A good motor can be made from 396... I think you're thinking 428 which is what you'd get stroking the 396(?) which will take some careful grinding for crank/rod clearance. Piston options are VERY limited for 396-402-408 (.030, .060) and you will need closed chamber mid 60's (96cc) heads to make any compression and your valve lift and valve size is also limited by the small bore.

I have a 402+.030 with JE pistons (20cc dome) and these heads (1965, I forget the cast #) to make 10.2:1 but the closed heads don't breath very good. If this 396 a 1967-1969 can be a very valuable block for restorers... maybe better to sell and get 454 block for your $$$... many more options and much better heads.

Learned the hard way...

- Chris