In the Calgary area. I have another thread running regarding the quote I got for a zz383 crate motor from GM. Some guys think its too much, so I'm going to talk to a local engine builder regarding rebuilding my stock motor to be as powerful as a zz383. I just want to get an idea for whether its going to be cheaper to go with the zz383 crate.

So, does anyone here know of reputable engine builders in the Calgary area?

 

Just skimming through your other posts (can't wait for that diff paper by the way) you seem to have plenty of tools, patience, and mechanical know how. Why don't you build it yourself? You would save money and get exactly what you want. It is easy (easier than re-building a differential) to build up an engine from at the very least a short block. Pick out a nice short block assembly and then pick the heads, cam, intake, and accessories and you're set. It really wouldn't take all that much time if you've done your research--which you seem to be quite good at and enjoy... I'm sure you could build up that 383 cheaper than what they quoted...

 

I'm working on the diff paper right now actually. It should be done by the end of next week. I thought about doing it myself, maybe buying a shortblock already machined and assembled is the way to go. My dad thinks otherwise (its like talking to a brick wall...he just won't listen). Maybe its because he's an engineer and that's why he won't back down

 

Really? It looks like there are a lot of parts in an engine

 

Yes, there are, and they all have to be perfect, and repetitiously so, one goof on a short short block and you bought the farm, big tyme...

but, once the cam bearings are in place, you can easy slip in the cam you want, put the heads on, and seal it up, but the head shop needs know what cam lift you are going for, so to set the springs for bind/pressures....so does the short block builder, to make sure you don't have pistons/valve hitting.....

I still think you can get yourself an engine built under my scenario for WAY the hell less than any 7 grand....

and be damn close to if not better than that ZZ383....it's a good engine I don't doubt...just my quibble is the price....



OH, edit....assy of the bottom end is a touchy feeley type thing that takes experience, best done with someone looking over your shoulder who knows WTF they are doing.....without that experience seeing personally and checking what you are/have done you stand a fair chance of blasting it....

 

LOL, my dad is actually and electrical engineer and said the same thing to me (I started with a ZZ4 short-block). A lot of engineers are nay-sayers, just ignore them.- I'm actually aerospace.. so I can't give them too much of a hard time...

I think working on engines is easier than working on differentials because there is so much more info on engines (especially Chevrolet's).

Lol... If your diff. rebuild paper is any good you and Gary should team up and do a Motorbooks Workshop book. "Rebuilding C3 Corvette Differentials, Posi-tuning, Steering Boxes... and more."

 

My dad's an electrical engineer too - you can't sway his mind, no matter how hard you try.

 

I was looking back at your restoration thread, and your engine seems to be the L48. Nothing wrong with that and building it to a 383 that produces more power than a ZZ383 is no problem. Have the four bolt main caps put in for a little insurance and forged rotating assembly and your short block would be FAR superior than any ZZ383 thought about being. One of the top Chevy mags had an article of solid roller vs. hydaraulic roller. For their test mule, they had a 383 that ended produing in the excess of 530 HP Solid Roller and I think in the 520s for the hydraulic roller. I don't think the ZZ383 can even tolerate that kind of HP due to the PM rods and hyper pistons.

I'll see if I can find you that article that way you can see the parts list and build an identical engine if you wish.

Edit: I could not find the article since it was a long time ago. I tried searching over the internet with no luck. I did however find a few articles of 383s that produced in the excess of 500 HP. If I were you, I'd find a magazine article of a 383 build that had similar HP numbers that you are looking for with the kind of streetability you are looking for, and build something identical.

 

Thanks

If I use my original block, then I'll have to find myself a good machineshop, and alot of time