I currently have a 355 LT1 w/6.0" rods and stock crank. What crank specs do I need to make it a 396? I need a new crank and am thinking about going to a 396. Thx.

Is it a 3.88 stroke?
What rods will work here w/victor jr heads at 72CC comb. chambers?

 

A 396 is a 30 over 350 (4.030" bore) with a 3.875" stroke. The piston compression height with 6" rods is 1.000" with a 9.000" deck. Pretty short, but they are available. Most people find that a 383 (3.75" stroke) provides the same performance at a lower price.

Rich

 

Good info, thx! I have a friend who will trade me a Cola crank with 3.80 stroke, so I was trying to see how good of a deal this would be for me. It sounds like custom pistons would be in order here? I am stuck between ideas. Any advice from all you guys.....????

 

1.062" CH pistons are a stock item, which works fine with a 3.85" stroke (ignore the 1.000 in my previous post). With a 9.00" deck, a 6" rod, and a 3.875" stroke. a 1.062" piston gives a zero deck. I don't think that the pistons for a 3.80" stroke are off the shelf, though someone may have them.

Rich

 

The 3.80 crank was how GM made 383s with a stock 4" bore. I would look around a bit, there are a lot of different pistons out there might find something.

Measure deck height and figure out how tall you can leave it and still get it square decked.

If you used a 5.850 rod then you would want a 1.125 compression height and Mahle lists pistons, they are just intended for 3.500/6.125 combination so I am unsure of the crank to skirt clearance.

The SBC has so many part available it is amazing, some research and ingenuity can get you through a lot.

 

3.8" Cola Crank will be difficult (as in will require mallory metal) to balance for the stock dampener. It's designed for a 1-gen sbc.