Which engine to choose for 69?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 411
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From: Arvada CO
Which engine to choose for 69?
I'm stuck deciding between a new ZZ4 (355HP/400 Torque) that has a warranty OR saving about a grand and going with a rebuilt 383 (says will put out about 400HP/400 Torque when he's done rebuilding) with around 2K-3K miles on it, new cam and a few other new parts BUT No warranty....
The guy selling/building the 383 has a good reputation, but I've never done biz with before so I am a tad worried.
What would you do?
The guy selling/building the 383 has a good reputation, but I've never done biz with before so I am a tad worried.
What would you do?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 228
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Re: Which engine to choose for 69? (CruisinCO)
If the builder is afraid to stand behind thier work either they are using cheap parts or they are not sure of thier work. I would go for the one with warrenty and save the bucks in the long run.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 2
From: New Zealand
Re: Which engine to choose for 69? (CruisinCO)
HP/Torque figures aside........you need to compare apples with apples....... Determine what you are exactly getting in the rebuilt motor and compare that with the ZZ4........
.....some questions you should be asking:
How old is the block????
What's the block originally from???
Has the block been bored out, and how much???
Has the block been decked, and how much???
Ask similar questions about the crank, rods, pistons, rings, heads, cam, intake and whatever else you get with it......and don't accept the answer "oh....they're race quality".......you need to get the real specs........if this guy is unwilling to provide or doesn't know the answer, then you should be saying :seeya
......and don't get too hung up with a warranty.......they're only as good as the paper they're written on.......if you're installing the motor yourself, that opens up a lot of "outs" for the person or company offering the warranty.... :yesnod:
Keep us posted :cheers:
.....some questions you should be asking:
How old is the block????
What's the block originally from???
Has the block been bored out, and how much???
Has the block been decked, and how much???
Ask similar questions about the crank, rods, pistons, rings, heads, cam, intake and whatever else you get with it......and don't accept the answer "oh....they're race quality".......you need to get the real specs........if this guy is unwilling to provide or doesn't know the answer, then you should be saying :seeya
......and don't get too hung up with a warranty.......they're only as good as the paper they're written on.......if you're installing the motor yourself, that opens up a lot of "outs" for the person or company offering the warranty.... :yesnod:
Keep us posted :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 0
From: Cocoa Beach FL
Re: Which engine to choose for 69? (CruisinCO)
I had the same dilemma when I bought my ZZ4. Let me share a few things that helped me make my choice.
1. Yes the ZZ4 has a warranty from GM BUT there are stipulations. Be careful if this is your ONLY deciding factor. The warranty is void unless the motor is installed by a licensed GM shop. So even if you get a pro shop to install it if they are not affiliated with GM the warranty is void.
2. The ZZ4 block is new, not old and jet washed, new. And it's 4 bolt.
3. ZZ4 comes with a dyno sheet (if you pay a little extra) so you know it's power claims are accurate.
My advice would be to go with the ZZ4 but you have to decide for yourself.
Good luck! :thumbs:
1. Yes the ZZ4 has a warranty from GM BUT there are stipulations. Be careful if this is your ONLY deciding factor. The warranty is void unless the motor is installed by a licensed GM shop. So even if you get a pro shop to install it if they are not affiliated with GM the warranty is void.
2. The ZZ4 block is new, not old and jet washed, new. And it's 4 bolt.
3. ZZ4 comes with a dyno sheet (if you pay a little extra) so you know it's power claims are accurate.
My advice would be to go with the ZZ4 but you have to decide for yourself.
Good luck! :thumbs:
Team Owner
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Re: Which engine to choose for 69? (CruisinCO)
Tough to make that decision without having a lot more details on what's included with the 383. Can you get a complete parts list?
It's a tough choice. The ZZ4 is certainly a known quantity and the warranty makes it appealing. But a 383 is appealing in it's own right.
It's a tough choice. The ZZ4 is certainly a known quantity and the warranty makes it appealing. But a 383 is appealing in it's own right.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 769
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Re: Which engine to choose for 69? (Perfomer)
This is my story. Had a 350 built putting out 375 horse. At a local speed shop. $4500.00 later I picked up the engine. Put it in, had nothing but trouble with it. Oil :U all over, ran hot, wouldn't run right, and blah, blah, blah. Finally I bought the ZZ4 385 fast burn. For less money even with the installation, and I've been happier than a PIG in #"@%;*. :thumbs: every time I drive. :steering: I could go on and on but, it's your money!!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Arvada CO
Re: Which engine to choose for 69? (Brown78)
Thanks!!
This thread is the sanity check I needed. I will have him document the history and all detailing that went into the build..
Based on those answers, I should have a better grasp on which to choose.
This thread is the sanity check I needed. I will have him document the history and all detailing that went into the build..
Based on those answers, I should have a better grasp on which to choose.