“1) I didn’t realize Chevy was still selling the 396 in 1970.”
Well, sort of. There was a “396” sold in Chevelles, Novas and Camaros that actually displaced 402 cubic inches. This same motor was called a 402 in their full-size cars.
Unfortunately, a lot of people consider the 396 to be a second cousin compared to the 427 and this is unfair.
I forgot about the 402 big block. Anytime someone mentions a 400 Chevy I think of the 400 small block with the Siamesed bores that had a reputation for overheating although the reason was people using the wrong head gasket.
I had a truck someone dropped a 396 in. It was awesome. I love the 60s-70s Chevy trucks.