My 77 L82 engine is a little tired and underpowered so I am considering rebuilding it or simply buying a crate motor, probably from GM. There are several options of course, however, I am considering the 350 HO rated at 330 hp or the ZZ4. My biggest concern is whether there will be sufficient clearance with the intakes provided on either of these engines. Also, what headers provide the best power for the money without a lot of sinew and muscle to get them to fit. The engine is currently running stock manifolds and all emission controls. Thanks for your suggestions in advance.

Bill Boyle

Also consider crate engines from Edelbrock and others. They use new GM Bowtie and ZZ4 short blocks and add their own aluminum or cast iron heads, intakes, carbs, cams, etc. It's an alternative if the GM crate engines don't exactly fill what you're wanting to accomplish. I know Edelbrock offers them in various power levels, from a base 310 horsepower engine to a hot 435 horsepower small block. They even offer a fuel injected version even hotter.

You could always build up your L82 to the same specs, but a crate engine could be more cost effective. You could also put the original motor in the corner and renew it at some future date, all the while enjoying your new motor.

I have installed a 350 Vortex engine in a 77 vette. It was the 350hp model. It was purchased from a GM reseller. I used an edlebrock rpm performer intake. I did have a small problem with it hitting the hood. All I had to do was remove about half the thickness of the heat shield and the problem was solved. I was using a 650 cfm holly. (Not sure what model).
For my personal 77 I put an LS1 from a 2000 SS Camaro. This takes a "little" more effort, but I love 345hp and 28mpg. If you have 10-20 free weekends give the LS1 conversion a shot otherwise the Vortex engine is an easy option. If you want any pics of either project email me. adamdevries@msn.com
My website is 68.78.14.87 just type this into your address bar.

|UPDATED|4/19/2004 6:45:34 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Thanks for your inputs. I guess there is little concern or no worry if I opt for either engine with a dual plane intake. No one wants the surprise of installing a new engine to find the hood won't close.

The ZZ4 engine from GM appears to be more to my liking than an Edelbrock creation. I did consider them a while back. The reason I am leaning toward a crate engine is that the cost of building my L82 to the power level of the crate engines would be just as costly and more time consuming. In time, I'd rebuild the L82.

Before I do the engine, my vette faces total suspension work, front and rear. Everything needs to be replaced and upgraded.

Bill

While Edelbrock might build a good engine they are way overpriced. You can rebuild your engine for under 3 large or a ZZ4 would be a great way to go. Also many other options are out there for crate motors. Just depends on your cash flow and how much HP and Torque you want.

|UPDATED|4/10/2004 6:57:56 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Try the Engine Factory. They have a nice selection of crates and will build to your specs if you would like.

http://enginefactory.com/index.html

do you have any specs on L46 350 would like over 400hp my small block is a little tired too.

Forget about carburetors-go fuel injection. You can put TPI on a regular small block. Late LT1s fit. Late LS1s fit. More work, but better reliability and fuel economy.

hey Bill, you might try www.cranescorvette for corvette motors. Number matching if your into that. They build't my L71 for my 69. Owners name is Dave. Check out the site he has everything.

Bill.
I put the ZZ4 crate motor in my '75 in 1998.
Best move I ever made for the reasons you have stated. It was going to cost a bundle to build-up my L82. This also allowed me to put my original numbers matching engine away for the future. I have slalom raced this car for past 20+ years and always worried about damaging the block!!! This takes away that worry, somewhat!
I can recommend the ZZ4 route. There are also some rebuilders out there with stroker 383 motors that may be interesting!
Check my profile for pics.
http://www.riversidecorvetteclub.com/grahamsvette.shtml
go for it put the good piece away and have fun......
graham