C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

zz4 vs zz383?

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Old Apr 17, 2006 | 04:43 PM
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Default zz4 vs zz383?

Anybody have any performance numbers 1/4 mile 0-60, for a zz4 superram and the zz383 with superram and if possible with vortec heads?

Was wondering if the zz383 is worth the extra expense?

A few tenths wouldn't make a difference to me say 12.1 to 12.3 in the 1/4 wouldn't be worth it to me.

I wouldn't have to as many seals if I get a zz4.
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Old Apr 17, 2006 | 04:48 PM
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with the cams that come with them from GM?

ZZ383 no question.
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Old Apr 17, 2006 | 07:37 PM
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ZZ383 will smoke it every time, no substitute for cubic inches. Once youve driven a bigger C.I. toque motor youll never build a 350 again.
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Old Apr 17, 2006 | 07:46 PM
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Originally Posted by cuisinartvette
ZZ383 will smoke it every time, no substitute for cubic inches. Once youve driven a bigger C.I. toque motor youll never build a 350 again.
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Old Apr 18, 2006 | 01:21 AM
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Originally Posted by cuisinartvette
ZZ383 will smoke it every time, no substitute for cubic inches. Once youve driven a bigger C.I. toque motor youll never build a 350 again.
defenitely go with ZZ383 without any question.
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Old Apr 18, 2006 | 02:07 AM
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between the 2? ZZ383

my answer? "ZZ427" - big block for teh win! lol
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Old Apr 18, 2006 | 12:43 PM
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I think 12.1 to 12.3 will be a stretch with either engine. I suspect you need well over 400 rear wheel HP for that. The ZZ383 with SR by SDPC is rated at 425 flywheel HP.

But I am sure there are those who have actual hands-on experience who can say for sure.
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Old Apr 18, 2006 | 04:08 PM
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I believe low 12's / high 11's are possible with less than 400 rwhp. I went 12.79 with 260 rwhp in my 89 modded L98 with 120,000 miles.
I'm sure others are doing this presently.

John
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Old Apr 18, 2006 | 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted by GeosFun
I think 12.1 to 12.3 will be a stretch with either engine. I suspect you need well over 400 rear wheel HP for that. The ZZ383 with SR by SDPC is rated at 425 flywheel HP.

But I am sure there are those who have actual hands-on experience who can say for sure.
Well over 400RWHP will get you into the 11's, pretty deep into the 11's IF the rest of the car is tuned for it as well.

That being said, the ZZ383 is a strong motor and really suprised me when I was helping to tune one. This particular motor had a worked over TPI intake and a Vortech supercharger, but when we first started tuning we left the supercharger diconnected and just tuned for NA. It was a fast ride!! And it was a blast to drive because it was very smooth (once we got some tuning issues worked out). A ZZ383 with a superram should put out more than 425FWHP pretty easily, I'd say it could get to the 400RWHP mark pretty easily with just a slightly bigger cam and headers...and it should still fly by emissions as long as you keep the cats.
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Old Apr 18, 2006 | 06:19 PM
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I have read plenty of articles with a stock tpi engine block with a zz9 cam and heads tpi big runners and intake and chip and headers and pulleys run low 12's so I would think a 383 would do better than that so why would low 12's be a stretch with either engines?
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Old Apr 18, 2006 | 07:15 PM
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You must acknowledge what tires are on the car when you say what you think it runs, street tires are going to have a tough time below 12.5ish no matter what power is put to them.
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Old Apr 18, 2006 | 07:22 PM
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Originally Posted by nelson84
I have read plenty of articles with a stock tpi engine block with a zz9 cam and heads tpi big runners and intake and chip and headers and pulleys run low 12's so I would think a 383 would do better than that so why would low 12's be a stretch with either engines?


do you have those articles. cause' i would love to read them.
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Old Apr 18, 2006 | 07:34 PM
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Most of the articles are from old Vette and Corvette Fever magazines when they were good.

If I can figuire out my scanner I might be able to post them and figuire out how to send them to that photobucket thing.
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Old Apr 18, 2006 | 10:08 PM
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We have an '85 coupe with a ZZ4 w/ stock TPI, chip, open headers, pulleys, 28x9x15 Hoosiers, 24x5x15 G/Y front runners all on centerline wheels, D44 w/ 3:45 gear. Car still makes L/SA class. Approx HP 422 We been at this for 12 years car weighs 3030 w/ me in it. We race @ New England Dragway every week. Best 60' 1.50's, best ET 12.19, Best speed 114
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Old Apr 19, 2006 | 12:28 PM
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I have read plenty of articles with a stock tpi engine block with a zz9 cam and heads tpi big runners and intake and chip and headers and pulleys run low 12's so I would think a 383 would do better than that so why would low 12's be a stretch with either engines?

Look at the 60' times in NHRA221's post (very few streetable Vette's can cut 1.50's) and the mods you probably won't have: Slicks, open headers, several hundred pounds lighter (most "street" Vette's are around 3400 with driver), gears, and he is running 12.2's with zz4. Each of these things is a big advantage over what most of us drive around in, especially the weight factor). Your only advantage is Super ram.

Please don't get me wrong, I am all for going quick, but very low 12's don't come easy. My opinion/comment is, just the engine you are considering won't get you to the low 12's. But I have never run either engine, so I might be wrong. I do not mean to be a wet blanket. Good luck with whichever you choose.

Last edited by GeosFun; Apr 19, 2006 at 12:51 PM.
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Old Apr 19, 2006 | 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by GeosFun
I think… I suspect…
But I am sure there are those who have actual hands-on experience who can say for sure.

My opinion/comment…. But I have never run either ….so I might be wrong. I do not mean to be a wet blanket.

very few streetable Vette's can cut 1.50's
Whoa, hold on here son;
If you don’t have any first hand knowledge of something, why the fudge speculate all over the place about something that you have no real clue about.??? Do you think that you are helping? All you are doing is creating confusion for the person who is seeking real life helpful knowledge. This is by no means a personal offence to you, i'm just trying to help steer this in the right direction. As sergeant Friday always said “Just the Facts please, just the facts.

As for the “very few streetable Vette's can cut 1.50's” statement", that is waaayyy not true. There are plenty of very streetable Vettes that can easily cut 1.5’s and there are more than enough that can pull 1.4 60 foot times. Any and every 383 superram, automatic trans (+ good torque converter) combo has the potential to cut 1.5’s. Heck, I have even pulled a couple of 1.4’s with my 383 superram, (with sticky tires of course).

The real answer to one of the member’s original questions is, YES, the 383 is worth the extra expense. With a 383 superram, auto trans, good torque converter and sticky tires you will see 11’s no problem. I am not the biggest fan of the vortec heads, but they are not too bad. However, if you are spending money on new heads anyhow, I would skip the vortec and get a pair of good flowing aftermarket aluminum heads.

And that is all based upon my real life, hands on experience.

Good luck with your build

Last edited by crossfire7; Apr 19, 2006 at 05:27 PM.
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Old Apr 19, 2006 | 10:30 PM
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How much better are the Fast Burn heads on the ZZ383 compared to the D-ports on the ZZ4?
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Old Apr 19, 2006 | 10:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Edmond
How much better are the Fast Burn heads on the ZZ383 compared to the D-ports on the ZZ4?
In terms of what? power potential?

Fastburns are well beyond the ZZ4 heads, which are the same as '113 88-91 heads. No question which will make more power.

210cc runner vs 163cc runner, unported.

The question is whether the heads are too big for SR.

Last edited by vader86; Apr 19, 2006 at 10:59 PM.
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Old Apr 20, 2006 | 11:29 AM
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Whoa, hold on here son;
If you don't have firsthand knowledge about something, why the fudge speculate all over the place about something that you have no real clue about.??? Do you think that you are helping? All you are doing is creating confusion for the person who is seeking real life helpful knowledge. This is by no means a personal offence to you, i'm just trying to help steer this in the right direction. As sergeant Friday always said “Just the Facts please, just the facts.


No offense taken. I read the initial question as presupposing one simply install either a ZZ4 or ZZ383 with SR and the car will run low
12's. Either engine will make for a very nice C4 street car.

Sorry if I was not being helpful, I was not trying to create confusion. I tried to point out the limitations in my opinion, that is, I have not personally driven either engine, but I do know a little bit about HP and drag racing. However, maybe I need to put up my credentials if that will make you feel better. I am the track announcer at my local dragstrip and watch the 60-footers on every street legal race we have. There are very few cars that can cut a 1.50 60-footers without power adders. Period. Those that do usually run in the 11's or low 12's. Yes, they are some out there, but they are the exception. I also have a SR/'406" in my C4. And I drive a Nostalgia 1 supercharged 511" 23T altered roadster. So I think I am qualified to comment in this post. Your comment "no real clue" does sting a little bit. No one likes to be told they are an idiot and to be quiet.:o

I think my comments on NHRA221's post are quite relevant. There is a world of difference between cars that run low 13's to high 12's from low 12's. Much of it is in chassis set up and total car weight. It would be nice to see actual drag strip results from CF members who are actually running these engines, or something close to them. Be my guest. I truly am anxious to see "nothing but the facts, ma'm" (I always liked that show ). I also liked your "son" intro. You must be a really old guy

Last edited by GeosFun; Apr 20, 2006 at 12:05 PM.
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Old Apr 20, 2006 | 11:32 AM
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Would a 427 even fit in a C4? I know the LS7 would but its a specially designed 427.
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