well it happened!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 64
Likes: 6
well it happened!
Hello everyone,
my engine gave in, looks like i cracked the block and fried a piston. I said to myself once and if that happened i would get myself a new crate engine. Iv been looking at the gm performance engine but not really excited about the price for a zz4 or a zz383. Anything out there that might be comparable but more reasonable in price? Iv read about the year one 350 with 400/400 for about 3k,anyone with experience with this engine?
Thanks,
Andy
my engine gave in, looks like i cracked the block and fried a piston. I said to myself once and if that happened i would get myself a new crate engine. Iv been looking at the gm performance engine but not really excited about the price for a zz4 or a zz383. Anything out there that might be comparable but more reasonable in price? Iv read about the year one 350 with 400/400 for about 3k,anyone with experience with this engine?
Thanks,
Andy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,557
Likes: 9
From: Oquirrh Mountains
St. Jude Donor '09
It's an 'older' concept, but I really like the 400 sbc. There's a few 'tricks' to them; such as steam holes for the heads, externally balanced, shorter rods, etc. but they are a fantastic engine with a few different parts. For what a zz383 will cost, you could build a 400 that will stomp it into the dirt.
If $3k is your budget, find a factory 400 and reuse the crank. Get a 4-bolt main block if you can find one. The block can usually only be bored 0.040" over so make sure it's under that. Add 5.7 scat rods, ft pistons, and a set of vortec heads and you are at 400 hp. If you are still bucks up, upgrade the heads to aluminum.
What are your goals for this build?
If $3k is your budget, find a factory 400 and reuse the crank. Get a 4-bolt main block if you can find one. The block can usually only be bored 0.040" over so make sure it's under that. Add 5.7 scat rods, ft pistons, and a set of vortec heads and you are at 400 hp. If you are still bucks up, upgrade the heads to aluminum.
What are your goals for this build?
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 6
From: Irving Texas
I avoid crate engines..........because the builders are placing alot of mark up in the price.
Buy yourself a short block....383 or 400 from any machine shop for about $2000.
Then shop for a set of heads for $1500-$2000. You can install the heads yourself and save about $1000
Buy yourself a short block....383 or 400 from any machine shop for about $2000.
Then shop for a set of heads for $1500-$2000. You can install the heads yourself and save about $1000
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Stratford Ontario
I avoid crate engines..........because the builders are placing alot of mark up in the price.
Buy yourself a short block....383 or 400 from any machine shop for about $2000.
Then shop for a set of heads for $1500-$2000. You can install the heads yourself and save about $1000
Buy yourself a short block....383 or 400 from any machine shop for about $2000.
Then shop for a set of heads for $1500-$2000. You can install the heads yourself and save about $1000
Then You will know exactly what You have. Crate engines can have mismatched parts inside. ( not that it hurts the motor any) If Your spending that kind of money? Its nice to know exactly what You have. I personaly would stay away from the 400 blocks because they are prone to heat issues and vettes can be bad enough without any help.LOL Just My two cents.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 64
Likes: 6
I avoid crate engines..........because the builders are placing alot of mark up in the price.
Buy yourself a short block....383 or 400 from any machine shop for about $2000.
Then shop for a set of heads for $1500-$2000. You can install the heads yourself and save about $1000
Buy yourself a short block....383 or 400 from any machine shop for about $2000.
Then shop for a set of heads for $1500-$2000. You can install the heads yourself and save about $1000
Thanks for the info....i think im just going to get a block or reuse the block i have now because it is a 383. My goal is to have a reliable power. It would be nice to have 400+ hp but not really a huge concern for me. Where can i find a kit to put together an engine?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
He has a really good reputation and used to sell a 440hp 350 combo on e-bay for less than $3000 on a regular basis.
These days he seems to mostly deal in big blocks, but I have heard that he will still do the small block combos also.
If you want to talk to somebody that has bought from him, send a message to forum member ajrothm (Alan).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 289
From: Spring Park MN
They have this bad rap only because of people who do not set them up correctly, such as not drilling steam holes in the heads. My 406 runs very cool. It has never been over 200 even on 100 degree days, which aren't that frequent here, but we get plenty of high 80's and 90's. My 406 usually runs at the thermostat opening temp.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Stratford Ontario
They have this bad rap only because of people who do not set them up correctly, such as not drilling steam holes in the heads. My 406 runs very cool. It has never been over 200 even on 100 degree days, which aren't that frequent here, but we get plenty of high 80's and 90's. My 406 usually runs at the thermostat opening temp.