zz4 vs 383 stroker
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,453
Likes: 976
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
This question comes down to 4 questions you have to ask yourself?
1. How much money do you want to spend?
2. What are you going to do with the car?
3. how much HP/TQ are you looking for?
4. Which is easier to accomplish?
1. A properly built 383 will cost just as much as a ZZ4 crate engine, maybe more..
2. If you are going to just cruise around with a rare race stint, the ZZ4 would seem the answer.
3. If you are looking for max power, the 383 would be the way to go or you are looking in the 475-500+ Gross HP range.
4. A ZZ4 crate engine is quicker and easier to install in your car...less work and build time
In my case, I wanted to keep the OEM L-82 engine from my 78 so I built it into a 355 with most of the OEM L-82 internals (forged crank, forged L-82 rods, L-82 aluminum intake) and added some of the best parts you can buy (AFR aluminum heads, Roller cam, JE Forged Racing pistons, 10.2:1 compression) looking for 450-460 Gross HP...no racing for the engine...runs on 89 octane easily. It was expensive but I was willing to go that route for the power out of the OEM numbers matching block. Not as much power as an all out built 383 but more than the crate ZZ4...depends what you want
1. How much money do you want to spend?
2. What are you going to do with the car?
3. how much HP/TQ are you looking for?
4. Which is easier to accomplish?
1. A properly built 383 will cost just as much as a ZZ4 crate engine, maybe more..
2. If you are going to just cruise around with a rare race stint, the ZZ4 would seem the answer.
3. If you are looking for max power, the 383 would be the way to go or you are looking in the 475-500+ Gross HP range.
4. A ZZ4 crate engine is quicker and easier to install in your car...less work and build time
In my case, I wanted to keep the OEM L-82 engine from my 78 so I built it into a 355 with most of the OEM L-82 internals (forged crank, forged L-82 rods, L-82 aluminum intake) and added some of the best parts you can buy (AFR aluminum heads, Roller cam, JE Forged Racing pistons, 10.2:1 compression) looking for 450-460 Gross HP...no racing for the engine...runs on 89 octane easily. It was expensive but I was willing to go that route for the power out of the OEM numbers matching block. Not as much power as an all out built 383 but more than the crate ZZ4...depends what you want
Last edited by jb78L-82; Mar 5, 2016 at 07:09 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 57
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,524
Likes: 61
From: Medina Ohio
**EDIT** Haha.. didn't see that it went to page two with ever more continuation. Nevermind... was already pointed out I guess.
Last edited by Ibanez540r; Mar 4, 2016 at 05:04 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 294
Likes: 10
From: Palmer Alaska
Guys, this thread is 14 years old. I doubt many of the members are even still here. Maybe better to start new or find a similar thread not so old.
**EDIT** Haha.. didn't see that it went to page two with ever more continuation. Nevermind... was already pointed out I guess.
**EDIT** Haha.. didn't see that it went to page two with ever more continuation. Nevermind... was already pointed out I guess.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,000
Likes: 299
From: New York
a 383 is so close in power to a streetable daily driver 350 it is a waste of money. If you want a lot of real power and drive ability go 427 sbc . If you want moderate power / over drive or upgraded suspension for the cost difference go 350.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,453
Likes: 976
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
with DiehrdThe power difference between a 383 and properly built 355 on the street for 95% of drivers is simply negligible. The 28 cubes will NOT make that much of a difference in most applications unless the 383 is built to the max. This issue reminds me of the GM V6 forum where many of the young enthusiasts argue pretty vehemently about the stock 3.1 V6 versus the 3.8 V6 GM engines power difference. I have owned both V6's and have to chuckle...there is VERY little difference in power....they are both anemic...
To make a significant difference in power over the 355, you really need a 400/427 SBC....
Last edited by jb78L-82; Mar 5, 2016 at 07:19 AM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2014
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Likes: 215
From: Foothills of the Adirondacks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 57
When you do a search, and post on an old existing thread, it's not long before someone criticizes for not starting a new thread.
