Engine problem solved
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 355
Likes: 1
From: sc
Engine problem solved
A few months back I expressed my desire to rebuild my tired L79, 327/350 and try and get the ponies up around 400hp. Got a ton of feed back that it couldn't be done.
I did a lot of inquiring and not only could it be done, but I could get more if I wanted to pay for it. But it would be pretty pricey.
Then, I heard about GM's ZZ383/425 crate motor. It's a 383 small block, aluminum heads, 425 hp and 460 lbs of torque. Could buy one brand new for less than rebuilding my numbers matching original.
So, got one on order and the original will be covered and go under the bench. I've had this car 30 years and hope to have it 30 more. So I don't worry about all the numbers stuff anymore.
Also, putting on a set of 2-1/2" manifolds attached to 2-1/2" stainless factory side pipes. Headers would kick in some more juice. But I can't stand em. I'll drop in my rebuilt original distributor and a 750 holley with vac secondaries.
SHould melt the rear tires. :chevy
I did a lot of inquiring and not only could it be done, but I could get more if I wanted to pay for it. But it would be pretty pricey.
Then, I heard about GM's ZZ383/425 crate motor. It's a 383 small block, aluminum heads, 425 hp and 460 lbs of torque. Could buy one brand new for less than rebuilding my numbers matching original.
So, got one on order and the original will be covered and go under the bench. I've had this car 30 years and hope to have it 30 more. So I don't worry about all the numbers stuff anymore.
Also, putting on a set of 2-1/2" manifolds attached to 2-1/2" stainless factory side pipes. Headers would kick in some more juice. But I can't stand em. I'll drop in my rebuilt original distributor and a 750 holley with vac secondaries.
SHould melt the rear tires. :chevy
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA
Re: Engine problem solved (mymaur)
Last year I built a 383 (~430 HP on the Desktop Ddyno) for a friend and put it into his '65. It goes like stink. he has headers going into sidepipes. It is quite loud. I say you will not lose a lot of true street performance using the cast manifolds. You could improve them by and extrude hone or just using a carbide grinder to get the casting blobs out of them. Let me know if I can help out with the 383 project as you go fwd. You are going to like it!
