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Topic: Need some opinions....again :)

in Forum: C3 Engines


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Need some opinions....again :) (1/14)
 6/18/10 1:07pm
shanes79
Former Member

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Tacoma, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 L48 Resto-Mod. ZZ383 w/ TKO-500 manual transmission. Centerforce clutch. Tail light conversion. A/C. BeCool radiator. Red exterior with custom black and white leather interior by Mid America Motorworks.


Joined: 10/30/2007
Posts: 85

So I've finally got my interior completed, (attached pix) and it's time to get that doggish LM1 crate motor out of the vette and replace it with something that has a little (or a lot) more kick! Big smile

I've been researching this topic for a LONG time.  I'm on a little bit of a budget (I'm military...don't make a ton of money).   I'm trying to stay around the $6-7K range so that I can also afford a new transmission (Tremec TKO-500). 

I've started to lean toward the GMPP Fast burn 385.  With 385HP/ 385 Ft/Lbs it should be plenty of power to get the 79 moving, but I wanted to hear from some of you guys.  What are you running in your Vettes?   Any other motors out there that you'd recommend? Any other companies besides GMPP that people have had good luck with?

I'm looking for the most bang for by buck...and a motor that will make people second guess lining up at the red light with me just from the sound Wink  Any advise would be appreciated!

Thanks fella's!


New Interior...FINALLY done :)

Interior shot #1     Interior shot #2

(large images modified to clickable links - Norsky)



Norsky2010-06-27 20:19:16
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Need some opinions....again :) (2/14)
 6/19/10 7:45am
lukesvetteLifetime Member
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HOWELL, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.


Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

Nice interior work Shane!! I honestly don't know anyone who used the fastburn motor, but I do know a ton of folks using the ZZ383 and the ZZ4 and haven't heard a complaint yet!! If GM is still selling the Fastburn, I'm sure it is just as good as the others. 

Still nice to have the General behind you.....
Need some opinions....again :) (3/14)
 6/19/10 11:03pm
KDADDY79
Former Member

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Dutchess County, NY - USA

Vette(s):
White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.


Joined: 8/27/2007
Posts: 2484

I like the 2-tone! Sharp!!

My '79 still has the L-48. Anything is an improvement on that! I'm hoping mine gives me a few years more 'til I can get more HP. I'm thinkin' ZZ4 when the time comes.

It sure sounds like the GM motors have a good reputation. Let us know what you go with.
Need some opinions....again :) (4/14)
 6/19/10 11:46pm
dskopp
Limited Member
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Oak Creek, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops, Going to remain as Stock as possible. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vetts Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!!


Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1958

I like that interior, Shane !!!
Dan


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Need some opinions....again :) (5/14)
 6/20/10 11:24am
suncountryLifetime Member
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Moses Lake, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II


Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134

WOW Shane you did a great job on the interior. I can't help you on your question on the fast burn, but I can tell you about the GMPP 350HO. I looked at the ZZ4 but funds were a little tight so I went with the 350HO. I put on the RPM manifold, Hooker long tube headers, BG Demon 650 DBL pumper, deleted the fan and add the DeWitt radiator with electric fans. It has plenty of power for my needs. This same set-up but with a 750 dbl put out 370hp on a dyno. I figured I am some where around 350hp. I would like to do the 5 spd too, but with the daughter in college and my son to start year after next, any more expensive parts will have to wait. Good luck with the build!
Need some opinions....again :) (6/14)
 6/20/10 5:51pm
shanes79
Former Member

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Tacoma, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 L48 Resto-Mod. ZZ383 w/ TKO-500 manual transmission. Centerforce clutch. Tail light conversion. A/C. BeCool radiator. Red exterior with custom black and white leather interior by Mid America Motorworks.


Joined: 10/30/2007
Posts: 85

Thanks Dan.  Got the interior from Mid America.  They did a great job on everything. I would recommend them if you are looking to restore/update your interior.  A little expensive, but worth the money in my opinion.


Need some opinions....again :) (7/14)
 6/20/10 5:59pm
shanes79
Former Member

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Tacoma, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 L48 Resto-Mod. ZZ383 w/ TKO-500 manual transmission. Centerforce clutch. Tail light conversion. A/C. BeCool radiator. Red exterior with custom black and white leather interior by Mid America Motorworks.


Joined: 10/30/2007
Posts: 85

[QUOTE=suncountry]WOW Shane you did a great job on the interior. I can't help you on your question on the fast burn, but I can tell you about the GMPP 350HO. I looked at the ZZ4 but funds were a little tight so I went with the 350HO. I put on the RPM manifold, Hooker long tube headers, BG Demon 650 DBL pumper, deleted the fan and add the DeWitt radiator with electric fans. It has plenty of power for my needs. This same set-up but with a 750 dbl put out 370hp on a dyno. I figured I am some where around 350hp. I would like to do the 5 spd too, but with the daughter in college and my son to start year after next, any more expensive parts will have to wait. Good luck with the build![/QUOTE]

If you don't mind my asking...what did you end up getting the 350HO for?  GMPP website is giving me trouble Angry  PM me if you don't wanna post on the forum.   Did you have them ship it to you...or pick it up at a dealer in WA?  Thanks!
Need some opinions....again :) (8/14)
 6/20/10 10:14pm
rearn2go72
Former Member

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Bladenboro, NC - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv., sunfire yellow, blk interior, blk vinyl and convertible top. Off frame restoration with American Speed 383 stroker engine producing 500hp plus a 200hp NOS system. MSD ignition. Hooker super competition headers with chambered exhaust.


Joined: 1/22/2006
Posts: 1058

I agree with the others. Man your interior looks great. Thumbs Up

As for which engine you might choose, that depends on just how intimidating you might want to be at a stop light. LOL The 2011 Mustang GT is capable of mid 12's right off the showroom floor and the Camaro isn't far behind.
Need some opinions....again :) (9/14)
 6/20/10 10:44pm
philip
Former Member

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Marana, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1982 Silver Blue


Joined: 4/8/2010
Posts: 104

The interior is beautiful. The colors look great together.


I have installed a lot of GMPP engines. Every one of them will put a smile on your face. Go with as much as your budget will allow. Take into consideration what comes with the engine. Some have the intake, water pump, dampener and distributor. Some are just long blocks. If you need the extra items getting them on the crate is usually cheaper and less work to getting it installed.

The best update I did to my Nova was the TKO 600. The Tremec transmission is just a blast to drive. 5000 rpm power shifts under full throttle feel soooo good. The shifts are smooth and it is almost impossible to miss a gear. Around town in stop and go traffic it shifts smooth and effortlessly. Selling my Muncie gave me an uneasy feeling since I had not ever drove a car with a TKO...all doubts were gone in the first 10 miles. The hard part was waiting 500 miles to hammer on it Smile
Need some opinions....again :) (10/14)
 6/21/10 11:59am
KeBo
Former Member

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Kendall Park, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 - 59 Beige over Cinnebar leather. Edlebrock top end, 2200 stall w/shift kit, 3:55s, Mufflex maniback exhaust, nice stereo, 16 in AREs w/BFGs


Joined: 3/9/2005
Posts: 789

Another choice - I did the Edlebrock heads/cam/intake/carb w/headers.  I did it on a desmogged L81 which basically is a L48.  The car pulls a respectful 13.9-14.1 
Need some opinions....again :) (11/14)
 6/21/10 9:22pm
california68Lifetime Member
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Yorba Linda, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1968 convertible, small block, auto, pw, pb, ps, air, 3rd owner CA black plate


Joined: 3/19/2008
Posts: 53

Shane, I love the two tone interior! Fantastic job!  Nothing to add regarding the power plant, just learning as you are, but my thanks for posting your pics.
 
 
Need some opinions....again :) (12/14)
 6/22/10 12:52pm
greypoupon69Lifetime Member
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Irving, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks. #2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.


Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273

Very sweet interior, nice job!Thumbs Up
 
Hey, somebody put some hangin' dice up by the rear view mirror.......LOLLOL


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Need some opinions....again :) (13/14)
 6/22/10 4:00pm
fp_vetter72Lifetime Member
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COPPERAS COVE, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 corvette stingray convertible 2007 coupe


Joined: 7/6/2002
Posts: 417

For that much money you can get an LS2 403 HP from Pace performance, that will move the little doggy along.Thumbs Up I think they sell for around $6,100.

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Need some opinions....again :) (14/14)
 6/27/10 10:45pm
suncountryLifetime Member
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Moses Lake, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II


Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134

[QUOTE=shanes79] [QUOTE=suncountry]WOW Shane you did a great job on the interior. I can't help you on your question on the fast burn, but I can tell you about the GMPP 350HO. I looked at the ZZ4 but funds were a little tight so I went with the 350HO. I put on the RPM manifold, Hooker long tube headers, BG Demon 650 DBL pumper, deleted the fan and add the DeWitt radiator with electric fans. It has plenty of power for my needs. This same set-up but with a 750 dbl put out 370hp on a dyno. I figured I am some where around 350hp. I would like to do the 5 spd too, but with the daughter in college and my son to start year after next, any more expensive parts will have to wait. Good luck with the build![/QUOTE]

If you don't mind my asking...what did you end up getting the 350HO for?  GMPP website is giving me trouble Angry  PM me if you don't wanna post on the forum.   Did you have them ship it to you...or pick it up at a dealer in WA?  Thanks!
[/QUOTE]
 
Sorry I missed your post. Been a bit busy. I bought it used, was told it had only a few hundred miles on it. I dropped the pan when I got it home and the cross hatch in the barrels were very pronounce so it was a low mileage motor. It was shipped by truck freight and dropped at the airport freight forwarder in Pasco. Was a little over a 1 hour drive there. The other option was to drop in Seattle but that is a 3 hour drive.
suncountry2010-06-27 19:51:28
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