I am debating on buying a golen engine services 396 LT4 long block pushing 520hp and 490 ft. lbs of torque. whats the draw back to a 396 other than a 383? is this overkill? i plan on drag racing, a few autox events, and street use. i plan on doing a blower later so i guess i'll request it w/ 9:1 compression ratio other than 11:1. should i stick w/ a 383 or step up to a 396? thanks for your oppinion.

 

I say go 396, theres no Replacement for Displacement.

 

arg i was going to say that but really there is no such thing as overkill when we are talking about cubic inches!

 

You're going to be very disappointed with 9:1 compression while staying all motor. Either budget for the blower now, or spray the damn thing later on 11:1.

 

golen is a great choice!

 

http://www.golenengineservice.com/html/lt1_lt4.html thats the link to your engine you like, it's 520bhp so less 12% (some say 17%) this engine would put down about 452rwhp. Not a bad price, I say go for it.

 

I would say go with 11:1 compression and spray the ***** outta it.

 

If its in the budget... GO FOR IT. I'm sure you wont regret the 9:1 if you have the money to go forced induction.

 

I second that. Golen has been great with my engine build. When you call up, you talk directly to the owner, Chad. He knows what he's talking about and has excelent customer service. Good luck with the buildup.

 

As a sponsor of this board I would like to offer our services. We have a variety of short block and long block packages to choose from. We can also design a engine package to fit your specific needs. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

 

what do you guys think the bhp would be w/ 9:1 compression. i plan on boosting it later. thanks

 

With that cam and 9:1 compression you will have very very rough idle.. I think you should get 11:1 compression, and when you get your charger, change your pistons thats all.