Topic: ZZ4, ZZ383 Crate engines
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 39
Vette(s): 1980 Silver, L48
Totally re-built at 52,000 KM
Now 355 CI
Edelbrock Performer package
Dual exhaust
Just a little more POWER!
Thinking of a crate engine in the spring (saving - half way there) and have a couple of questions. There are several past posts regarding crate engines but I can't seem to find a discussion about the Dana - aluminum rear end with a new engine. 1980 auto L48.
There will be a lot more torque and I am a little worried about what that might do to the rear end - I believe it has the 3.07 gear set. Will this rear end handle the torque or is there a swap available/needed to handle the power?
Thanks,
Martin
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Former Member
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Cleveland, GA - USA
Joined: 11/4/2007
Posts: 152
Vette(s): 77 xtreme project,80 project,and a 74 L48/auto white with blue interior!
I'm not real sure and the vette dana 44, But I run alot od D44s in my rockcrawler jeeps. Them things a TOUGH. My last jeep had the GMPP ZZ383 backed by a tremec tko 600 with a Dana 300 transfer case. It was putting 408hp at the wheels and 458 ftlbs . I never broke a rear end even when i was spankin stangs redlight to redlight. So you shouldn't have a problem.
Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Yup, Dana's are very popular with the 4WD crowd. A very hearty breed indeed.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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Former Member
Send PM
Canada
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 39
Vette(s): 1980 Silver, L48
Totally re-built at 52,000 KM
Now 355 CI
Edelbrock Performer package
Dual exhaust
By the sounds of it then, there should not be a problem. Good,
Does between $5,000.00 to $6,000.00 sound about right for a crate engine swap, including headers, exhaust (conversion to dual - must keep cats)? And is there anything else recommended for the upgrade - either necessary or would be nice to have?
As always, thanks for the input much appreciated!
Martin
Former Member
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Cleveland, GA - USA
Joined: 11/4/2007
Posts: 152
Vette(s): 77 xtreme project,80 project,and a 74 L48/auto white with blue interior!
yeah thats a good price range. If gmpp motors are a lil high for you, I've used a few motors from Powerpro auto. they have a 355 that puts out 385hp/405tq. it comes 30mth/50k warranty for only 2900 bucks. Its a 2peice rear main so it'll be a direct bolt in with all your parts. I would go with a good high flow cat from flowmaster,magnaflow,etc... I'll probally use the same engine is my wife's 74.
Here's there link: http://www.powerpro2000.com/performance_one.htm
Former Member
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Yelm, WA - USA
Joined: 7/12/2007
Posts: 356
Vette(s): 1979 L82 4 speed Scat 383 crank 190 cc Procomp Aluminum Heads 202 160 stainless valves GM Powder metal rods Speedpro H860CP Hypereutectic pistons 280 cam hydralic HEI Pro comp 1.6 roller rockers Mighty Demon 750 Sanderson CC1AP Hedders.
5-6k? for a crate, holy cow! I see built 383's all over the place for around 3k. Check your local race shops for engines. See my info for everything on my engine, I paid 3,400. Hedders were seperate, I am a bit of a haggler though. I would say your first weak point would be your trans, I would worry about that before your diff. And I guess it would depend on how your going to drive it. I don't plan on driving mine that much 
well that's what I keep telling my wife anyways. I just got the 383 so I could feed my adrenaline monkey and have a nice thumping stroker. I would say if you plan on driving it a lot go for the zz4.
well that's what I keep telling my wife anyways. I just got the 383 so I could feed my adrenaline monkey and have a nice thumping stroker. I would say if you plan on driving it a lot go for the zz4.
Don't forget about the starter you'll need a high torque one if are running higher compression, and the fuel vol requirements, you may need a 130gph or higher fuel pump. Holley makes a pressure reg that has a return line you can pipe right to the stock line, that way you don't have to plug it. Watch the intake manifold height, or you might be buying a new hood like me. If you know this already just tell me to shut up. 
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 39
Vette(s): 1980 Silver, L48
Totally re-built at 52,000 KM
Now 355 CI
Edelbrock Performer package
Dual exhaust
Thanks for the insight guys. Much appreciated.
I have been pricing engines in Canada and so far they seem to be about $1,000.00 more than the US, even with the exchange rate being higher in favour of the Loonie.
I am seriously considering Summit, Crate Engine Depot and the Engine Factory. Has anyone had experience with these places?
Thanks again,
M
Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
I've dealt with Summit many times, good company, but Jeg's is a little cheaper on crates. Some local speed shops or auto parts reps. can even get it to your door a little cheaper. Keep shopping bro. Once you know what you want, it's easier to comparison shop. Good luck and Merry Christmas to ya.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
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in Forum: C3 Engines
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