What yr. did GM quit using the 396?

Like the title. What was the last yr. GM used the 396? Sure it ws available in 69'. Not sure if it was in 70' or later. Thanks

 

1970?

Story goes from what I heard-- 1971 the 396 blocks were hardened a bit too much on the cylinder walls, so with an .030 overbore, they became 402--thus the 402 was born.

I do not know if that is true.

 

I think '69 was the last year and they switched to the 402 for the '70 model year... But they still used the 396 fender emblems in '70..

 

True 396s- 1965-1969
The 402 was made late '69- 1972...described as either the "396". or, in some references, the "400 4-barrel".

 

yep thats right

 

The 402 came out in 1970. It was a '396' in Chevelles and Novas and a '400' in big cars and trucks. The 400 SBC also came out in 1970.

 

I heard at one time that all the 402's were Canadian only built ??

 

Nope!

 

late 69 was the last of the true 396, it was then punched out to a 402, but kept the 396 'name'.

 

Most of the other posts are partially correct, but yours is spot on. 70-up big trucks and big cars with the "400" emblems were 402 big blocks. To further confuse things, I have also seen the 400 emblems on small block cars, too (but never in a truck).

 

I don't think the 402 is a true .030 over. Seems like it's a couple of thousanths off one way or the other. Not much, but something to think about.
Larry T

 

There was also an L-78 version of the 402 with 375 hp. A couple also had the optional factory aluminum cylinder heads.

 

Bores for the 396 ranged from 4.094 to 4.096 just due to manufacturing tolerances of the time, the 402 nominal bore was 4.125. Stroke for both were 3.760. My 70 Chevelle SS was a 402 with 396 badges. 400 SBC was a 4.125 bore and 3.750 stroke. Actual CID for the BBC 402 was 401.99 and 400.92 for the SBC. BDM

 

DeLorean was rising in GM Corporate and cutting down on the expenses and duplication of parts. There were just too many almost duplicate sizes of parts in the system so end 69 the 396 was bored to take the 4.125 ring of the 400 and others.. Also the body, dash and interior options were cut.

 

actually the reason for the 402 CI. was for emissions. the bigger bore actually produced less than the std 396.

 

.030" isn't really that much. But every cubic inch counts! I honed out my stock bore (4.000") Ford 351-W block just .001" to get exactly 352 cubic inches out of it.