GM BB Crate Analysis
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 631
Likes: 41
From: Tampa FL
GM BB Crate Analysis
I figure this might help others as Ive been searching the forum for info and was considering one of these BB Crate Motors and Kiesler 5-Speeds (one day in the very distant future)
First off, I think that unless you have alot of time on your hands, and skills, like Jughead
and you don't mind things needing to be tweaked alot and possibly breaking, then the Crate is the way to go. (Im not saying that that is bad - quite the contrary!! - just not for me)
Second, after speaking with AR and a few others on the phone, while they may or may not have an equal product, I am 100% sure I would stay with GM and their warranty. (AR was the EXACT same price for a very similar 454)
So now for me, it is between the aluminum head ZZ454/440 and ZZ502 - I think both would need an L88 Hood or L88 Scoop at least.
(the Iron head 454/425 uses the LS6 mainfold and might fit under a BB hood)
At first my thoughts were to save the $$ and get the 454 since my use is pretty much street use only but I guess in the big picture the extra HP/TQ and the "room left for improvement" is worth the extra $1300.
In making this budget did I miss anything? Does anyone agree or disagree that the 502 is the way to go?
I hope this helps someone else considering similar options!
ZZ454/440HP With Aluminum Heads and Fully Assembled
Motor/Shipping $5,800
Vette Oil Pan 150
Flywheel 120
Elec. Fuel Pump Not Needed
Clutch Bracket 70
Carb 400
HEI 300
TOTAL $6,840
ZZ502/502 with Aluminum Heads and Fully Assembled
Motor/Shipping $7,500
Vette Oil Pan 150
Flywheel 120
Elec. Fuel Pump 300
Clutch Bracket 70
Carb Included
HEI Included
TOTAL $8,140
First off, I think that unless you have alot of time on your hands, and skills, like Jughead
and you don't mind things needing to be tweaked alot and possibly breaking, then the Crate is the way to go. (Im not saying that that is bad - quite the contrary!! - just not for me)Second, after speaking with AR and a few others on the phone, while they may or may not have an equal product, I am 100% sure I would stay with GM and their warranty. (AR was the EXACT same price for a very similar 454)
So now for me, it is between the aluminum head ZZ454/440 and ZZ502 - I think both would need an L88 Hood or L88 Scoop at least.
(the Iron head 454/425 uses the LS6 mainfold and might fit under a BB hood)
At first my thoughts were to save the $$ and get the 454 since my use is pretty much street use only but I guess in the big picture the extra HP/TQ and the "room left for improvement" is worth the extra $1300.
In making this budget did I miss anything? Does anyone agree or disagree that the 502 is the way to go?
I hope this helps someone else considering similar options!
ZZ454/440HP With Aluminum Heads and Fully Assembled
Motor/Shipping $5,800
Vette Oil Pan 150
Flywheel 120
Elec. Fuel Pump Not Needed
Clutch Bracket 70
Carb 400
HEI 300
TOTAL $6,840
ZZ502/502 with Aluminum Heads and Fully Assembled
Motor/Shipping $7,500
Vette Oil Pan 150
Flywheel 120
Elec. Fuel Pump 300
Clutch Bracket 70
Carb Included
HEI Included
TOTAL $8,140
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30,183
Likes: 313
From: Lake Norman NC
The ZZ454 looks to be a great motor. Hot Rod or Super Chevy did a test on that engine...installed an RPM air gap intake, 850 Demon, and with some tuning, it made 508HP at 5800rpm. Can't beat that...especially for the price.
