Engine change?GM-Performance parts,ZZ383

[blkvette69]

Has anyone out there swapped out there little mouse, for a more powerfull mouse, like this into their early{69} C3? I spun a bearing{missing a shift at high R's really hurts!} on my current stroker. {original #'s engine in storage, don't want to mess with that} Not sure to spend 6,000+ on crate, or 6,000+ on total rebuild of existing motor,{made with much stronger rotating assembly parts. Decisions, Decisions, I have a headache. Let me know. with todays trash gas, Everyone seems to be going alm. heads, low compression, roller cams, manifolds, etc. to make some ponies. The one I blew made 400+ with lots of torque.
Another big personal problem is, some of the club members, including myself, who drive older classic corvettes enjoy them as they were in the day. It's tough to make HP+torque today, without using new technology components.
Stuck in a delima--Rick

[C5pilot]

This may not help, but it sounds to me like it depends on whether you're looking for reliability or power. Having both will cost you more than $6K.

Pick your poison or pay the piper, just make sure it can beat a Viper!

If a Viper has too much fang, at least build it to beat a Stang!

If neither can be done within budget, it wasn't much of a question, was it?

;bl

[Joel Fellman]

I threw a ZZ4 - 355 HP - 405 Torque in our '76 last year and couldn't be happier. The anemic L48 had minimal guts but now it gets up & plays - maybe not with the big boys but as Joe said, at least it can hold its own against the Stangs!! The 383 should be even better (& of course power has its price).

[Rick and Arleen Ball]

Check out Street&Performance,
They have some Killer engines available that might just suit you.

[blkvette69]

Thanks Guys--Power never comes cheap! and of course, I won't compromise when it comes to quality parts. That rebuild price was from a close machinist friend who owes me "favors" for his labor---hey, that rhymes !!
I'll check out that site too. Thanks again for your input.
My rev limiter was made to help avoid this, but **it happens.

[Rick and Arleen Ball]

$6000.00 for a complete rebuild by a Friend.
Are you starting out with just a bare block again? Sounds awefully High!
What exactly are you getting for $6000.00 if you only spun a bearing.
I've got a KILLER Aluminum head Big Block I'll sell you for that price.

[blkvette69]

When #3 spun the rod bearing, the rod wiped the crank journal out of round and bearing debris and filings went throughout. To answer your question, yes, It will come down to the bare block, and the price is at the very high end, all new eagle forged stroker crank, top shelf rods, bearings, cam, lifters, everything. I had this happen back in the day, racing at Atco with my 67 and that slippery "round ball" chrome shift knob caused havoc going for third gear! When I dropped the pan and manifold on this one, very fine metal particles were everywhere, in the galley, pan, heads,as well as some good size pieces of bearing material in the pan baffels etc. I know the only way to do it right, is to replace it all. That number includes it all, including new better flowing heads{probally, dart, pro-one iron, It even includes a "virgin" early, 4 bolt main block, if mine should prove injured on inspection. I found out that if I did go with ZZ 383 set-up, that the heads have "D" shaped ports and my expensive, jet-hot headers that are hedmans, direct dump for side pipes won't work, because they are oval shaped. Hedman nor anyone I could find makes a direct side dump for corvette side pipes in a "d" Also my Air-Gap dual plan manifold won't bolt up to the zz heads. Even if it did, The dual plane would reduce the zz's output almost 20 ponies. And then I have the personal side { please, no offense meant about your aluminim heads}that wants to keep the engine period for the car--meaning, I don't want aluminum heads on a 39 yr. old beauty, as is. Except for my hood the car is original, I think I'll stick with how we hopped em up back in the 60's. But of course, keep the compression at a level to run on todays high octane pump gas. Thanks for your imput, it's always appreciated. CCDV is well known for members helping others, in all areas.
PS--I don't think the big block would do well, since I don't have power brakes, nor heavy springs, and only an M-20 trans. I know the torque would wipe my trans. Thanks and take care--Rick

[blkvette69]

Hey C5 pilot--- Your right on with that! Funny as hell story line too! Top end machine work and top end parts are very costly. I've known my buddy for 25 years, He's not a chisler though. The bottom end rotating assembly alone will cost many muchos, and it goes on from there. Thanks for repling, and I wish you luck with your new unit.----Rick