digital_burnout

alright so its getting to that point where i want a new engine. What are you alls opinion on a 385 fastburn which is........

385 HP @ 5600 RPM, 385 FT.LBS. of Torque @ 4000 RPM (Max. Recommended RPM: 5800)
9.6:1 Compression Ratio
Cast Iron 4-Bolt Block with One-Piece Rear Main Seal
Forged Steel Crankshaft
High Silicon Aluminum Pistons w/Offset Pins
PM Steel Connecting Rods
Aluminum 62cc Fast Burn Chamber Cylinder Heads w/ 2.00'' Int./ 1.55'' Exh. Valves
Steel Hydraulic Roller Cam, Lift: .474'' Int./ .510'' Exh., Duration @ .050: 208° Int./ 221° Exh.
1.5 Ratio Rocker Arms
Aluminum Dual Plane Intake Manifold
HEI Distributor
8'' High-RPM Torsional Damper
Cast Iron Water Pump
12.75'' Flexplate
Recommended spark plug- Accel 111-526 or any spark plug with 14mm, .460'' reach, 5/8'' hex, tapered seat, non-projected tip


What do you guys think? Is it worth it? also estinated 1/4 mile times

ME Leigh

Not worth the coin. You can get better for less.

digital_burnout

what do you mean by that? do u have any suggestions?

Scrams84Z

The fastburn 385 is basically a ZZ4 bottom end with aluminum Vortec heads. I think what he means is that you can buy the same quality with better numbers for less, not that it's a bad engine.

Here's a thought. Buy the ZZ4 bottom end ( a good stout bottom with forged components). Scoggins-Dickey used to sell them around $2,000. Summit sells a complete Trick Flow top end package to make 420HP and 395 torque on a 350ci engine for $1,530. Pull the distributor, etc. off your current set up and you got a real nice 420 HP engine for around $3,500+

digital_burnout

that sounds pretty reasonable. Do you have any link to those components so i could check them out. thanx.

Parrydise7

iTrader: (1)

If you like the Fast Burn 385, check out the 383/425, which is available as a short block for around $3,000 (gmpartsdirect).

Someone else on this board mentioned that a Ramjet 430 is in the works. The Ramjet is nice, but not smog legal.

Personally, I like the idea of a factory-built engine complete, IIRC, with a warranty.

Scrams84Z

Checking the gm parts direct, the long block 383/425 engine is $4,680. Nice engine.

Website for the ZZ4 short block at Scoggin-Dickey :

http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/514/...e-Assembly.htm

Although my catalog is a little old. It's now just under $2,200

Website for TFS top end for 420 HP & 395 lb/ft torque:

http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...=egnsearch.asp

There is something to be said for a nice complete turn key engine, but if you can do some of the work yourself, you can put together a nice engine for less $$$.

Parrydise7

iTrader: (1)

Paul Huryk says (and I think he's right) that Chevy dealers are selling the 383/425 short block for $3150. Personally I think it's a heck of a deal.

Scrams84Z

Short block in my dictionary is the bottom end without heads, and may or may not include cam, etc. Is that what you are reffering to? I'm confused because the above post refers to the 383/425 short block, and it sounds like he's talking about a long block. If it's a short block, he's going to need to buy heads, maybe cam etc. and install it himself. The ZZ4 short block is a $800 - $1,000 less. Maybe my definition is diffferent.

Parrydise7

iTrader: (1)

Yes. The 383/425 is available as both a short- and long glock. IIRC the ZZ4 is also available in both forms.

Yes, if you buy the short block you have to buy additional parts. Personally, I like Fast Burn heads. I've got a ported set ready for the short block. Others like aftermarket heads, such as AFRs, etc.

I'm also going to be going with a Super Ram, so I don't need an intake.

Unfortunately, piecing an engine together like this is usually more expensive than going with a long block.

Scrams84Z

Understood.

I'm not trying to be argumentative. I'm just making sure I understood what you were saying. My illustration was just to show that you can put together a pretty nice 420HP 350ci for a reasonable price. A lot of companies are now offering matched top end packages at significantly lower prices than it would cost you to buy each piece, i.e. the TFS kit referenced above for $1,530. And using parts from the old engine i.e. distributor, water pump, etc., you can do it on a pretty reasonable budget if that's an issue.

It's all good

Parrydise7

iTrader: (1)

Yep, you are correct. There are companies, and individuals, that can put a nice engine together for less than what GM charges. I wish I was one of those individuals.

I try to buy as much used equipment as possible.

pasky

www.cnc-motorsports.com

Build your own bottom end and these guys have some damn good prices considering shipping is only 7.95 for EVERYTHING.

Even if you don't have a 350 block, go to the junkyard and get one for $100. Buy the bottom end, have the block cut and machined, buy the summit rebuild kit which includes gaskets, oil pump and pistons for $300-400 (depending if you want hyper or forged). Buy your heads and you'll be better off than buying a pre-built motor. This is of course assuming you know how to put an engine together or have the will to learn and DIY.

3.750 Stroke Crank for 383 $212:

http://www.cnc-motorsports.com/produ...667&CtgID=7655

5.7 forged rods: (i'd rather go with bushed than press fit, but that means you need to buy floating pin psitons) $187:

http://www.cnc-motorsports.com/produ...179&CtgID=3180


Forged rebuild kit $449.95 (be sure to choose your own piston CC, im just linking this as an example, although this is a kit for a SBC and will work if this is the compression ratio you desire) :

http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...4&autoview=sku

Hypereutectic $295.95 (be sure to choose your own piston CC, im just linking this as an example, although this is a kit for a SBC and will work if this is the compression ratio you desire) :

http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...0&autoview=sku


Trickflow heads $1200:

http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...0&autoview=sku

$2066.90 and that includes shipping

Add about 600-700 to bore the block, balance the rotating assembly and buy a new cam and you got yourself a pretty mean 383 for 2600 if you put it together yourself, which is a peice of cake. $2000 cheaper than the fast burn I saw. You can still come out on top even if you have the machine shop build it.