Chevy 396 and 454 externally similar?

[kurth]

I am planning my next project, a late 70s/early 80s style street machine 78 vette. I want to put a better detailed and "tougher" looking engine then what comes in the kit. I have a Revell 66 malibu wagon .. the recent issue and it has a 396, and it is well detailed. Will this pass for a 454? Other wise I was thinking of robbing the engine from a AMT 70 monte carlo or a B/M camaro .. but I don't want to buy a 70 monte if I don't have to and the B/M camaro is just too nice to plunder for parts. I actually plan to wire the engine and try to add a little detail so I want to use a nicely done engine for this project.

[LVZ2881]

yes, they are the same externally, you would never be able to tell the difference...

[cooltoys1]

The Big Block that we all know and love was introduced in 1965, but the big block "block" itself was actually very close to the 409, just different heads. Any kitted big block chevy 396 designation can be used for your 454 application. The only difference is in 1:1 truck blocks(they have a higher deck, the distance from the top of the waterpump and the ledge where the intake sits) open and closed chamber heads (which you dont have to worry about this in kit form)and alternator placement. In 1978, the big block chevy 454 was not put in any car, but you could still get it in the heavy duty chevrolet truck line. If your going to use it in a vette, i suggest the later alternator placement, which is placed on the passenger side of the car. The 396 in the 66 Chevelle will have the alternater on the driver side, if anything, find a pulley and alternator setup for placement on the right. Good luck to you, please show us your progress! Hope this helps.

Jay

[LOBBS]

As said, externally all passenger car big-block Chevys are virtually identical. Dropping a big-block into a 78 Vette shouldn't be all that difficult as they were available with em up to, I believe, '74 from the factory. In 1:1, it should be just a matter of switching mounts, heavier springs up front and some changes to the cooling system. As far as locating the accessories and alternator I would copy the set-up from the late 60s/early 70s Vettes.

Here's a pic of a factory 427 in a '69 Vette and remember Ebay Motors is a treasure trove for reference pics.

Edited September 18, 2007 by LOBBS

[kurth]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I was pretty sure the engines were more or less the same, but sometimes there is that one "gotcha" detail between different variations of the same engine. You guys gave me exactly the details I was searching for. I am thinking of putting the turbo charger from the Old monogram "El Macho" el camino on this big block for a little more early 80s excess. I'll post some pictures once I make a little more progress. At this point I am still fiddling with the body to get the IMSA flares just right.

[Modellpularn]

Maybe you could use the Revell 68-69 Vette kits as a parts source. And a little tip: the valve covers have seven bolts, if they are molded correctly. The side with three bolts go toward the intake manifold, and that's all you need to keep in mind. I used to have a '70 SS 454 El Camino, that I sold....