I'm going to drop a crate motor in my C3 (1974 4 speed). Any recommendations on which way I should go. Looking at the GM 383, ZZ4 or the Fast Burn 385 (which can go up to 430hp with hot cam and roller rockers). I'm looking for gut wrenching, off the line power. Input from crate motor guys would be appreciated. Any non-GM Performance motor recommendations.? Thanks

 

After looking around I decieded to go with a ZZ4. I am getting the motor from Sam Taylor in FL for 3349 dollars (150 less than cost). I really like the idea of having a new motor with forged stuff, roller cam, decent heads and a warrenty. I figure it should be quick and after the warrenty runs out quicker.

Mark B.

 

All of those are great motors..hard to go wrong with any of them.

As for other places. I've met several people with engines from these guys that are extremly happy with the performance. http://www.speedomotive.com/Assembled%20Engines.htm

 

my dream someday.......when I'm too old to drive far and all my driving is to the grocery store and back...this is what my little mouse motor will look like...
725 HP blown mouse motor ! http://www.speedomotive.com/725_h.htm




[Modified by ylose, 2:59 PM 4/30/2002]

 

SWEET :cheers:

 

You guys probably have the skills (along with everyone else in this Forum other than me!) to drop a crate motor in yourself.

What do you suppose it would cost to pay a mechanic to do that job? I imagine that it's A LOT, but I'd be interested in an informed estimate.

 

i ahve been think the same thing. is the crate motor good? local gm dealer is selling a 383. what is the horsepower like from this powerplant??

Rod

 

Well I'd suggest making some vette buddies around town. Surely there are some other gear heads. I like the I help you with something I know about, you help me with something you know about....that way we all learn...and is great if they enjoy the work.

 

mg62, It isn't that hard to do an engine swap, all it takes is a little patience and common sense and the right tools. I pulled my first engine at 15 (55 f*rd) and it doesn't ever seem to get any easier or harder, it is just work.
I have no idea what a mechanic would charge for doing the swap, but I assume like you it would probably be expensive. I'd rather spend the money on tools and do the job myself.

 

Figure about 10 hours labor plus miscellaneous shop supplies. Talk to a few trusted shops in your area and see what they'll quote you. I think the 383 is a little lame on the HP. More of a truck motor. The 385 fast burn is nice but probably best bang for your buck is the ZZ4. The 385 fast burn is the ZZ4 bottom with the aluminum vortec heads (replacing the L98 heads). IMO, a little pricey for just a head swap. I'd get the ZZ4, and then swap on some AFR 190's when the budget allows. :cheers:

 

mg62,

Don't underestimate your skills! Before I owned the Vette I used to do all the tune-up and minor repair stuff, never thought I could tackle a motor install. Well, I just finished doing it myself, the only help I had was pulling the motor out and dropping the motor in, other than that I have done everything so far except build the actual motor. If all goes well it will be running tonight.....after 4 months of having my garage looking like the toolbox blew up.

I have also rebuilt my entire rear suspension and added a 700r4 tranny. For a guy who has never done any major projects I'm pretty damn proud of what I accomplished so far. My next project will be the front suspension and aluminum console.

 

Well if you want some non-GM options here's one:
http://<a href="http://www.mopar.com...itemID=248</a>

 

This may sound like a sick and twisted thing to say :jester but a Hemi is the only engine I would ever even consider putting into a Corvette that isn't produced by Chevrolet. Awesome engines.

dl

 

In the Toronto area, you will be looking at paying any where from $600 to $1200 for an engine swap,

 

Thanks for the encouragement.

You guys are justifiably proud of your achievements with your cars ... but I can only play the cards I was dealt. I've got no experience with what's under the hood of this car. Because of the degree of knowlege/expertise you guys have, you may find it impossible to imagine my position, but I literally could not change the oil on this car if it meant the difference between life and death. Wouldn't even know where to start. There's prob'ly like a plug you pull out a the bottom and all the oil runs out, or something. I probably should not be admitting this. (I obviously ran with the wrong crowd in younger years .... Ha!)

Example: When I was 18, I bought a 1964 Chevy Biscayne for $200 and cut the roof off to make it into a 'convertible'. This was a brilliant plan, and it was quite a sight. At some point during that summer, though, the car stopped starting. Someone I knew took a look at it, and said "starter's seized up, you need to pop in a new starter". Ah, excellent. So, I went and got the Chilton manual for the car, hoping that it would tell me where the starter was, what it looked like, and exactly/precisely how to remove the old one and insert the new one. When I got to the relevant part of the manual, all it said for the first step was "Take out the starter." Well, ... sheesh. That was the end of my ambitions as a mechanic.

So, to cut a longer story shorter, I don't think that the hands-on experience of swapping engines is in my future. I'd be looking for real specific instructions, and all I'd see is .... "TAKE OUT OLD ENGINE - PUT IN NEW ENGINE". Ha!

 

mg62,
Would you like to learn? The members of this forum WILL help you through this. If you have the money and would rather pay for the labor, that is OK too but I think that you would find it very rewarding if you did it yourself.
:cheers:
LT1man, Yes to all the above! :yesnod:


[Modified by MIKER, 9:39 PM 4/30/2002]

 

I agree!! If you are going to pay someone to do it the price I saw was around $1000. You could do it for way cheaper with a little help. There are plenty people on the forum that live in your area isn't there? Also what you would learn in the process would be priceless and save you countless $$$'s in the future.

$150 - beer and food for everyone
$ 25 - medical supplies
$100 - engine stand
$300 - cherry picker to pull engine
$450 - MORE MODS!!!

 

I don't recall anybody saying anything bad about the ZZ4's. What is your price limit?

My vote below http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/Chev...imate_502.html

 

>>http://www.speedomotive.com/Assembled%20Engines.htm




That's a good place to buy engines - even though there are people that had issues with them. However - those that I met that were using their products/engines were happy with them!

:cheers:

Olivier

 

Maurice,
Do you think I have enough forum members in my area willing to pull my engine and re-install another 383 Stroker????? I'll buy and have available all the items mentioned in your post and some...... :seeya Cappy
I'm trying all your phone numbers.
I have a homepage, however have no clue on how to make it up with the pictures, comments, etc....Call me when you have time.... :seeya Cappy