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I know there are numerous threads out there about crate engines, and buying new/rebuilding, but I haven't been able to find much on this forum about my two front runners.
I'm looking to replace the stock L-48 engine in my 76, and will replace the 4 speed with a TKO600 while I'm at it. I have narrowed it down to the SP350/385hp, and the SP383 both offered by GM. It sounds like these two engines are fairly new, or renamed versions of the Fast Burn 385, and the ZZ383, respectively.
I'm not looking to race the car in any way, more of a weekend driver that needs to be upgraded from stock.
The SP350/385 is listed at 385HP @ 5600 RPM and 405 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM. The SP383 is listed at 435HP @ 5600 RPM and 445 lb-ft @ 4600 RPM.
The SP350 has a dual plane intake, while the SP383 has a single plane intake. In my limited knowledge of engines, I understand this to mean the the SP383's single plane intake may lead to worse idle and low RPM characteristics; while the SP350's dual plane may be more suited for in-town driving. Does anyone have any experience with the ZZ383/SP383 and can speak to its lower RPM feel? If I swapped the SP383 intake with a dual plane, would that improve the lower RPM driveability (and may help with hood clearance)?
My car has the stock hood, so I know fitment of both engines may be an issue, but I'm open to replacing the stock hood with a L88 hood for additional clearance in addition to drop base air cleaners.
Ultimately, I don't want to replace my engine with something that a year down the road I'm wishing I had gone for something bigger with more power.
I've looked at other brands of engines as well, Blueprint, ATK, etc, but it seems that for every persons with a positive review, there is another with a negative opinion. The reliability of the engine is more important than the price.
I know there are numerous threads out there about crate engines, and buying new/rebuilding, but I haven't been able to find much on this forum about my two front runners.
I'm looking to replace the stock L-48 engine in my 76, and will replace the 4 speed with a TKO600 while I'm at it. I have narrowed it down to the SP350/385hp, and the SP383 both offered by GM. It sounds like these two engines are fairly new, or renamed versions of the Fast Burn 385, and the ZZ383, respectively.
I'm not looking to race the car in any way, more of a weekend driver that needs to be upgraded from stock.
The SP350/385 is listed at 385HP @ 5600 RPM and 405 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM. The SP383 is listed at 435HP @ 5600 RPM and 445 lb-ft @ 4600 RPM.
The SP350 has a dual plane intake, while the SP383 has a single plane intake. In my limited knowledge of engines, I understand this to mean the the SP383's single plane intake may lead to worse idle and low RPM characteristics; while the SP350's dual plane may be more suited for in-town driving. Does anyone have any experience with the ZZ383/SP383 and can speak to its lower RPM feel? If I swapped the SP383 intake with a dual plane, would that improve the lower RPM driveability (and may help with hood clearance)?
My car has the stock hood, so I know fitment of both engines may be an issue, but I'm open to replacing the stock hood with a L88 hood for additional clearance in addition to drop base air cleaners.
Ultimately, I don't want to replace my engine with something that a year down the road I'm wishing I had gone for something bigger with more power.
I've looked at other brands of engines as well, Blueprint, ATK, etc, but it seems that for every persons with a positive review, there is another with a negative opinion. The reliability of the engine is more important than the price.
Appreciate the replies. NewbVetteGuy, do you have any experience with the Blueprint engine you linked, or just a suggestion? The numbers are impressive for the money, and I guess the warranty should allow enough time to find any possible problems.
Appreciate the replies. NewbVetteGuy, do you have any experience with the Blueprint engine you linked, or just a suggestion? The numbers are impressive for the money, and I guess the warranty should allow enough time to find any possible problems.
Well if you are looking in that price range why not look at this 383 Stroker from Smelding for $5,895. (450HP & 460 ft-lbs. torque). This is the direction I will probably go for my body-off restoration.
I'm looking to replace the stock L-48 engine in my 76, and will replace the 4 speed with a TKO600 while I'm at it. Any input would be appreciated! Thanks.
This is the one I got from Summit Racing with free shipping. It is also from blueprint engines. I've had it in the car for 2 years now with zero problems. You can also read the reviews at the bottom of the page.
I went with the ZZ4 as when I replaced the old truck engine my car had in it the ZZ4 was the best bang-for-the-buck at the time. A few years later GM came out with the crate LS motors which is what I'd do today if I were to swap again.
I was leaning towards one of the BluePrint 383's, mainly for the warranty. Then I stumbled across a 383 offered by Pace Performance. It is a HT383, with a cam swap.
It produces much more torque at lower RPMs. I'd think this would be ideal for a car to be driven on the street. It has cast iron heads, so wouldn't get the weight savings. Comes with a brand new GM block, and has EFI kit.
That Smeding performance motor looks really good. I know they have been around for a while as they use to be in California.
Forged crank and rods with a NEW block that was done with torque plates.
Comes with a Quickfuel that they have already setup for the
No screwing around with Jets and IFR.
Running the Smeding 383 touring in my 75 for a littlle over a year. 5000 miles. Great motor but the "corvette only" fuel pump didn't fit. Dynoed at 370 hp/440 tq. Running a th400 with Continental special built torque converter. Great engine and plenty of power for me.
Ignore stats and price
do the 383 every time. You wont regret it BBC power in the sbc pkg youl love it. 3.48 stroke just not enought to make a heavey car run. Some have but it gets expensive. Build big as you possibly can
Run every imaginable h/c i combo on a 350 never said ahhh...getting close til I increades stroke. Telling you thats wher its at. Dont be afriad of a lil compression too. Just dont go corking it up with stock intkae/exh like some bozos will tell you to do. They can breathe
I know there are numerous threads out there about crate engines, and buying new/rebuilding, but I haven't been able to find much on this forum about my two front runners.
I'm looking to replace the stock L-48 engine in my 76, and will replace the 4 speed with a TKO600 while I'm at it. I have narrowed it down to the SP350/385hp, and the SP383 both offered by GM. It sounds like these two engines are fairly new, or renamed versions of the Fast Burn 385, and the ZZ383, respectively.
I'm not looking to race the car in any way, more of a weekend driver that needs to be upgraded from stock.
The SP350/385 is listed at 385HP @ 5600 RPM and 405 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM. The SP383 is listed at 435HP @ 5600 RPM and 445 lb-ft @ 4600 RPM.
The SP350 has a dual plane intake, while the SP383 has a single plane intake. In my limited knowledge of engines, I understand this to mean the the SP383's single plane intake may lead to worse idle and low RPM characteristics; while the SP350's dual plane may be more suited for in-town driving. Does anyone have any experience with the ZZ383/SP383 and can speak to its lower RPM feel? If I swapped the SP383 intake with a dual plane, would that improve the lower RPM driveability (and may help with hood clearance)?
My car has the stock hood, so I know fitment of both engines may be an issue, but I'm open to replacing the stock hood with a L88 hood for additional clearance in addition to drop base air cleaners.
Ultimately, I don't want to replace my engine with something that a year down the road I'm wishing I had gone for something bigger with more power.
I've looked at other brands of engines as well, Blueprint, ATK, etc, but it seems that for every persons with a positive review, there is another with a negative opinion. The reliability of the engine is more important than the price.
Any input would be appreciated! Thanks.
Both these engines have impressive specs.
Can anyone comment on the idle quality?
Will both these crate engines be as smooth as my stock '71 350/270 at idle?
Did not think that intake would fit under the hood. What sort of hood are you running that fits that intake, etc? Was wanting to go with MPFI like this, but figured the intake would not fit in my '73.
Did not think that intake would fit under the hood. What sort of hood are you running that fits that intake, etc? Was wanting to go with MPFI like this, but figured the intake would not fit in my '73.
I have a 67 hood. The motor had a Dart DP intake wth a Quick fuel carb.
I was using an L88 base with a 2" filter, I think. This setup now is actually an inch shorter, allowing me to use a taller filter with a base with less drop.
Have run the ZZ383 Deluxe for 2.5 seasons now. Original delivered cost was $5550 Cdn then rec'd a $900 Cdn rebate (due to GM overstating hp/tq) so for $4850 cdn I certainly have ho complaints with this engine. It replaced another 383 stroker which we built to run quarters. The difference in the 2 is significant. Both engines have a single plane intake but the old engine the power came on @4750 rpm and would pull strong to @7200 rpm. It was a fun engine but the ZZ beats it for street driving as it has a fairly flat tq curve. I was concerned with running another single plane now that I am only using the vette for street and no more 1/4 runs. I do miss that screaming upper end of the old engine once in awhile but overall for my use of the vette now the ZZ is a much better fit. The ZZ is no slouch and a lot of fun - love the fact that tq comes on much lower. I went back and forth numerous times whether to go the Ls route or keep the engine back essentially stock looking. I left the engine painted black as just liked the look, have the original engine packed away in the corner of the garage.
Here is a thought.
Find a local engine builder and ask him to build your current motor to what you want it to do. I was looking at getting a crate motor, but ended up with a local builder who built me a beast of at big block. And it saved me a lot of money in the process. The only downside to any warranty issues you might run into is with a crate motor, you have to ship the motor back to the builder. And that is not cheap, nor easy to do. If you go with a local guy, chances are you get a warranty, plus you could tow the car across town to him for any repair or set up issues you have, and or just drop by.
That being said, I have lots of good things regarding the crate choices you mentioned.
Help with crate engine choice!
