engine suggestions/ turn key or not?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
engine suggestions/ turn key or not?
I am looking at a couple different engine options. I am leaning toward the turn key options and I am leaning toward either the zz4 350 or the fastburn 385 crate engines from GM performance. I like the performance from the 383's but I haven't been able to find anything with the turn key option. I have never installed an engine before and don't really know how important it is to order an engine ready to install. If you guys can give some suggestions I would really appreciate it. If I knew the fastburn 385 would be plenty of power and torque, that is probably the way I would go but any advice would be great! Thanks
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 297
Likes: 3
Turnkey engine
I believe I would go with the GM 383 crate engine. Lots of power and should be dependable. Lots more torque than the 350. I built my own custom 383 but it was a lot of trouble and expense. I wanted a steel crank and forged pistons and a little hotter cam, but it cost me about $2000 more than buying the 383 GM crate. My engine runs awesome, but I think the crate engine is pretty hot too. As far as turnkey, I believe all you need in addition to the crate engine is water pump, carb, and distributor. Looks like a good deal to me for about $5200.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
If your goal is to minimize assembly before installation, then the ZZ4 Turn Key is the best choice out there for the money. You didn't mention the GM Fast Burn 385 Turn Key, but that's another good option. I have the GM 350 HO Deluxe (330 hp, 385 torque) that was not quite turn-key, but everything I needed to add was a bolt-off/bolt-on operation (with some cleaning and upgrades in between).
I just noticed that Jeg's has the ZZ4 turn key for $4919 - about $80 less than the HO and $1200 less than the Fast Burn 385.
I just noticed that Jeg's has the ZZ4 turn key for $4919 - about $80 less than the HO and $1200 less than the Fast Burn 385.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 315
Likes: 46
From: Chicago Illinois
I just started a project with a friend, with a 69 Camaro and he ordered a Turn key, with his minimal knowlege this was a the perfect choice. He ordered a 383 stroker with 425hp this is going to smoke a lot of cars..
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
if your an engine rookie, go with the turn key.
IF you have taken a motor apart and got it back together correctly in the past,
Then you can pick and choose your individual componets,
to acheive your desired performance level.
with previous experinece you should have enough knowledge to select the proper componets. remember an Engine is the sum of how well all componets are selected,
with a turn-key somone already has made those desicions for you.
Not all local Engine builders would get my recomendation.
But thats a whole new challange finding a competent Engine machine shop.
69VETT
IF you have taken a motor apart and got it back together correctly in the past,
Then you can pick and choose your individual componets,
to acheive your desired performance level.
with previous experinece you should have enough knowledge to select the proper componets. remember an Engine is the sum of how well all componets are selected,
with a turn-key somone already has made those desicions for you.
Not all local Engine builders would get my recomendation.
But thats a whole new challange finding a competent Engine machine shop.
69VETT
Last edited by 69Vett; Nov 30, 2009 at 06:08 PM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
Realize the difference between a turnkey and a crate motor is really just the bolt-on stuff. So you can buy a crate, but then have complete freedom to choose distributor, carb, fuel pump (and pump to carb lines), water pump, etc. All this stuff is very easy to install. I initially looked for turnkey, but I couldn't find one that had the bolt-on parts I wanted, so I ended up getting a ZZ454 crate and then separately bought the other stuff. I'm glad I did it that way so I didn't have to "settle" for what a company offered on their turnkey.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
For a guy that doesn't have the experience with pairing the right parts to go with the engine to get the best possible performance, how would you recommend to choose the extra parts, especially the carb.?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
From: SOUTH ELGIN IL
Ask the forum would be my recommednation if you are concerned - assuming you do not wish to use your existing components. For a small block like a ZZ383 or a ZZ4, Edelbrock makes a C-3 endurashine water pump that I purchased and looks great. For a ZZ4, a mechnical fuel pump should do the trick - Holley, Edelbrock, etc. I'm running a Holley 670 street avenger carb (vacuum secondaries) with my TH400 trans and it seems to work just fine. You can use your stock alternator brackets and alternator, unless you want to replace. Pulleys can be swapped out, try zoops.com or just give them a call and tell them what you have. I'm using the brushed aluminum crank and water pump pulleys and they look great. You shold be able to transfer your power steering over as well. PM me if you want some more info on specific parts I am using. Some of these parts (carb, fuel pump) may not be optimal for a higher HP 383+ cid mill.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
if you dont know what you are doing just make sure you buy an engine with a roller cam....then the most common screwup of engine installs has been eliminated. for the first timer a turn key engine would be hard to argue with, and i guess if you are wondering about the install then maybe this is the way to go
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Perth Western Australia
I recently went through this process myself, while installing a zz383 engine, and my mechanical skills are minimal.
GM crate engines can be really easy to match parts for, as the GM engine manual provides details and part numbers for most of the parts required to complete the engine.
ZZ383:
http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/_r...sp88962517.pdf
Fast Burn 385:
http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/_r...5_Turn_Key.pdf
Depending on which engine you select, many of the parts choices will be automatic.
For example, both of these engines will require Vortec intake manifold, D-port exhaust headers, square-bore carburettor, HEI distributor (possibly with mechanical tach drive, depending on your car's year), a Corvette style water pump compatible with the composite timing chain cover, etc.
From there it just comes down to budget and personal brand preference. Issues like hood, exhaust & engine bay clearance and wether you want to reuse some of your old parts (pulleys, brackets etc.) will also dictate some of your part choices.
There is a wealth of information regarding parts combinations and installation of either of these engines contained both within this forum and elsewhere on the net.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
If you give your general location members might be able to make recommendations of shops in your area.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 576
Likes: 3
If you chose to support your local engine builder as previously suggested. Make sure they warranty their engines at a comparible level to GM.
Jeg's has the ZZ4 turn key for $4919
Don't wander into the first one you come across, do some research:
- Local tracks
- Local Saturday cruises
- Local car clubs
- Ask the guy at the traffic light who build his motor
- Ask your neighbor, or the guy down the street
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Don't forget HT383 w/ iron vortec heads. Lotsa tq. Under $4500.
GM Performance Parts p/n 12499101
GM Performance Parts HT 383 CID
340HP/435TRQ
Only crates I'd suggest are NEW genuine GM. Otherwise, build motor yourself or have a local shop build motor.
GM Performance Parts p/n 12499101
GM Performance Parts HT 383 CID
340HP/435TRQ
Only crates I'd suggest are NEW genuine GM. Otherwise, build motor yourself or have a local shop build motor.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,813
Likes: 1
From: JOPPA MD
My 76 frame off had the ZZ4....Gobs of power...and you can't beat the price for a turn key engine plant either. My vote is the ZZ4....You can mod it the way you like and not spend a small fortune! It really all depends on what your intentions are for the car...hope this helps.
