zz383 vs zz502 vs 502HO poll, let em rip!
 

OK so it's a ZZ383 or a ZZ502 (maayyybe a 502HO)

Here's the breakdown

ZZ383 as is from GM with a decent manifold and a tri power or maybe dual quads for looks, maybe a FAST FI system
$5100 plus intake and ignition

ZZ502 as is from GM
$8100

ZZ502 with one step milder cam, (keeps the aluminum heads, a little less edgy)
$8100 plus a cam

502HO as is with a decent 4 bbl (heavy azz iron heads, good compromise power/price wise between ZZ383 and ZZ502 and a bit less edgy I would think)
$6200ish

I don't mind a noticeable idle but it would be nice to have good enough manners that I can get in and take it 3 hrs to KC or St Louis with the wife, no drama.

I'm concerned about the BB weight but may be letting that influence me too much.

It will however be MY car and nasty is good as long as it's drama free nastiness.

Trans will be upgraded regardless so is of no weight in this decision $$ is always nice to save but it's not the major consideration either.

ANY input is valued as I am almost agonizing over this, those with a ZZ383 or ZZ502 are especially encourage to chime in

thanks in advance and I promise to post pics of the build.

(Getting on the phone in a minute to order all the interior as soon as I post this as a matter of fact)

The ZZ427 / 480 hp is not on your list, would be my choice. :cheers:

OK good point, I overlooked that one in the poll but have looked at it for the 79, why do you like it??
:D

406

Not even on the list right now, is there a specific reason or experience you can share why you like it over the other choices?

I guess I should say that part of the reason for all these being GMPP engines is I have heard to many horror stories about various engine shops taking MONTHS it deliver after you pay that deposit, OR not dynoing out where they are supposed to.

Any of those listed should be able to be in my shop within a week of ordering, that's a big deal for me on this.

I like it because it runs on low octane fuel, lighter then a 502 weight wise (aluminum), puts out great low rpm torque with good streetable HP. Not saying a 502 is not a great motor, but I look at cost to run it and is the engine street friendly. With only 22hp difference between the 427 & 502 I'd take the 427, but thats only my view if looking for a new GM crate. :cheers:

The zz series motors are good reliable power plants....
But they don't have any real attitude!

A few guys here in OZ have been disappointed with the ZZ502.
And the ZZ383 at 425 hp is not really showing its potential at all.

They all could do with MORE cam to really wake them up!

There's your tradeoff....
reliable guaranteed off the shelf mediocrity...
or purpose built (takes some time) real adrenalin rush!

cheers
tom

:iagree: but we both have 406ci :thumbs:

Good argument for it, but if you mean the all aluminum anniversary 427 it's like 22k...... NOT!

8k, I can do....... but 22K? :willy:
It better have 1500 hp and an 871 on top!

Good points though, especially the lower compression.
:thumbs:

Sorry, but I can't see 500ish ft lbs as mediocre, I imagine it'll seem mild a year or two down the road but right now, mmmm, no. Mediocre is not what comes to mind.
:cheers:

However if all those folks who don't like their 383s and 502s would like to chime in, I'd be happy to listen.

Or all those who love them would pipe up that'd be cool too!

mtcraigco, I'm sure PRATASEIS and I will say build a 406sb, we both produce equal or more HP & Torq with our little 406's than most BB, without the hassle of beefing up the front supension. My 406 is in a 79 and his I believe his is in a 80. (hope I'm right) :cheers:

OK I won't rule it out but would like to see WHERE on the RPM band they make that torque and HP?

The big attraction of the 383 is it's BBish tq and HP while still being a SB.

What is the combo to make a 406??

As long as we're adding to the list you also might want to think about the aluminum head ZZ454. In a recent Super Chevy test (3/09) it made close to 500 (491 to be exact) horse power which is not too bad for a motor that's advertized at 440.

I make 490 hp @ 5600 rpm and 529 ft. lb @ 4100 rpm. on a dyno. I can send you my build spec's for my engine if you like, I'll have to dig them out first. :cheers:

"Horses for courses" as they say..

You want reliable low down grunt... get the big block.
They were designed for trucks after all. ;)
By the way, the ZZ383 doesn't match a 502 in off idle torque stakes.

The ZZ502 has the torque, but gets asthmatic as it nears 5000 rpm.
And that's fine. Just pick the next gear and away you go.
And that's OK.

It's just that some of us buy and build up our vettes as real performance cars, not daily commuters, and many of us like the sound of a chev doing what it does best at 6000+. :thumbs:

Not to be confused with the anniversary edition 427/ZL1 (which are likely all but gone), the ZZ427 is iron with alum heads and intake, and ought to be found for ~$10K. ...and would get my vote, but I'm not a crate motor guy.

FYI, the weight difference between an iron BB w/alum heads and intake and an iron SB w/alum intake is only ~95 lbs, a difference most any respectable BB can easily make up.

:cheers:

IMHO ZZ383 is a great buy and gives a lot for bucks invested. Nevertheless I went with this with options. :cheers:

546HP@6500
510TQ@4750 :thumbs:

You limit yourself. How aboust a carbureted ls6? Light in weight and good power.