FWIW the 396 L78 was rated from the factory @ 425 HP in the one year only 1965 Corvette.
I have owned a couple L78 powered cars and I never raced a 426 Hemi powered car, but had success against 440 powered cars on more than one occasion including an A12 that belonged to a friend.
Neither my car or the others were stock though. Stock bottom end .
The L78 from the factory had forged 11-1 pistons, solid lifter cam, 4 bolt block, steel crank, dimple rods, rectangle port heads, high rise alum. intake Holley 3310 .
Gears and headers made a huge difference in performance.
Don't flame me , I don't own any Chevys now !
The engine pictured is my 69 Chevelle. I did not race this car. The car I raced with was a 68 Camaro.


Mark