Ok I got loyd elliots le2 heads with an le1 cam made 397rwhp for abot 2 weeks on my stock bottom end. Beat on the car all day yesterday then the bottom end went boom. I am going to rebuild the bottomend now and I know I want to go with a 396, But thats all I know. I have the following parts. LE2 HEADS, ELE WATER PUMP, KOOKS STEPED HEADERS,58 MM TH B, PORTED INTAKE, CRANE IGN, DYNA SPARK OPTI,t-rex inline fuel pump,40lbs. injectors, My heads flow 275/190 is that enough flow for a 396, My budget is 5 grand on the rebuild. I want to make at least 500 rwhp. I dont konw what parts to go with on the bottom end. I want a high hp motor that I can beat on HARD every day with reliabliliy.
WHAT IS THE COMBO

 

I'm not so sure you'd be able to build something for $5K reliably that you can beat on EVERY day.

 

You "know" you want a 396? Why do you "know" you want a 396?

 

Try calling VRE or Golen Engine Service. I'm sure they will be happy to answer your questions. The Victory lane 383 short block from VRE sells for $4800. Golen Engine Service sells a competition 396 short block for $3800. Maybe some of the others have experience on how well they will hold up and how much power can be had. I'm curious myself.


Edit: Reading your story and others is making me very nervous on doing my heads and cam. Maybe I should also just do the bottom end now.

 

500rwhp NA is going to take alot more than $5000.....

building a stroker motor and reusing the same H/C setup is going to yeild a small HP increase but a broader power curve.

 

If you want to do it on a budget for $5000 I would say just build a 355 with forged pistons and rods.