zz383 v. ls?
09-24-2008, 06:20 PM
#1
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Member Since: May 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
zz383 v. ls?
Smoked the NOM SB in the 66 vette with BB hood. Strongly considering zz383 as replacement. Any strong views out there on whether the zz383 is passé and I should step up to an LS? LS what is the next question - car has manual steering and i like it so weight is an issue and i dont want another BB. Need 400+ hp 
09-25-2008, 09:40 AM
#2
Le Mans Master
Member Since: May 2003
Location: Fernandina Beach FL
Posts: 8,482
Received 3,220 Likes
on
1,732 Posts
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
I'd go LS-Carbed to keep it simple-PLUS I like the "old school" look.
Look at either the LS 376/515HP GM part #19171225 or the LS 364/440HP GM #17802134 LSx crate motors. About $7k and $5K.
Weigh in at 414lbs.
PROS-
More power per cube, less weight and from what I've seen a very streetable cam for over 400 horses-NEVER have to mess w/ your distributor again and about the same initial money for the motor. And these motors can be beat on and abused.
CONS-
Money spent on a plug in a MSD box (about $350-but then so is a good dizzy) and adding a low 6-7PSI electric fuel pump. There are motor mounts -mod x-member depending on transmission-z-bar work or Hyd clutch - figure out the accessories/serp set up-tach and sensors-water pump -heater outlets-speedo connection (if you change to a T56 6 speed). There are flywheels (and modded pilot bearing) available that'll bolt on the LS (flywheel .400 inset) and work w/ old style 11" bellhousings (621).
Running a carb- you don't have to worry about ECM-fuel return lines-modifying tank -loud pump-drive by wire-harness-O2 sensors etc.
There's a great article in OCT 2008 Hot Rod magazine where they compare (at the dragstrip) GM's crate motors. 383 is in there and so are a couple LS motors. The LS3 (FI) put down the 383 by almost 4/10's in the quarter AND about the same times as the ZZ427!!!
Richard
Look at either the LS 376/515HP GM part #19171225 or the LS 364/440HP GM #17802134 LSx crate motors. About $7k and $5K.
Weigh in at 414lbs.
PROS-
More power per cube, less weight and from what I've seen a very streetable cam for over 400 horses-NEVER have to mess w/ your distributor again and about the same initial money for the motor. And these motors can be beat on and abused.
CONS-
Money spent on a plug in a MSD box (about $350-but then so is a good dizzy) and adding a low 6-7PSI electric fuel pump. There are motor mounts -mod x-member depending on transmission-z-bar work or Hyd clutch - figure out the accessories/serp set up-tach and sensors-water pump -heater outlets-speedo connection (if you change to a T56 6 speed). There are flywheels (and modded pilot bearing) available that'll bolt on the LS (flywheel .400 inset) and work w/ old style 11" bellhousings (621).
Running a carb- you don't have to worry about ECM-fuel return lines-modifying tank -loud pump-drive by wire-harness-O2 sensors etc.
There's a great article in OCT 2008 Hot Rod magazine where they compare (at the dragstrip) GM's crate motors. 383 is in there and so are a couple LS motors. The LS3 (FI) put down the 383 by almost 4/10's in the quarter AND about the same times as the ZZ427!!!
Richard
09-25-2008, 02:35 PM
#3
Team Owner
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: altered state
Posts: 81,242
Received 3,043 Likes
on
2,602 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05
Carbed LSx. Good parts out there for a 23 deg SBC to narrow the gap some but still nothing compares to the LSx motor as far as power/cost/driveability
09-29-2008, 11:50 PM
#4
12.14 w/ the original 327
I built a stroker out of our 62's 327. I used decent parts, and spent a fair amount of $$$, but it just doesn't perform. It's reliable, and runs and drives OK, but it's pretty lame for anything but commuter duty.
We'll probably be swapping to a LSx engine in the not too distant future. I like what I've read about the injected 480 HP LS3 crate engine.
A late model, like your 66, has side engine mounts, which makes the swap even easier with the readily available adaptor plates. I don't think you could go wrong with either of the listed carbureted crate LSx engines.
We'll probably be swapping to a LSx engine in the not too distant future. I like what I've read about the injected 480 HP LS3 crate engine.
A late model, like your 66, has side engine mounts, which makes the swap even easier with the readily available adaptor plates. I don't think you could go wrong with either of the listed carbureted crate LSx engines.
10-02-2008, 10:29 PM
#5
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Aug 2001
Location: Elkhorn WI
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have the block and forged parts for a 377, so in the future that will be mine.
I would go for this if I had the money:
515 HP LS3, GM offers a carb version
Engine Overview: LS 376/480: LS3 + Hot Cam = Loads of Fun.
Pages 114 and 115 GMPP 2008 catalog shows the FI versions....but the carb'd is also available.
I would go for this if I had the money:
515 HP LS3, GM offers a carb version
Engine Overview: LS 376/480: LS3 + Hot Cam = Loads of Fun.
Pages 114 and 115 GMPP 2008 catalog shows the FI versions....but the carb'd is also available.
07-13-2009, 03:16 PM
#7
Team Owner
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: altered state
Posts: 81,242
Received 3,043 Likes
on
2,602 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05
you ran a 150 shot on hypereutectic pistons? Brave man 
