to bump up the hp & torque without head & piston work?
It's a std crank, bore and the factory cam. Can someone confirm that the pistons are the factory 8.5:1 that came with it? They aren't exactly flat top, but I think they're just the standard factory pistons.
Someone has been in the motor before. The oil pump was brazed and all the rods & caps have been marked with cylinder numbers. It has a Cloyes double roller timing chain that appears to be in good condition and 14 of the push rods are Melling MPR-44 & 44a. Two look factory. I'll buy two new push rods... I suspect this has something to do with the valve retainer damage. What do you think could have caused that? See the pic below.
Heads: 3993820 113cc open chamber oval port 2.06 intake 1.72 ex
Crank:3904815NF Standard grind
Cam: factory
Standard Bore block
So my questions are:
1. Are these pistons factory or bumped up compression?
2. What do I need for bearings? Everything is standard. Can I just ordered standard bearings or are there options?
3. Same question with rings.
Damaged Retainer:
