What Is a 396 Engine?

The 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8 was introduced in the 1965 Corvette as the L78 option and in the Z16 Chevelle as the L37 option. It had a bore x stroke of 4.094 in × 3.760 in (104 mm × 95.5 mm), and produced 375 bhp (380 PS; 280 kW) at 5600 rpm and 415 lb⋅ft (563 N⋅m) of torque at 3600 rpm.

How many horsepower is a 396?

The average power numbers from 4,000 to 6,250 rpm (where it carried over 400 lb-ft of torque) were 438 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. While power peaked at a high 6,400 rpm, low-end torque was still plenty respectable with the motor peaking 483 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm.

What type of engine is a 396?

396 Basics

The Chevrolet 396 was introduced in 1965 and was based in what was known as the Mark IV block that later became the basis for larger displacement engines. The 396 engine is based on a 90-degree V8 design that uses a camshaft in the center of the block.