zz383/zz4 help.....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: peoria il
zz383/zz4 help.....
i have probably and 4 or 5 mpost no this subject and i was sure i was going with the zz383($5075total)425hp/460tq. BUT about an hour ago i got a call and a friend of a friend has a zz4 gm crate motor (355hp/405tq) with 1100 miles and i can get it for $3500. BIG QUESTION do i pay $1575 for 70hp/55tq? OR do i get the zz4 and spend the money on gears i have stock 2.59 on my 91 auto? i want to have a car that can hold its own on the street and i may want to try some 1/4 miles runs. i am getting 1 3/4 headers,superram,catback,255lhp fuel pump, 24#injectors,2400 stall. i wish i could say i want fast car heres $9000 do it. there are way more choices then i expected. 
those with the 383 or a zz4 what #s are you running? i understand the hp/tq #s better.
those with the 383 or a zz4 what #s are you running? i understand the hp/tq #s better.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,150
Likes: 1
From: Carlsbad, CA CA
Originally Posted by rugby!
i have probably and 4 or 5 mpost no this subject and i was sure i was going with the zz383($5075total)425hp/460tq. BUT about an hour ago i got a call and a friend of a friend has a zz4 gm crate motor (355hp/405tq) with 1100 miles and i can get it for $3500. BIG QUESTION do i pay $1575 for 70hp/55tq? OR do i get the zz4 and spend the money on gears i have stock 2.59 on my 91 auto? i want to have a car that can hold its own on the street and i may want to try some 1/4 miles runs. i am getting 1 3/4 headers,superram,catback,255lhp fuel pump, 24#injectors,2400 stall. i wish i could say i want fast car heres $9000 do it. there are way more choices then i expected.
those with the 383 or a zz4 what #s are you running? i understand the hp/tq #s better.
those with the 383 or a zz4 what #s are you running? i understand the hp/tq #s better.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 670
Likes: 1
From: charlotte nc
I would go for the 383. The ZZ4 no real difference from what you already have in the short block. I believe both engines come with the GM fast burn Alum heads so either one will require an intake base to fit the vortec heads. Remember, there's no substitute for cubic inches. It's the cheapest torque/HP you can get. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,150
Likes: 1
From: Carlsbad, CA CA
Originally Posted by dwestsr
I would go for the 383. The ZZ4 no real difference from what you already have in the short block. I believe both engines come with the GM fast burn Alum heads so either one will require an intake base to fit the vortec heads. Remember, there's no substitute for cubic inches. It's the cheapest torque/HP you can get.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 4
From: Grand Rapids Mi
ZZ4 doesn't come with Fastburn heads. ZZ383 is a lot of motor for $$$ especially if you don't want to build motor. I just wanted a little more this time, so dove off deep end with Bowtie block and Fastburn heads. 
May regret it when see final tab on this deal. 
Vortec or Fastburn heads limit intake choices. Ike
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 221
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From: League city Texas
zz4
I have a ZZ4 in my 85 ZF-6 with 3.45 gears with the mods in my signature and my best time to date is 13.2 @ 106.5. This is with GY F1's and only able to get 2.1 60ft times. So with some drag radials I should be able to drop my 60 ft times and will be in the 12's. So I'm really pleased with my ZZ4.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
Originally Posted by zelement
ZZ4 doesn't come with fast burns. It is the fast burn 385 that comes with them. The ZZ430 comes with fast burn, hot cam and 1.6rrs.
The ZZ4 uses the GM Performance Corvette aluminum heads. They are basically the same as any L98 aliminum head. I do beleive that the ZZ383 does come with the Fast Burn heads which is a big plus. If that is the case you will be needing to purchase the Scoggin DIckey TPI base that they make for the Fast Burn Heads. Unless GM has revised the heads to add a second set of bolt holes that would mate to the stock TPI Base manifold. But even then doesn't the Fast Burn heads have raised runners? If so the stock base still won't work and the SD base will be required. Oh, to answer the question, go for the 383
