SuperL98

I burned a piston screwing with boost and fuel mixtures (not ready to talk about it :cry ).
I'd rather just pull the engine and replace it with an assembled crate engine.

Requirements would be around $5000
1988 L98 Corvette auto 2.59 axle.
Like to go without a supercharger this time (again .. don't ask :confused: )
Would like to use the TPI stuff I have invested in, TPIS runners and manifold base, 58mm throttle, etc. again.
No headers, but have precat eliminator pipe, high flow cat. and dynomax rear system.
Also have 1.6 roller rockers.
Ford 24lbs injectors.

The present engine makes (made) about 360 or so hp @ 5400 rpm (supercharged).
Would like to wind up in that range again.

Is a ZZ4 a good "bolt in" choice?
I would tend to trust GM, over someone else.
Do they have a 383 crate engine that would bolt in?

Would also change to a higher stall converter, while the engine is out.

Any comments would be appreciated.





[Modified by SuperL98, 1:49 PM 8/16/2002]

Corvette0096

ZZ4. But if I would have to do it all over. I would get the 383 set up..

ZAD54

They now offer a 383 short block crate motor, but you would have to supply the heads and intake. I think Jeff Kopp could give you more info on it, a catalog came with my order when I bought some part from him. Go for the cubes now so you won't be regretting it later. :cheers:

aj1988

Be careful of GM crate engines. I bought a 350/350 crate engine and when I when I went to tear it down to do some additional work on it, it would not turn over. Found it had a bend in the crank. The machine shop was able to strighten while crossdrilling and champhering the oil holes. I don't think this is common, but if you order an engine, make sure you can turn it over by hand before you get it into the car and then have to take it out again.

SuperL98

Corvette0096 - Is it a strict bolt in, pulleys & brackets, starter and flexplate, exhaust manifolds, etc. etc. etc.
Are you happy with the power level?

I would think that the TPI intake (even with mods) would choke down that 355 hp @ 5250 a little, but probably boost up the 405 ft/lbs @ 3500 of torque some.

Suppose you could make a little money back selling of the carb intake and distributor that come with it.

Corvette0096

Here is what you cant use off the ZZ4, Water pump, Harmonic balancer, Intake, Distributor. There is a center bolt off set that might not work with your intake.. I got the Accel so you can go one way or the other.. Everything is there that you have now.. Let me know if you need any more questions answered

Corvette0096

Power? You will need a new tranny soon :cheers:

vader86

I think i would just get a ZZ4 bottom end and throw all that stuff on it. You should get you a Scoggin-Dickey catalog, its full of crate motors.

RonRed89

Do the stock L98 parts bolt to the ZZ4 for those items above that can't be used from the long block?

Ron

Corvette0096

Yes you can swap your parts over.. Take the gear that comes with the zz4 motor and swap it on to your distr.....

gtsyellow

didn't you mention boost? the only drawback of a zz4 are the PM rods that don't like over 450hp all the time. the hyperutectic pistons and plain cast rings. on a N/A motor it's all good & dandy but as you mentioned your boosted. something like a ross piston and moly rings with a better I beam like the eagles would be a MUCH better idea in my oppinion.

Corvette0096

[QUOTE]didn't you mention boost? the only drawback of a zz4 are the PM rods that don't like over 450hp all the time.


This is from Sallee web site..

Its strong froged steel crankshaft and forged powdered metal connecting rods have been proven to 500 horsepower.. :yesnod:

SuperL98

Anyone have any knowledge/experience about the new FAST BURN 385.
Best I can tell it has the zz4 block & cam but with a forged crank.
Has the newer fast burn heads that flow better than the old L98.
Will our TPI manifolds bolt to these heads, or is it like the vortex heads that don't fit without a special sd-manifold?
385 hp 385 ft-lbs torque vs the zz4 355 & 405.....
maybe the higher torque of the zz4 is better for a auto vette..

silvvette

for the fastburn U would need the miniram(for the fastburn).

1MoorTym

Why? I thought that they would bolt right up.

corvette1990

so many cooks stirring the pot. I went the zz4 route myself. The fastburn heads will require a special manifold. The ZZ4 requires the center bolt holes to be enlarged diagonnally, or better yet put on a super ram manifoild, like I did. I called vette doctors first and found out thats what they do, for a replacement. my 90 had the right gear on the distributor, but Iheard earlier ones have a softer gear that needs to be replaced. Yes all the old L98 stuff bolts on. Plus I have been slowly selling off the new unused parts. good luck :blueangel:

18carfan

The intake off any TPI Corvette will bolt right to a ZZ4. The intake bolt alignment NEVER changed on the TPI Vettes. It only changed on the cast iron head F-body TPI motors. Also, since a 1988 already has a roller cam, the distributor gear would not have to be changed. Fastburn heads DO require a Vortec compatible intake base - they're out there for regular TPI runners if need be, but, as mentioned, a TPI setup on a ZZ4 or FastBurn 385 will limit HP.

If you want an easy swap, the ZZ4 is tough to beat. Personally, I would buy the whole motor and sell off the parts you can't use. Probably be the best bet money wise and easier too.

Boost was mentioned and I'm not quite sure where you're at on that but I wouldn't worry too much about the ZZ4 holding up. The crank and rods are more than fine and the pistons will hold up fine as long as there is no detonation. I'm stilling playing with an old supercharger idea in the back of my mind - more on that when I actually do something about it instead of just dream.

One last thing, a ZZ4 will be a noticeable performance increase over a stock L98 but don't expect a "huge" difference. After all, it is essentially the same as what you have with a bigger cam and a slight amount more compression. Very solid engine though and worth every penny IMO. -Jeff


[Modified by 18carfan, 10:26 PM 8/19/2002]

18carfan

The intake off any TPI Corvette will bolt right to a ZZ4. The intake bolt alingment NEVER changed on the TPI Vettes. It only changed on the cast iron head F-body TPI motors. Also, since a 1988 already has a roller cam, the distributor gear would not have to be changed. Fastburn heads DO require a Vortec compatible intake base - they're out there for regular TPI runners if need be, but, as mentioned, a TPI setup on a ZZ4 or FastBurn 385 will limit HP.

If you want an easy swap, the ZZ4 is tough to beat. Personally, I would buy the whole motor and sell off the parts you can't use. Probably be the best bet money wise and easier too.

Boost was mentioned and I'm not quite sure where you're at on that but I wouldn't worry too much about the ZZ4 holding up. The crank and rods are more than fine and the pistons will hold up fine as long as there is no detonation. I'm stilling playing with an old supercharger idea in the back of my mind - more on that when I actually do something about it instead of just dream.

One last thing, a ZZ4 will be a noticeable performance increase over a stock L98 but don't expect a "huge" difference. After all, it is essentially the same as what you have with a bigger cam and a slight amount more compression. Very solid engine though and worth every penny IMO. -Jeff

1MoorTym

thanks jeff. can you expand on the fastburn requirement for a vortec style manifold?

Is it the bolt pattern or the runner size which is the problem?

HWoods

It is intake runner size and the bolt pattern. A stock tpi intake wont match up to the intake ports of the vortech style fast burn head. Scoggin Dicky has the intake base the will match up for about $400.00