What are the details about 396 vs 400 engines ?

Asked by Guru6T5QX Mar 14, 2020 at 06:38 PM about the 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Hardtop Coupe RWD

Question type: General

I have a 1968 Chevelle SS 396 ( vin verified ) with a
replacement engine. The engine code is 10196472.
It does not have a traditional 396 set up. I’ve seen
posts about the 400 cid motors slipped into the 396  
assembly line. What are the truths and
consequences of having a 400 vs 396. Does it need
special parts ?

2 Answers

154,885

How did you verify the VIN? In 1968 the VIN would show the GM division (1=Chevrolet), the series (3000=Chevelle, Malibu), the model year (8=1968), the production plant (1 or 2 is Canadian built. A letter in this position is US built), and the last six numbers are the sequential unit number of your car. There's no engine code or SS designation in the VIN. But since it's a replacement engine you could have just about any GM V8 in there. You'll need to research that part number you have and find out what it is. Buying replacement parts will be much easier that way. You might try a Chevrolet or Chevelle specific website. Maybe somebody there has a parts catalog that shows your part number and what the engine is and what it fits, the years and models of vehicles. Hope that helps! Jim

69,965

400 small block or the 402 big block,,is just a bored out 396

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