[Alan Roehrich]

First off, make sure you get a 396 block, it carries a special part number, and is a special order piece.

If you're running in Stock Eliminator, you'll be using some form of flat tappet "mechanical" lifter. The 0.300" taller boss does not matter. None of my suppliers makes a 0.300" taller lifter that I am aware of, nor have I seen the need. There should be no problem with pushrod clearance, but check it anyway.

It will require full preparation, just like a GM block. You should have the dimensions checked, though it will likely not require blueprinting of the lifter bore or cylinder bore location. It probably will require the main bores to be lightly honed for size, and it will almost certainly require decking (make sure it is square, it probably will be, and that whoever does it keeps it that way).

The shop that preps it better know exactly what they are doing with a Dart block, from experience, or the rings will never seat, you'll have blow by and oil consumption problems. I see that happen a lot.