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Looped
01-22-2001, 04:09 PM
Once again I’m looking to do something a bit different. I know there are many 327 marine engines out there, but I never see 396’s. I know I would here a lot about wasting a semi rare engine for a marine purpose. Are marine parts available for the 4 bolt-main 396 and if they are what would the reliability be?

Thanks

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PaulO
01-22-2001, 04:41 PM
Chevy never supplied the 396 to any of the marinizers. There is probably nothing wrong with using one that has been marinized and most if not all BBC marine parts will fit but, why do it? Get the extra cubes out of a cheaper block and cheaper internals and go with a 454 or 502.
PaulO

GeneD
01-22-2001, 05:05 PM
IN my humble opinion, I agree with PaulO.
If you have a 396, there is nothing wrong with using it. But with the huge glut of 454's out there, get one of those. 327's are outdated, and were replaced by the higher HP and higher CID 350. And there are a ton of them out there.

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GeneD
007
Melbourne, Florida

Dalelama
01-22-2001, 05:21 PM
Sounds like you're pretty set on a "bowtie" motor.....

Why not invest in some heavy MOPAR iron? The 383/440 LB-series was a favorite with the marine industry (not to mention NASCAR!) and they're practically bullit-proof.

Factory hi-performance items are plentiful and available thru Mopar Performance...

Just ask Richard Petty..........

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Dale Evans
Miami, FL
'87 Minx / 320 EFI

EricG
01-22-2001, 06:44 PM
As a true Mopar guy at heart, I've often wondered why we don't see any of them built for our types of boats (other than that one V-drive)....but then it hit me, what type of Outdrive would/could you mate to an old Mopar motor?

Also, we had a heck of a time finding exhaust manifolds for my brothers 383 Challenger, I can't imagine trying to find marine ones...

EG

BigGrizzly
01-22-2001, 07:24 PM
396 wasn't used because 454 came out too quickly. Marine parts are available. They are still out for the old 348. Osco still makes manifolds for thoes motors as well aas all the mopar stuff. As much as I like Mopar no one wants to add them to the outdrive. too many bolt patterns, and not enough boat builders support. The inboars market thrived on that stuff. When I lived in New Jersey, they even had hemmis in garveys. there was on in Frank C. area of Toms River

Randy

[This message has been edited by BigGrizzly (edited 01-22-2001).]

Looped
01-22-2001, 09:00 PM
Thanks Guys. Sure got a quick response on that one. I guess I'll lean towards the 68-69 327 idea. I thought I would get a better response for the 396, guess not. I’m only looking for low to mid 300hp with a decent throaty sound, lightweight and different.

Craig