GM Crate Comparison
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Instructor
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From: Frederick MD
GM Crate Comparison
So I'm comparing the ZZ4 and the ZZ385. I know already I'll be happy with the ZZ4, but would gaining hp and loosing torque in this comparison make much of a difference? I'm not not autocrossing or drag racing, but cruising and hammering it like it was meant to be. In keeping in the say $4K price range.
Also, what about those Chevy High Perfomance builds where they take a 350 HO and juice it up? With all the options of the hot cam and fast burn heads. I'd like to stay away from machining costs and stay with bolt on for now. Once I get more experienced later, I can try and eek out more hp.
Any other motors in this price and performance range you'd reccomend? Hopefully this summer, I'll be able to pull the trigger on the crate (the wife agreed!) and pull out the #'s matching L48
Thanks
Also, what about those Chevy High Perfomance builds where they take a 350 HO and juice it up? With all the options of the hot cam and fast burn heads. I'd like to stay away from machining costs and stay with bolt on for now. Once I get more experienced later, I can try and eek out more hp.
Any other motors in this price and performance range you'd reccomend? Hopefully this summer, I'll be able to pull the trigger on the crate (the wife agreed!) and pull out the #'s matching L48
Thanks
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
Here's what I'd do for your price range. Get the ZZ4. My reasoning is that an engine swap always costs more than you've budgeted & you don't want trouble in the house. You've already stated the the ZZ4 will provide the HP range you are currently looking for. However, if you desire more in the future, that ZZ4 provides an excellent starting point. You can easily take that block up to 396 cubes & put the HP well over 500.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
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From: Lafayette Louisiana
Originally Posted by platzie
I'm not not autocrossing or drag racing, but cruising and hammering it like it was meant to be.
With your quote in mind, take torque over hp anytime. Generally speaking the higher hp numbers are reached at a higher rpm than a street engine sees. The seat of the pants feeling you get leaving the red light is torque.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
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From: Somers CT
Originally Posted by ratflinger
Here's what I'd do for your price range. Get the ZZ4. My reasoning is that an engine swap always costs more than you've budgeted & you don't want trouble in the house. You've already stated the the ZZ4 will provide the HP range you are currently looking for. However, if you desire more in the future, that ZZ4 provides an excellent starting point. You can easily take that block up to 396 cubes & put the HP well over 500.
I have a ZZ4, it's a fine running engine with gobs of low end torque that make it fun to drive. If you want to pump up the volume a little later when you get some extra $$ you can do it pretty easily.Bill
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,841
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From: Halifax, NS, Canada
Originally Posted by platzie
So I'm comparing the ZZ4 and the ZZ385. I know already I'll be happy with the ZZ4, but would gaining hp and loosing torque in this comparison make much of a difference? I'm not not autocrossing or drag racing, but cruising and hammering it like it was meant to be. In keeping in the say $4K price range.
Also, what about those Chevy High Perfomance builds where they take a 350 HO and juice it up? With all the options of the hot cam and fast burn heads. I'd like to stay away from machining costs and stay with bolt on for now. Once I get more experienced later, I can try and eek out more hp.
Any other motors in this price and performance range you'd reccomend? Hopefully this summer, I'll be able to pull the trigger on the crate (the wife agreed!) and pull out the #'s matching L48
Thanks
Also, what about those Chevy High Perfomance builds where they take a 350 HO and juice it up? With all the options of the hot cam and fast burn heads. I'd like to stay away from machining costs and stay with bolt on for now. Once I get more experienced later, I can try and eek out more hp.
Any other motors in this price and performance range you'd reccomend? Hopefully this summer, I'll be able to pull the trigger on the crate (the wife agreed!) and pull out the #'s matching L48
Thanks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Frederick MD
Thanks guys, that's what I wanted to hear! It will be a night and day difference for sure. I will enjoy the process and take my time. Now it's just a waiting game of saving and behaving (a.k.a. take good care of the wife and kids till then)
By the time the original L48 is ready to go back in after the frame off in maybe 10 years, my 4 year old son will be 14 and my right hand man just like my Dad did w/ me with his '69 Firebird 400. Can't wait!
The hardest part will be saving....
By the time the original L48 is ready to go back in after the frame off in maybe 10 years, my 4 year old son will be 14 and my right hand man just like my Dad did w/ me with his '69 Firebird 400. Can't wait!
The hardest part will be saving....
