396 Driveablity

[Bill C.]

Looking at a car with a 396 engine with a 4spd and 4:10 Posi. before I make plans to view the car, has anyone out there had experience with the driveability of this combination. I am wondering if this type engine will handle parades and cruises ???? All responces are appreciated.
Thanks, Bill #20328

[Clem Z.]

my 65 396 was this combo and i drove it from

the st louis corvette factory pick up back to Pa and drove it to places like S.C and Fla. and the mrs drove it to work. the early ones like mine,march 1965, had bad valve springs which caused me some problems but i am sure any 396 by now has had the valve springs changed out

[John H.]

Re: 396 Driveablity

Bill -

I gave up parade duty many years ago - NOTHING is harder on throwout bearings than a parade, and they're not fun to change.

[Gary Schisler]

Re: 396 Driveablity

While I can't comment on the 396 I will tell you that my LT-1 with a 4.11 rear end was ok to drive around but became a PITA when driving on the highway due to the ratio. Around town the car was quite acceptable, especially when accelerating from stop signs.

I would think that parades and cruises would be fine.

Gary

[Duke W.]

Re: 396 Driveablity

Running a SHP engine, especially a SHP big block, with a manual transmission in a parade is the absolute worst possible service. Clutch system wear and overheating are going to be issues. And you'll need a real well conditioned left leg, too. It's akin to using a race horse to pull a hay wagon.

If parades are your thing I would suggest a 327/250 or 327/300 with Powerglide.

Around town driving with a 4.11 is fine, but as stated, it's not a very good combination for extended freeway drives.

Duke

[Bill C.]

Re: 396 Driveablity

Thanks guys, your the best (NCRS) always have been and always will be with all your help and knowledge. Bill #20328

[Bill S.]

Re: 396 Driveablity

driving a car like that is not for the faint at heart. i have a L72 like this no power any thing. i love it but i have also had cars like this as daily drivers. if you have experiance with a car like this you will know they are right. hot and hard on the leg, not to mention the noise and exhaust. it will lurch especially when your leg begins to cramp. i never have done a parade but have spent hours in parade traffic in a 427 going to the shore years ago.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 396 Driveablity

Bill,

We bought a 1970 Olds Cutlass convertible for parade duty and cruising. The Corvettes are my fun toys to drive alone, or possibly with my wife to dinner or drop of my kids at school.

Different cars, different purposes.

Patrick