woodsdesign

I have always liked the way the stock L-79 motor looked. My previous thought is to keep the stock look and build the motor to get 400HP. I have come to the conclusion that this is not practical. A) By the time I accomplish this the $ will be as much as investing in a new motor. B) For value, it is wise to tag and bag my L-79. C) My engine builder says that he wants to disassemble and redo the engine because he has had issues with GM crate engines. different rings. (more $) D) I want 400 hp. He says he can do this by adding a cam and 1;6 lifters.

Are these reasonable statements? Has anyone up graded a ZZ4 to get a solid 400HP?
Looking forward to your comments.

Hitch

385 Fastburn with a bigger cam, 1.6 rockers and smaller head gasket... Poof... you have a ZZ430...

Crunch527

In my opinion, the zz4's heads are the biggest limfac, they dont flow very well/much.

I have had three GM crate motors and never a problem.

Of those, I had a zz4 and sold it for a zz383/500hp...much better...

wmf62

i see no reason to mess with a NEW crate engine. my ZZ4 is warranteed for 2 years and 25K miles.

buy a ZZ383 and get 425hp right out of the box...
Bill

mikem350

Crate motors have become a beautiful thing...pick the power level you want and write the check...
if u want the stock look use your alum intake and a similar carb, and some chev orange paint!!!

make sure your rear gears and fuel system are compatible..

also be prepared for some tire smoke

silverslashstreak

We put the zz383 425 horse in my sons shark and it is absolutely a beast. No way you can use that much power with c2 suspension and tires.

It makes no sense to buy a GM crate engine with 2 year warranty and take it apart. Put it in and drive the dog out of it, if it breaks or uses oil let them fix it!!!!

Jeff

ZBRA

CWerner

Woods,

I think you know my car. John at Corvette Conspiracy put it together.

3 years ago I replaced my 89 TPI with a built ZZ4 by Victory Engines about 10 miles from John's shop. John did all of the R&R work. It dyno'd @ 418. I can send you the specs that they built it to. Still has original heads & cam.

My suggestion would be just go to the zz383. Why....torque. If I remember right, I only ended up with about 380 ftlbs. The HP curve was top ended and with out the stronger torque curve, you don't really feel like you get all the power that the engine is putting out. Don't get me wrong, the engine is plenty powerfull. I just wish I'd gone with the 383. That's what John wanted me to do but I didn't listen. I've reqreted it since the day we put the zz4 in. I've also had an oil use problem. No warranty, my problem. Now that I live in Texas, I can't go back to Victory for help (and I know they would help me work the problem out...really good guys).

Good luck with your decision

Mossy66

I bet I could find a way to use it.

CWerner

woodsdesign

Thanks for the feedback, guys. The reason I was looking at a ZZ4 is because I found a good deal on one. $2,700.00 at an Estate sale. However, I don't want to regret my move because I saved a couple of $. ZZ 383 is what John @ Corvette Conspiracy has been pushing for quite a while. Maybe i should learn a lesson from Chris. More $$$=more fun

Crunch527

learn from me...I did it twice...bought the zz4 and wasnt happy...then bought the 383...the few extra bucks dont matter...

FastEddy

you rarely hear of anyone complaining that they should have gone with LESS power...so go for all you can afford.

The ZZ4 would still be faster than any stock spec 327 from the 60's, with it's solid 400 ft lbs and broad power curve via it's roller cam and additional cubes. It pulled like a big block compared to my tired 327/300, and using stock exhaust won't really cost you any power - so it is a great budget move. The FB 385 will need full length headers and a good exhaust to make it's top numbers. The ZZ383 has enough torque to pull hard without full length headers or large/loud exhaust system, but will be a blast with headers and nice freeflowing pipes - well worth the extra $$. I've installed each one of them in three different Vettes, a 64, a 65, and a 68.

FastEddy

"We put the zz383 425 horse in my sons shark and it is absolutely a beast. No way you can use that much power with c2 suspension and tires.

Jeff"


C-2 suspension is basically the same as a shark's. Driveshaft got larger after 64, that's about the only strength difference I know of.

wmf62

the reason i went with the ZZ4 rather than the ZZ383 is that my intake system will not fit fast burn heads. something to consider if you are thinking of using any kind of Gen I intake system
Bill

woodsdesign

Bill,
Did you use your stock intake and carb? Just wondered how that worked out. HP and fitment wise. I thought that the ZZ4 had voetec heads. It was my understanding that they wouldn't work with the old style intakes. Pics would be nice.

Muttley

Nope...it has the aluminum L98 heads (or something close to them), so it takes an "old" gen 1 intake.

wmf62

i used my old Rochester FI intake parts; and yes, the old style intakes will not work with vortec heads.




Bill

ZBRA

That is a good deal. If you decide not to buy it, post the details in the parts FS section so someone else can jump on it.

INMYBLOOD

I agree