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! 

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   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

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. 

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.

I like that interior, Shane !!!

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.

[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   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!

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

As for which engine you might choose, that depends on just how intimidating you might want to be at a stop light. The 2011 Mustang GT is capable of mid 12's right off the showroom floor and the Camaro isn't far behind.

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

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