bartstalder

Ok guys...so I have been looking around and was planning on putting in a ZZ4 in my 88 Iroc, but I have seen a lot of guys with the 383. So here is what I need help with. Which motor is better or which is preferred? I need help. I wanted to pull out 600+ hp with a Pro Charger, but have been told that doing that on the ZZ4 isn't all that great of a good idea. So I was thinking well since the most folks have a 383, lets look at that. I have seen the seem to roll out with around 450 hp out of the box mounted in the car. And with a little bit of bolt ons rounds up to 500+-. So I think that works for me for now, but whats ya'lls personal/professional opinions here? And Please Help me know what yall have to help me build mine right. Thanks.

el_muerte

A ZZ4 is just a 350 crate engine from GM. I think they're typically rated around 350 horses. The pros are the warranty and no need to have engine building knowledge. The biggest con is the cost. A 383 is basically a 350 with a 400 crank, and the power output is primarily dependent on the camshaft and cylinder heads installed.

To make a NA 350hp engine put out 600hp boosted, you'll need to run fairly high boost pressure, and GM might not honour the warranty on one of their crates if you boost it. If you're hell-bent on having a 350 or 383, you certainly can spec out heads/cam combo that'll be happy with boost and make the power you're after. If you just have a power goal and are flexible on how to get there, there's probably cheaper and more reliable options than supercharging a SBC. You could put in a big block (454 is probably the cheapest/most available) or move up to an LSx and get the added benefit of better economy. Remember, there's no replacement for displacement, and a bigger engine will hit your power goal more reliably and often for less money.

In all honesty, your post is pretty vague... you mentioned a power goal and a couple engine ideas you're tossing around. I'd suggest figuring out your budget first, before talking which engine, and then do some research on your options.

Notalent

I agree with the above. What are your goals with the car and price point? The bottom end of the ZZ4 is going to be the weak link...its PM Rods, crank can support about 500HP max, the runners are to small for forced induction IMO.

Can your powertrain support 600HP?

A 383 can net you 450-500 hp pretty easily and be cheaper to do.

bartstalder

Ok, so the main goals in mind now that I have been thinking things over are basically the following, and if they are still vague let me know where I need to put more detail. I looked at the rough list of the project build I wanted to do with most of the details figured out that were for the original build. I was looking at spending around $30,000 overall. Well that didn't sit in my gut to well. SO I am looking at what parts and options are the "needed" and which ones are the "wanted". I originally was wanting to pull 600hp, and actually a little bit more than that but now I am fine settling with around 450-500hp. I was actually looking today online at the Patriot Performance 3832SD - Patriot Performance 383 C.I.D. 450 HP Engines which seems alright. I wanted to get a better opinion about that make and model, cause it seems pretty easy to pull 500 hp with some boltons out of that motor. I am looking to spend overall at the very most $15,000 on the project, being that I will trade out the motor, tranny, and the rearend, wheels, brakes, exhaust and intake systems, and a few guages and paint to top it off. I am hoping to do most of the work my self, but there are somethings that will require a specialist and I am already aware of that one. So basically 500hp give or take with a good motor that will get up and hawl, for around $15000 tops.

Notalent

Do your a search on Patiorts Heads and Engines....it wont be pretty.

Keep in mind alot of companys dyno there engines with the good stuff on them...not for what most people will run them with. So to say bolt on another 50HP....that can be quite difficult to do....

Notalent

What parts do you have? What trans, rearend, gears etc... Do you have any engine parts your going to use?

LS4GXP

iTrader: (2)

look at a few threads on engine swaps for your 450-500hp builds. Theres 2 threads on the first page that has between 450-500hp, one is the "First 383 thread" and "Finally my 383 swap". Finally thread is mine. Gbays motor made 510H.P with a carb setup, My 383 was based on knowledge of the board members, though i dont have any proven numbers, i can say i raced a 2012 GT500 and pulled on him

Theres great information on both build threads, over 20 pages combined to read through

LS4GXP

iTrader: (2)

Just a comparison, i am about $13,500 in my build so far. That is with me buying a used "built" 10 bolt, and 700r4 trans. Aftermarket Panhard bar, and LCA's. Maybe $600 went to new interior pieces, $500 for the car, and the rest into the motor, fuel system, ignition system, and brake lines. Prices add up fast. You could do it ALOT cheaper if you wait out the "bargain" deals on used parts, this is just a comparisoon for everything being new.

bartstalder

Ok guys, so I decide to post a pic of the Project, as I am doing it in 3d studio max to see how it looks before I build and what not. So here is what I have after a month of slow working. Hope Ya'll enjoy.

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

If you're gonna boost it to 600hp you need something forged internals and a lower compression ratio. A zz anything isnt gonna cut it. Horsepower costs and there's no substitute for cubic money.

bartstalder

Thanks for the input. I rethought my power goal and downgraded to 350-400 hp. I was looking on one site that offers a LSX376, anybody know if thats a good one or not and reliable and such. Are they descent for running with t-5 manual and our stock gears?

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

An LS engine is a great choice, but it's not a drop-in swap. you'll be doing a LOT of conversion work to make it fit. It has NOTHING in common with normal smallblock (besides bore spacing) and your T5 wont fit an LSanything without changing out the input shaft, and on a T5 that's just a waste since an LSX376 would blow a T5 to pieces. You can get a 98-02 F-body T56 and it will bolt right up but you iwll need a conversion crossmember.

Factory LS1 bottom ends are said to be good to handle 1000 horsepower. They're very reliable, strong engines, but Im not sure if you're aware the work that's involved to make them fit in these cars.