Thread: New to big blocks not sure if what I have is any good?

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I just bought a 1967 Bel air (Impala) with what I was told was a 454 for $1000.00. I ran the numbers and it's seem to be a 396 (cast number 3935440)with the 336781 heads on it which I thought those heads were for a 454. Wouldn't that lower the horsepower?? Now next to the cast number on the block is a "T" but it also has "PASS" so I don't know if this came out of a truck or a passenger car. it also has CON 2 on the block next to the numbers on the block. The guy that I bought it from said he got it from a women and it used to be her boyfriends. So who knows whats been done. It has an edelbrock hige rise on it and headers.. here's a couple links to pics of the block. I will add more if you need.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...0/DSCN2402.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...0/DSCN2401.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...0/100_2005.jpg

Any help would be great Thanks

Sounds like it's a real hodge-podge of parts! By the way, a two door sedan that looks to be in decent condition for a grand, if the engine has anything good in it, that's just a bonus!!!!!

Most of the early blocks had the same markings, if the casting number sez it's a 396, I'd go with that... As for the heads, guess it would depend on what is in it for pistons....

Anyway, welcome to CHR, looks like one heck of a good buy to me!

well it is hard to say what you have for power .like you said it is a 396 block the heads are good head s but with out knowing what cam or cr or stroke the 396 can be stroke with a 454 crank so it hard to say what you have .the block number s can be look up on mortec

I'm going to pull the heads off and see what else I can find I will post back as soon as I know something.

also I just found some numbers on the block next to the water pump they are. 107 8 or 3 ET (1078ET or 1073ET) and then 1825774 .. any ideas what these mean??

Dam the engine, you got an IMPALLA, 67, for THAT price, in THAT apparent condition?

WOO HOO.. you did GOOD

The guy wanted $1,800.00 but I told him because the numbers don't match I would give him $1000.00 and he jumped on it. So what heads should I get for this 396?? or do you think I would be better selling the 396 and just getting a 454 or something??

You can make good power with a well built 396. 781 heads work well on most mild street big blocks. If you're looking for a good, solid running street engine use Edelbrock's Performer RPM manifold/cam package but use the Airgap intake. Speedpro makes a .100 domed piston for a resonable price. I used this setup on a 402 with a 750 Holley in a 66 Malibu and it ran really strong for not a ton of $$$.