1965 first in vettes
No, GM made a 396 big block, dodge made a 383 big block, some OLD hemis are 392
180
396 big block
No, they did not. The smallest big block Chevy is the 396. They also made a small block and big block 400.
Depends upon the year, and which 396 it is, but, 4, to 8 degrees advanced, or BTDC, should make it run best.
about 685 pounds dry
yes
180, to 200.
There was a 402, which was a 396, bored .030 over. No 403.
No it is not an interference engine.
"The v8 350 is a small block Chevrolet motor.....................it became a big block at 396cubic inches......so anything smaller is a "small" block" this is a little misleading. a 350 is indeed a small block. a 396 is indeed a big block. but you can have a small block that is (internally..cubic inch wise) actually larger than a big block. for example GM made a 400 cubic inch small block. internally it is a larger engine than a 396, but the outer dimensions of the 396 are larger than the 400 small block. and the external dimensions and cylinder head design are what make a small block a small block, and a big block a big block. a small block engine simply has a physically smaller block...a big block is called a big block because it's block is bigger than that of a small block.
No, they made a small block 400 and a big block 402. However, Chevrolet DID call the 402 a "400" in certain applications. They also called the 402 a 396 in 1970 (the 402 is a slightly over bored 396) because of they reputation the 396 had built in the SS396 Chevelle Super Sports.