396 to a 427 or 454

[68chevelless396]

I heard that the only difference between an 427 and 454 is the crank shaft. I was considering borring the 396 out and making a 454 or a 427. the main thing i was wondering was about the heads. The 396 has the stock heads and i was wondering if i could use them and if not what are some afordable ones. I would like to try to keep this under 3 grand if it is at all possible

[poncho62]

You can't bore a 396 to 427..........

Nothing wrong with a 396, they are a decent motor.

As for heads, there are different heads for hi perf 396s, but you would also have to change pistons........

[william]

no you can't get a decent 4.25 inch bore out of a 396....you can put a 4" crank into it though(instead of the 3.76")...that makes around 440c.i. a little massaging of the lower cylinder bores and maybe along the oil pan rail might be required to clearance the crank...it's simple,just be careful not to take too much off(you only need about .050)... i believe an oil gallery runs along the bottom of the pan rail...