Hey guys, I've been doing some seaching and researching different gm ZZ crate engines. My initial idea is between the 350 and 383 Turn keys. I really would like to purchase the 383 but haven't found any turn key options on the internet. Does anyone know where I could buy the turn key 383 and I would also like anyone's input about the crate engines they have chosen so I can get some diff opinions. Thanks once again. Jonathon.

 

here's one place

http://paceperformance.com/index.asp...S&Category=132

 

check out

www.jegs.com
www.summitracing.com
www.paceperformance.com

they usually have em.

 

Do some research on the turn key motors you are considering. I'm in the process of installing a ZZ4 turn key in a '79, and I have some minor issues with a few of the turn key accessories.

My ZZ4 turn key came with a 750 cfm carb, which apparently does not seem to get the most out of the engine in the rpm range where this car will be driven the majority of the time. We opted to put on a Barry Grant 650 carb designed for the ZZ4 (additional cost of $434). Then there are the water pumps. Yes, I said pumps. The ZZ4 is shipped with a long style water pump. As I researched the ZZ4, I found out a short style water pump was needed for our cars. I'm not sure why, but I assume there is a clearance issue with the fan shroud? Since we are converting to an aluminum radiator with dual electric fans, this should not have been an issue. Until, I looked at the accessory bracket for the alternator and power steering pump that came with the ZZ4 turn key. The water pump on the engine would not allow the bracket to to line up with the mounting points on the engine. A quick check in the serpentine kit that came with the turn key revealed a second long style water pump that allows the bracket to fit. Now, I ordered an Edelbrock Victor Series short style water pump that is a correct fit for the original engine. This water pump could not be used with the accessory bracket included in the turn key option because the bracket for your AC compressor allows no room for you to attach the radiator hose. That means the Edelbrock pump is going to the original engine, the pump on that came on the ZZ4 is for a swap meet, and the pump in the serpentine kit goes on the ZZ4. Are you still with me? So, if you go ZZ4 turn key you will have an extra water pump or two, and could have an extra carb, laying around for swap meet fodder, or you will have to use the old AC brackets from your original engine, and will have some extra work if you want to use the serpentine belt system that comes with the turn key option.

All of that could have been avoided if I did a little more research on the engine and the application.

These were the only two minor issues I had with the turn key option. Overall, I'm very happy with the accessories and serpentine kit that come with the turn key option. I'm able to use the serpentine system, and the engine looks great. Everything assembled nicely, and is ready to be dropped in once we finish refurbishing the front suspension.

 

Thanks for the input, I have been thinking about a ZZ crate, but did not know of some of the issues that could come up either.

 

Because the ZZs use an extra large harmonic balance they tend to create some issue w/existing accessory mounting. In my application (not on a vette but basically same) I couldn't retain the original PS bracket & short water pump setup due to the large balancer diameter interfering which invoked changing to a new seprentine system and long water pump.

If you can read, tighten and tighten a few bolts I wouldn't be so concerned with turn-key. They really seem to bump up the prices when they do they put these couple extra parts on it for you. If you want to re-use all your existing accessories and brackets then I'd get an engine w/o the huge harnonic balancer such as the ZZs have which will inevitbly throw you off one way or another.

 

35,000 miles back I installed a ZZ4 385 fast burn. I installed a Holly 750DP as recommended by GM. I had to down size the jets two sizes. Primary and secondary. Haven't had any trouble. I can't figure out why GM engineers designed and recommend the Holly 750 cfm DP. When everyone wants change there carb to a 650 cfm.

 

Thanks alot for your feed back. It's great to know some of the difficulties that will be faced when switching out the engines. As far as horsepower and torque, do the 383's have a huge advantage?

 

does the 383 have the power you were looking for? Thanks

 

I have no experience with the ZZ383, but GM Performance Parts is claiming 425HP/449TQ. That is a more power and grunt than the ZZ4.

 

what does the term "fast burn" mean in the engine world?

 

Check out this thread from another forum:

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/what...ad-103319.html

 

thanks cowjazz, that makes sense. I'm just still a little confused on why typical specs of 383 strokers are more powerful than the 385 fast burns. It is my understanding that the number reflects the size of pistons, cam, and chamber. Is this correct?

 

Once you leave the realm of the ZZ4 you are out of my league. I hope some others chime in, because any education I can get I desperately need.

 

I got my 383 Stroker from enginefactory.com

Mine came with EFI and puts out numbers like a LS7

 

Well , I have a ZZ383 and i can't say a bad thing about it.. More stroke for torque and with that, more cube's for H.P. G.M built, not to radical. Very steetable, big block like power.

 

I put in a ZZ4 turn key and had no issues at all with the serpentine set up. I have electric fans so there is no mechanical fan. You can go to GM Performance's web site and talk to them about what you want and they will give you info and also tell you who your nearest distributer is. A lot of Chevy dealers sell & install this stuff.

 

I've seriously looked at the fastburn 385 alot. Does it give you the power you are looking for? I would assume so. I see that the 385 is 350 cubic inches where as the stroker is 383 ci. I don't really know what kind of difference this makes necessarily if you have the right set up.