The 396 Intimidator
Estimated power
450-525+HP
Choose from 4 Different Custom Camshaft Selections!
Operating Range
Stage 1: 2000-5800
Stage 2: 2400-6000
Stage 3: 2600-6000
Stage 4: 2800-6100+
Fuel Requirement
91-93+ Octane Pump Gas
Reid’s Speed Shop’s 396 Intimidator
READY TO MAKE YOUR PRESENCE KNOWN?
THE 396 INTIMIDATOR BRINGS SERIOUS FORGED SMALL BLOCK PERFORMANCE TO THE STREET.
Built around an all-new heavy-duty four-bolt aftermarket engine block, the 396 Intimidator combines increased displacement with a premium fully forged rotating assembly to create a Small Block Chevrolet built for serious street performance. At its core is an Eagle 4340 forged 3.875" stroke crankshaft, Eagle 4340 steel H-beam connecting rods, and MAHLE 4032 forged pistons, creating a strong foundation designed to handle the power and attitude this combination was built to deliver.
With approximately 450–525+ horsepower available depending on your selected camshaft package, the Intimidator delivers hard-hitting torque, immediate throttle response, and a broad powerband that makes the additional displacement apparent every time you put your foot into it. Carefully matched aluminum cylinder heads, approximately 10.5:1 compression, a premium hydraulic roller valvetrain, and performance-oriented induction allow the combination to make serious power while remaining right at home on the street.
Available with four carefully selected hydraulic roller camshaft packages, the personality of the 396 Intimidator can be tailored to your build, from a powerful and responsive street combination to an aggressive hot rod with the idle, attitude, and upper-RPM performance to match.
For the enthusiast ready to step beyond the traditional 383, the 396 Intimidator delivers more displacement, premium forged internals, and the unmistakable presence of a serious stroker combination without sacrificing the reliability and drivability expected from a Reid's Speed Shop crate engine.
EXPECT HARD-HITTING TORQUE, AGGRESSIVE THROTTLE RESPONSE, PREMIUM FORGED INTERNALS, AND SERIOUS STREET PERFORMANCE BACKED BY THE CONFIDENCE OF AN ALL-NEW AFTERMARKET FOUNDATION.
Starting out at: TBD
Price includes carburetor, dual plane Air-Gap intake manifold, and ignition system
Quick Look
Powerband Tailored to Your Camshaft Selection
Approximately 10.5:1 Compression Ratio
Heavy-Duty 4-Bolt Aftermarket Engine Block
One-Piece Rear Main Seal
Eagle 4340 Forged 3.875" Stroke Crankshaft
MAHLE 4032 Forged Performance Pistons
Premium Performance Piston Ring Set
Eagle 4340 Forged Steel 6.000" H-Beam Connecting Rods w/ 7/16" ARP 8740 Rod Bolts
AFR Aluminum Cylinder Heads
Custom Hydraulic Roller Camshaft & Premium Hydraulic Roller Lifters (Choose from Stage 1–4)
Cloyes Billet 9-Way Adjustable Double Roller Timing Set w/ Torrington Bearing
Melling Performance Oiling System
Moroso 5-Quart Stroker Oil Pan
Edelbrock Air-Gap Dual Plane Intake Manifold
Quick Fuel 750 CFM Carburetor Included
1.5 Ratio Aluminum Roller Rocker Arms
BTR One-Piece Custom-Length Pushrods
HEI Distributor with Melonized Gear
NGK Spark Plugs & Moroso Plug Wires
Polished Aluminum Valve Covers
Recommended 91+ Octane
What to Expect
The 396 Intimidator delivers an exceptional balance of displacement, torque, and high-performance capability. Built around a fully forged rotating assembly, this combination offers impressive strength and a responsive, aggressive driving experience.
Expect strong acceleration, exceptional throttle response, a commanding performance idle, and an estimated 450–520+ HP depending on the selected combination. Designed to deliver serious small block performance while maintaining the street manners and dependability expected from a premium performance engine.
Upgrade options:
Comes standard with Quickfuel 670CFM carb, Edelbrock Air-Gap intake, AFR 195cc Enforcer cylinder heads, Aluminum 1.5 ratio roller rocker arms, polished valve covers, HEI distributor, and Moroso spark plug wires. Feel free to upgrade wherever you like!
Common Upgrades
No Carb Please
-$500
383 Valve Covers
+150
PLease Describe Add-Ons IN Project Description for this Package!
Accessory Upgrade Option
For those looking to simplify installation and complete the package, a full accessory upgrade option is available. This option adds the essential front accessories and supporting components needed to make installation easier and give the engine a more complete, finished appearance.
This Turn-Key package includes:
CVF Full Serpentine Conversion Kit
• High-flow long water pump with bracket
• Polished 100 amp one-wire alternator with bracket
• Polished power steering pump with bracket
• Polished pulley combo kit
Also Comes With:
Swivel Thermostat Housing
High Flow Thermostat
Edelbrock Mechanical Fuel Pump + Mounting Plate
Light Weight Bronze Tipped Fuel Pump Pushrod
Add approximately $1,500
This option provides many of the key components typically needed when installing a fresh engine, helping reduce the time and effort required to source additional parts.
Why Choose a Reid’s speed Shop Crate engine:
When purchasing a crate engine, you have many options available—from large production companies to smaller independent builders. At Reid’s Speed Shop, the difference is simple: this isn’t mass production—it’s personal craftsmanship.
Every engine is carefully assembled with attention to detail and built using combinations that have been thoughtfully researched and proven to work together. Rather than being one of hundreds of engines moving down an assembly line, your engine receives the kind of focus and care that only a small, dedicated shop can provide.
Communication is also a major part of the experience. Throughout the process, customers are kept informed and updated as their engine comes together. Photos and updates are often shared so you can actually see the progress of your engine being built rather than simply receiving a shipment notice when it’s finished.
Whenever possible, customers are also given the opportunity to hear their engine run before delivery. Whether in person or through a video demonstration, this allows you to see and hear the engine come to life—giving you confidence in how it runs, idles, and performs before it ever leaves the shop.
At Reid’s Speed Shop, the goal isn’t to move engines as quickly as possible—it’s to build them correctly and ensure every customer feels confident in the investment they’ve made. Building engines is more than just a job here; it’s a genuine passion and a craft that is taken seriously.
When you choose Reid’s Speed Shop, you’re not just purchasing an engine—you’re working directly with the person building it, ensuring transparency, accountability, and a level of care that large-scale production simply cannot offer.