Crate ZZ383

[tndude]

One thing is for sure, if you go BB you'll solve your problem of no power.

Yea, I know...I'm a lot of help.....

[69camaro638]

That pegs it! Now my fears of the so-called big powered small blocks are confirmed! My 69 has a 638 big block and the whole seris of conditions that exist to go with it - exhaust clearance (even with a 3.5" oval pipe), starter heat soak (need to heat wrap it) and a few other minor issues (like the valve covers are within 2" of the hood line). The extreme power makes you forget about these issues , but it was not planned as a daily driver, more of a shock and awe build.

I've had LS motors and they are great, but I want this car to have a carb. How about those big inch small blocks I see advertised (like Bill Mitchell). Maybe a 415, 427 or 454? Are these really streetable? I drive my cars on the street only, no track time. I also run power accessories (A/C, steering, brakes). I can add a hydra boost if necessary, but will one of these big inch small blocks actually work in a daily driver type setup?

It seems like my choices are a lower powered (9-10 to 1) 350-383 small block or a low CR 454-502 big block (with all of the tight clearance issues) to get this car into the daily driver range of streetability.

[Streetking]

Here's my take.. I just finished my '69. I originally just wanted a nice cruiser, so I got a ZZ383. I wanted a motor to atleast "sound" like it had some power, to match what the car looked like, but I was dissapointed the first time I heard it. The car seemed to run ok, but I wasn't happy. I sent my car to DSE a few weeks ago to do a front to back check and while it was there, I had them pull the motor and install better valvesprings and a larger GM cam. I got it back last monday, the motor sounded better, ran really good, idled great with the a/c on but it's back at DSE today for Kyle to install a 534ci BB.. I thought about doing a LS6/7 motor but I wanted a "old school" ground pounding big block...

SW

[XcYZ]

That's awesome, SW. What kind of numbers does the 534 BBC throw down?

[jonny51]

Right on SW I like that idea of the "old school" motor.I like the LSx's and respect what they do but I like the old BB and SB stuff alot.

[Streetking]

Originally Posted by XcYZ

That's awesome, SW. What kind of numbers does the 534 BBC throw down?

710hp@5900
675trq@4900
Callies Crank
Dart Pro 1 aluminum (ported) heads
Dart Intake
10.2 Compression
256/[email protected]
632/632 lift

After smoothing out everything in the engine compartment, the 383 looked small, that's another reason I wanted a big block. I can't wait to get it back!

SW

[XcYZ]

That's just awesome, SW. Does the new motor use an iron block?

[Streetking]

Originally Posted by XcYZ

That's just awesome, SW. Does the new motor use an iron block?

Yes, it's a iron block, aluminum heads/intake..

SW

[jannes_z-28]

Originally Posted by Streetking

After smoothing out everything in the engine compartment, the 383 looked small, that's another reason I wanted a big block. I can't wait to get it back!

SW

A big block fills the engine compartment really nice. The small block looks tiny in there. A Big block Camaro is never wrong

Jan

[Fluid Power]

Great topic, I am in the same boat, and after hearing all the BS about SOM,and stroker motors, I have looked at other sources for engines. Golen Engine Service (http://www.golenengineservice.com) looks to have some nice 383 packages as well, but after reading these posts I wonder about engine selection as well. Anyone have any experience with Golen?

Darren