I recently bought a 80 El Camino and in the process of slowly restoring it... but I want to change the engine from my worn 267 to a 396 which I plan on spending thousands of dollars on... the thing I need to know is, will a 396 small block just slide into my '80? The originals only came with 267 or 305 and I don't know how big I can go... also whats a good recommendation for a transmission once I do upgrade the engine?

Thanks

A big block 396 will drop in with no problem. I have one in mine. The frame crossmember will have to be modified for dual exhaust and you will probably wnat to beef up the transmission and rearend.

.... I want to change the engine from my worn 267 to a 396 ... will a 396 small block just slide into my '80?
Thanks

Your building a "Small Block" 396?!? That seems, to me, an odd combination of parts in a small block. Why not go 400 or 427 is there an advantage?

Just curious. :D

just my 2 cents. But isnt a 396 the start of the big blocks? nothin compared to a 454 but isnt that true?

-Anduh

Phisical size, yes. As far as displacment no. The LS2 in the New Vetts are 427 Ci I believe @ 500 HP! :onfire: The largest factory GM small block other than the 400 SBC. That one you can make your self a 427 from.

But originally the 396 was probably the 2nd Large block engine GM produced. Then the 402 I think, my 72 had a 402 in it. It was a 396 bored over 30. And so on. Big Block "The Rat" :D 8)

Pete,

Actually the 396 was the first so called "Big Block." Although you could get a 409/425hp I have never heard of the 409 being called a "Big Block."

First availlable in 1965 in the Corvette and Malibu SS. It was a 396/425hp version in the Corvette and the rare Z16 396/375hp in the Malibu.
Highly sought after today in both the Corvette and Malibu.

The 427 followed shortly thereafter in 1966.

John 8)

Pete, the 427ci 500hp motor you're refering to is the LS7 that will be in the new Z06. The LS2 is a 400hp 350ci engine in the standard C6.

I just assumed he was planning to install a big block. Though, big inch small blocks are nice.

It really doesn't matter, the engine will fit and it could be a bored and stroked SBC although I thought the nessacery combo to get in that range gave a 398?

Sirsplat, the physical engine size doesn't change because of the displacement so any small block will fit, but big blocks require moveing the engine mounts to holes that I believe are pre-drilled IIRC.