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The 396 Corvette |
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The 396 Corvette |
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the less than stellar run of the 348-409 so called high performance
engines, Chevrolet finally got it right with the new big block 396. In
fact, they got it more than right; they hit one out of the park. Nothing
before or since made by GM performed like this series motor. 42 years
later, it still runs with the best of them.
Development of the second generation big block started with the so called "Mystery Motor" used in Chevrolet's 1963 Daytona 500 record setters. This "secret" engine was a substantially modified form of the "W" engine, and was subsequently released for production use in 1965 as the Mark IV, or TurboJet V8. The 396 was introduced in 1965 in a limited fashion; it was offered as an option for the Chevelle SS in 375 horsepower form, and in the Corvette rated at 425 horsepower. A supposed camshaft difference and hydraulic lifters accounted for the power differential. Some 200 Chevelles appeared with the 396, and about 2,000 Corvettes as well. Performance wise, they broke new ground; can you say "uncontrollable?" You didn't want to come up against one of these things at a stop light, I'll tell you that. Don't believe the road test figures; again, these were soft pedaled runs. These cars would easily crack high 12's on the street. 1965 saw several changes for the Corvette. The big news was the addition of standard four wheel disc brakes. Styling changes were at a minimum, with functional front fender louvers, new wheel covers, and a restyled grille. The hood now had no depressions or trim. Inside, newly styled bucket seats were offered and genuine leather seating surfaces were optional. Options few European cars could match included power steering, power brakes, power windows, air conditioning, AM-FM radio, telescopic steering column, and a wood rimmed steering wheel. Under the hood, the Corvette offered Chevy's 327 cid Turbo Fire V8 rated at 250, 300, 350, or 365 bhp. For true performance buyers, the 375 bhp Ram Jet Fuel Injected 327 made its last appearance in 1965 at $538. In April of 1965, the introduction of the 396 cid big block MK IV 425 bhp V8 marked the beginning of a new era for the Corvette. A special hood was included when the 396 was ordered to make room for the monster V8. Interestingly, this would be the only year the 396 would be offered in the Corvette. In 1966 the optional Corvette mill would be the even crazier 427. The 327 fuel injected engine was quietly dropped after a nine year run when the 1966 Corvette was introduced. Available at the same time as the 396
was the new side mounted exhaust, a $134.50 option. Good luck with
your hearing if you ordered these; they were extremely loud and not
terribly attractive. They also get very hot; you had to be careful
when exiting the car. With prices starting at $4,106, the 1965 Corvette
was quite a bargain. Sales reached a record 23,652 units. 2,157 people
anted up $292.70 for the 396 option. The 396 Corvette
is a very unique performance car, often overshadowed by its bigger 427
brothers. It remains a highly prized, very expensive collector car worthy
of mention here.
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