new drivetrain thought's

[boatpuller]

o.k,this is kidna a pipe dream at this point.but,it will happen.what do you think of zz383 crate with fast burn heads...700r.....3.42 gears?
this isn't a daily driver.i only drive it when it's nice and cruise's and stuff like that.so,economy isn't a big issue.i do enjoy a good burnout once in awhile.and don't shy away from a good traffic light challange. maybe i'd be happier with 3.73's? just concerned about rpm's on the freeway. tell me what you think?

[crawdadfox]

I would go with 3.73 gears since you will be running an overdrive...sounds like a great plan by the way!!

[cochino12]

3:73, 700r and I would build a nice 383. I am big fan of crate motors but the money they want for a 383 crate is rediculous.

I had a zz4, 4:10 and 700r that could absolutley roast the tires and I got around 15 mpg when I drove it nicely. I cant remember how tall my tires were but I could cruise 65-70 on the highway and wasnt a big deal

[N2TRUX]

Consider the Fastburn 385. When I was looking at crate motors, it had the most bang for the buck. Go with that and a built 700r4. After you get it on the road decide if you want 3.73's. You might be surprised at how welll it performs with the added HP/TQ and the low 1st gear in the 700...

[454HO]

Com'on Boat, think BIG!! As in 454 or bigger.

[Wild83C10]

3.42s and a 700r4 would be better. The short first gear will provide a nice kick. I liked that combo. The only thing that sucks with the 700r is the first to second gear ratio difference. I would think about a 200R4. They are stronger and have a better gear ratios.

[boatpuller]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Consider the Fastburn 385. When I was looking at crate motors, it had the most bang for the buck. Go with that and a built 700r4. After you get it on the road decide if you want 3.73's. You might be surprised at how welll it performs with the added HP/TQ and the low 1st gear in the 700...

ken,they have a new zz383 with 425 h.p ,400 torque compared to 385 h.p,385 torque on the 385 fast burn.the zz is about 400 bucks more depending on where you browse.it may not have been available when you were shopping.40 more horsepower and 15 on torque for 4 or 5 hundred bucks? i don't know?
i'd consider a big block but,i have it all setup for smallblock now.my headers,exhaust.bracket's and valve cover's.there would be alot of additional cost.the zz4350 is also on my shortlist.355 h.p for right around 4k.about a grand less than the 383/385.i'm wanting the crate's not interested in rebuilding,iv'e been that route a few time's.i just wanna bolt and go.

[454HO]

Originally Posted by boatpuller

i'd consider a big block but,i have it all setup for smallblock now.

So if you just want to stick with a Gen 1 small block, what is wrong with the 350 you have now? Is it worn out or something? If the rings are sealing and you have good oil pressure, maybe a cam/head swap would be all you need to get the power level you are looking at with those crate motors.

In all honesty, I think the 3.08 gears and th350 trans you have now are not helping your situation even with the current engine. Putting in a set of 3.73 gears and an overdrive trans may eliminate your desire to do anything with the engine. I am assuming you already have a higher than stock stall convertor... if not then you should consider one of those as well.

[78 Chevyrado]

How about one of these:
http://www.tandlengines.com/chevy_sb_iron_index.html

Or this 408 stroker
http://www.tandlengines.com/chevy_sb...408%20A-1.html

[f.monroe]

A guy I know locally put a ZZ383 in his 57 Chevy . The thing sounds great and will make a move . The engine is mounted on solid mounts and you cant feel one bit of vibration in the car . Sounds like a great choice .
Frank

[jared78]

Originally Posted by boatpuller

o.k,this is kidna a pipe dream at this point.but,it will happen.what do you think of zz383 crate with fast burn heads...700r.....3.42 gears?
this isn't a daily driver.i only drive it when it's nice and cruise's and stuff like that.so,economy isn't a big issue.i do enjoy a good burnout once in awhile.and don't shy away from a good traffic light challange. maybe i'd be happier with 3.73's? just concerned about rpm's on the freeway. tell me what you think?

pipe dream huh? I give it till next summer and it'll be done. I tell you what, if I had your money i'd burn mine. lol Any way sounds like a pretty good combo. I had a 700 in my last swb and it worked great. call me and I can put you in touch with the guy that built mine. I was real happy with him. The zz385 make good horse power and torque according to the guys I know that are running one.

[jared78]

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that with the 700 r4 and your rear tire size, 3.73s would be fine on the highway. 3.42s would work good too though.

[80SPORT]

The 383 crate engines are good value ....the extra cubic inches and torque make a big difference especially on a heavier vehicle like a truck.We use a lot of 383s in our aluminum jet boats to upgrade over 350s and the customers are always impressed with the performance.

[boatpuller]

well,this whole thing came about with the thought of a gear change and one of those edelbrock top end package's.but, a little further investigation into engine block vins.kinda led me to believe i may not have what i thought i did as far as the motor.the guy i got it from was not sure so,i think he may have fudged a little on his number's.i don't think it's a block i want to beef up.anyway,it's starting to use oil and oil pressure isn't what it was.so,i didn't want frost a bad cake when i think the bottom end is questionable.383 or 385 sound like good choice's.and jared78 when i get ready i'll get ahold of you about the transmission dude.i betcha he may be the same guy i'm thinkin about.with all my money.it shouldn't be an issue if i could stay away from you and your place of employment,i might have some money.

[smashingchuck]

Why not just rebuild the block you have? Stroke it out, add some awesome heads... you'll be in it foR alot less than a crate motor, and any reliable machine shop can help you piece it together for a lot less than the price of a crate motor. If you're worried that your block only has two bolt mains, DON'T.

As for the rear end gears, I'd get that 700r in there before I changed 'em out. The first gear is really low.... and as suggested make sure you get the trans built by someone who specializes in them.