Rat Power. Cranberry Twp., PA
1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396
The Chevrolet 396 V8 engine, affectionately known as the “rat motor,” is a legendary powerhouse that left its mark on muscle cars.
The 396 V8 engine was part of Chevy’s big block lineup, which began with the 348 V8 in 1958 and evolved over the years. When the fourth generation of big block engines arrived in the mid-1960s, they earned the nickname “rat motors” (in contrast to the smaller “mouse motors”).
The 396 first appeared in the 1965 Chevrolet Corvette and the Z16 Chevelle. These muscle cars received different versions of the 396: the Corvette had the L78 model, while the Chevelle got the L37.
L37: The L37 variant produced up to 350 horsepower.
L78: The L78 was the star, reaching an impressive 425 horsepower. It was a beast under the hood!
Later Years: By 1970, Chevy bored the 396 to a 402 V8, reducing its power output. The strongest 402 model hit 350 horsepower.
Legacy: The 396’s era ended in the early 1970s due to factors like the oil crisis and environmental concerns. Still, it remains a symbol of raw muscle and performance.
Rat Power. Cranberry Twp., PA
1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396
The Chevrolet 396 V8 engine, affectionately known as the “rat motor,” is a legendary powerhouse that left its mark on muscle cars.
The 396 V8 engine was part of Chevy’s big block lineup, which began with the 348 V8 in 1958 and evolved over the years. When the fourth generation of big block engines arrived in the mid-1960s, they earned the nickname “rat motors” (in contrast to the smaller “mouse motors”).
The 396 first appeared in the 1965 Chevrolet Corvette and the Z16 Chevelle. These muscle cars received different versions of the 396: the Corvette had the L78 model, while the Chevelle got the L37.
L37: The L37 variant produced up to 350 horsepower.
L78: The L78 was the star, reaching an impressive 425 horsepower. It was a beast under the hood!
Later Years: By 1970, Chevy bored the 396 to a 402 V8, reducing its power output. The strongest 402 model hit 350 horsepower.
Legacy: The 396’s era ended in the early 1970s due to factors like the oil crisis and environmental concerns. Still, it remains a symbol of raw muscle and performance.