I dont think the 396 was taken out because it was worn out, it was taken out in search of the 540 ci alcohol injected motor...The heads that are on the motor have been decked and had valve jobs and port jobs and are closed chamberand the compression on the motor is too high for pump gas. It's a 14:1 compression motor. He has a pair of 454 heads that I think would go well on it. They are open chamber and with the 12:1 piston, they should bring the compression down to pump gas level. I think by taking those heads off and putting the 454 heads on, it will lower the price of the motor. I'm going to do some further investigations on the motor before i get under him for the loan on it.