...mad hooker, The reason that there are very few parts for a 396 & that parts are expensive is that very few people use them anymore. Why? The advantage to a big block is more cubic inches, bigger/better heads for better breathing, etc. In it's day {the 60's} 396 cubic inches was big. The small blocks were only 350 cubic inches. Now they have 472 small blocks. Big blocks go out to 750 or more. 396's are obsolete. Big blocks weight more. Why have a 396 cubic inch big block that weights a lot when you can have a 400 + cubic inch small block that weights less? Also less weight means better handleing. Parts are hard to find & more expensive. Unless you have a numbers matching 396 it is better, cheaper, easier & more efficent {sp. wrong} to use a crate motor like a 454 or 502. Why do you thing GM makes 'em? Why do you think everyone uses 'em? NO special one of parts, just everything out of a catalog. And they look like a 396. No one goes out looking for a 396 to build it..... Bill