engine replacement
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Little Ferry NJ
engine replacement
Well I must have kicked a rod and need suggestions on a replacement bullet any help? I have an 88 and looking for a little more than stock, but not to break the piggy bank! 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Redding Ca
The biggest restriction in this year (and all TPI's) is the intake manifold and runners. That is why so many forum members go with Superram or aftermarket large tube runners/intake manifold. The basic engine is pretty good. So you need to really consider your induction options as much as the short block.
Since you are going to replace the short block anyway, a ZZ-4 with enhanced induction should probably give you an easy 50+hp over stock (bigger cam, more compression, otherwise about the same as the
L-98), plus another 35hp from induction.
That puts you at about $2,000 on the ZZ-4, GM-short block and another $1,000 give or take on the induction (still using your throttle body). I don't think the short block has a cam, so that is an add-on too. Still pricey but I don't see anything much less than that worth having. If you pass on the induction, you will probably be dissappointed in anything you put together.
A number of aftermarket builders have 383 short blocks for about the same price. You might just consider taking a deep breath and taking the plunge. Try Golens Engines website and also Speed-o-motive's website. Those will give you a good perspective in what's out there for quality and competitive prices.
Since you are going to replace the short block anyway, a ZZ-4 with enhanced induction should probably give you an easy 50+hp over stock (bigger cam, more compression, otherwise about the same as the
L-98), plus another 35hp from induction.
That puts you at about $2,000 on the ZZ-4, GM-short block and another $1,000 give or take on the induction (still using your throttle body). I don't think the short block has a cam, so that is an add-on too. Still pricey but I don't see anything much less than that worth having. If you pass on the induction, you will probably be dissappointed in anything you put together.
A number of aftermarket builders have 383 short blocks for about the same price. You might just consider taking a deep breath and taking the plunge. Try Golens Engines website and also Speed-o-motive's website. Those will give you a good perspective in what's out there for quality and competitive prices.
Last edited by GeosFun; May 19, 2005 at 05:51 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 1
From: Drive it Like You Hate it Cincinnati OH
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Little Ferry NJ
I left a call to a friend who is a chevy service manager and will see what I can get it for from him. I hope much better than that or I will just buy the short block and put the good cam in and spend a few bucks on the heads.
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Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 14,604
Likes: 3
From: Glendale, AZ
i know you said you didn't want to break the piggy bank, but i figured i better post this anyways!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...77&forum_id=55
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...77&forum_id=55