This is just my opinion but if you're going to leave the long block relatively stock,I would choose a good hydraulic flat tappet cam. My suggestion would be something around .525 lift or less,230degrees duration @.050,and around 110-112 degree lobe centers. With a decent dual plane intake like an Edelbrock RPM or Weiand Stealth,750cfm carb,good ignition, and headers,you will probably see around 400hp out of your 396. 450-500hp will require much more serious mods,IMO. I'm running a hydraulic roller in my 427 but only because I got a great deal on the kit. Clint Hooper H&H Custom,owner LT5 Registry Director http://www.LT5Registry.net/ ACES #1650 http://dalesplace.com/misc/friends/clint_hooper.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matthew Post" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Thanks John. You led me right into my next question....what to do with > it? I think I'm going to rebuild it as is. Hopefully, reusing the same > pistons and just hone and re-ring them. Maybe pocket port the heads. But > what kind of cam? Solid, hydraulic-roller, or solid-roller? I've talked > to 3 engine rebuilders that came recommended to me and they all had > different opinions. One said solid-roller would need new lifters every > 10,000 miles if street driven and that a hydraulic-roller doesn't benefit > enough to spend the extra $$$. Another said hydraulic-roller makes the > same power as solid, but is more reliable. > > I've read lots of stuff on the Chevelle Tech website, but it seems everyone > has a different opinion. What do you guys run and what's your experience? > > Oh yeah, this will be street driven almost entirely. I would like to make > 450-500hp. (Is that even possible with a 396?) The transmission will be a > 5 speed and I haven't picked a rearend gear yet. > > Thanks! > Matt
