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We started with a discarded 396ci block that had been sitting around for years. Before any machine work was performed, the cylinder-bore diameters were measured to determine if they had been over-bored previously. Since the block’s condition was questionable, we had it acid-dipped and Magnafluxed to expose any cracks. The casting marks identify this as a “pass. perf.” 396 (denoting passenger car, high performance), and the canister-style oil filter mount indicates mid-’60s vintage. Examine the area around the starter mounting-pad for cracks. If necessary, it’s possible to repair small chips using a brazing rod and a carbon rod and then retapping the starter mounting holes.
396ci Chevy Big Block - Engine-Building Tips

We started with a discarded 396ci block that had been sitting around for years. Before any machine work was performed, the cylinder-bore diameters were measured to determine if they had been over-bored previously. Since the block’s condition was questionable, we had it acid-dipped and Magnafluxed to expose any cracks. The casting marks identify this as a “pass. perf.” 396 (denoting passenger car, high performance), and the canister-style oil filter mount indicates mid-’60s vintage. Examine the area around the starter mounting-pad for cracks. If necessary, it’s possible to repair small chips using a brazing rod and a carbon rod and then retapping the starter mounting holes.  View Related Article

 

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