FB 385, ZZ383, CT350pc1
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 180
Likes: 1
From: Prairieville Louisiana
FB 385, ZZ383, CT350pc1
Have a 76 vette and want an upgrade. Like to hear you guys opinions on these engines. I like power and also have something i can drive for 200 miles without worries!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
I have 25,000 mi. with my GM crate ZZ4 385 FB. Holly 750 DP w/mechanical secondaries. Once I put in this engine. I have been to Bowling Green 4 times. Providence RI 3 times, Carlisle 1 last year. On June 3rd I'm leaving for Madison Wis. to join in the 2009 Hot Rod Power Tour. This trip for me is around 4,000 mi. I have a Keisler 5 speed. Mileage is about 20 mpg with the cruise on, and driven like a responsible person
Oh, you will like the power this engine puts out
Oh, you will like the power this engine puts out
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
I have a Fast Burn 385 with GM Hot Cam and 1.6 RR. I love this motor with the Keisler 5 speed. Motor is very reliable. I run it with A/C and take it on many trips. If you buy any ZZ4 block make sure you buy the Edlebrock water pump and ditch the gm one because it is a reverse flow. It will work fine with electric fans but it won't work with stock fan.
There is my 2 cents
There is my 2 cents
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 180
Likes: 1
From: Prairieville Louisiana
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 369
Likes: 1
From: Rockford TN
I have 25,000 mi. with my GM crate ZZ4 385 FB. Holly 750 DP w/mechanical secondaries. Once I put in this engine. I have been to Bowling Green 4 times. Providence RI 3 times, Carlisle 1 last year. On June 3rd I'm leaving for Madison Wis. to join in the 2009 Hot Rod Power Tour. This trip for me is around 4,000 mi. I have a Keisler 5 speed. Mileage is about 20 mpg with the cruise on, and driven like a responsible person Oh, you will like the power this engine puts out
Oh, you will like the power this engine puts out
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 495
Likes: 1
From: Lubbock TX
I am running the CT350PC1. It is great and has plenty of power. My dyno sheets came back with 425hp and 462 tq. No other engine I found can beat that power at that price...not even close. I have had it a year and no problems so far. You do need to take into consideration the hood clearance with the air gap it comes with. I had to buy a spacer for my q-jet and then I had to go with a l-88 hood so it would fit.
I think you will be pleased with any of those engines.
Sean
I think you will be pleased with any of those engines.
Sean
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 716
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
Just looking at hp/tq/$ figures the ZZ383 seems like the the winnner to me. That's what I decided on a coupld years ago when comparing and put one in one of my old cars and it pulls hard, goes anywhere reliably and maintains ideal operating temp. in all scenarios (w/GM pump, elec. fan & alum. radiator). TKO 600 w/3.73s in my case and is a wonderful street combo that's also a lot of fun at the 1/4 mile road. I think w/this engine's hp/tq/rpm range you wouldn't necessarily need a new TQ conv. but something mild/slightly over stock would be ideal for a streeter.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 495
Likes: 1
From: Lubbock TX
Just for a price comparison you will save almost $2000 going with the year one 350. Thats the main reason I chose it over a 383.
Stock converter should be fine in any application...but since you will have the motor out I would go ahead and swap in a 2500 or so. I wish I would of just spent the couple hundred and did it at the same time instead of going back in afterwards.
Sean
Stock converter should be fine in any application...but since you will have the motor out I would go ahead and swap in a 2500 or so. I wish I would of just spent the couple hundred and did it at the same time instead of going back in afterwards.
Sean
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 495
Likes: 1
From: Lubbock TX
Not with a Q-Jet because you need an adapter/spacer to fit the manifold. I wanted a l-88 hood anyway so it was not big deal to me.
Im not exactly sure if your running a holley etc. that bolts on directly. I would think you might could squeeze it in with a drop base and a slightly shorter air cleaner. But I can't tell you for sure.
You can always swap intakes for a lower one, and sell the air gap.
Sean
Im not exactly sure if your running a holley etc. that bolts on directly. I would think you might could squeeze it in with a drop base and a slightly shorter air cleaner. But I can't tell you for sure.
You can always swap intakes for a lower one, and sell the air gap.
Sean
