Clearancing issues for 396

[QC97Z]

I got a few estimates for my upcoming 396 build and one of the local shops I went to expressed some concern with clearancing the block for the 396 stroker rotating assembly. He claimed that the LT1 is a thinner casting than the standard SBC. He's done plenty of 383's, but the 396 needs more clearancing.
Does anyone know about any issues with thickness, weakness, cracking, etc.?

[speedracer2536]

go to another builder...

[QC97Z]

go to another builder...

Not very helpful....

[Tony Shepherd]

What rods do you have?

Most shops do a partial block fill. If you can get him to block fill and soulder the break through areas you will be golden.

[QC97Z]

I will have the Eagle 6.00" H-Beam stroker rods. Have a 3.875" Eagle forged crank.
Block fill? Haven't heard of that. What does that involve?

[speedracer2536]

im just saying that its done all the time. find someone that is confident in building you a 396..

[Tony Shepherd]

I will have the Eagle 6.00" H-Beam stroker rods. Have a 3.875" Eagle forged crank.
Block fill? Haven't heard of that. What does that involve?


The Eagle "H" beams are the worst as far as clearancing goes. The bolts stand up too tall on the rod cap. Clearancing can still be done though. Block fill is a hardened material that is poured into the coolant chamber of the block. Basically it adds material and strength on the bottom of the block. When you fill the block if you break through when clearancing it is no big deal. I still suggest souldering the breaks though. Your builder should know what block fill is. If not.....go to someone who knows.

[popo8]

The Eagle "H" beams are the worst as far as clearancing goes. The bolts stand up too tall on the rod cap. Clearancing can still be done though. Block fill is a hardened material that is poured into the coolant chamber of the block. Basically it adds material and strength on the bottom of the block. When you fill the block if you break through when clearancing it is no big deal. I still suggest souldering the breaks though. Your builder should know what block fill is. If not.....go to someone who knows.


from what I have seen, this guy^^^ knows his isht!

[QC97Z]

Any benefit from choosing a Scat H-beam over an Eagle?
I'm not specifically dead-set on anything at this point. Still very much in the planning stage.

[MeanGreen94Z]

callies stuff man, no problems there. better than eagle crap anyway

[Tony Shepherd]

Callies, Oliver, Lunati...etc are good rods.

I have Lunati rods.

I suggest staying away from a 6" rod with a 3.875 crank.

Go with a 5.85" rod.

[jakesz28]

Callies, Oliver, Lunati...etc are good rods.

I have Lunati rods.

I suggest staying away from a 6" rod with a 3.875 crank.

Go with a 5.85" rod.



That is a wise move. Comp hieght of the piston and ring package will be better.

[JAKEJR]

Golen Engines sells a 396 short block for only $200 more than a 383, so they'd be a good source for info on what's needed.

Jake

[SWells]

My $0.02, block fill is used to stiffen the bottom end of the block. Here's a couple of links:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HNH-860228/

http://www.hardblok.com/

[JAKEJR]

From the limited reading I've done on this, seems that only the bottom of the water jackets are filled up about 2" or so on those bores that need clearancing. Apparently it's not enough to create over-heating problems.

It's best to use a shop that has specialized in that mod. In the past, on a few race engines I've seen, the wrong filling material was used, not mixed correctly or allowed to set up properly and the end result was like porous semi-hardened concrete. Which "ain't" good. I've been trying to remember, but I believe one of the materials was called "Egroten". Don't know what they're using now though.

Other purely trailered race engines have had the water jackets filled all the way up to within 2" or less from the TOP of the cylinder bore. Of course, that would never live on a street engine.

Jake

[Tony Shepherd]

I half fill my block and still can drive it on the streets. Coolant temp stays at 170*

[Speed Inc.]

as I mentioned to you in the email I run a 5.85 rod

The rod was an Eagle Max Stroke which is machined for added clearance as well.

I do not run any filler and we did not go through anywhere during our clearancing on my block.