Where to start?

[markjohnson]

I think it'd be neat to put the original engine on an engine stand and detail it on there for safekeeping and a possible future sale with the car. In the meantime, I really like that GM ZZ383 Crate Engine that's rated at 425 HP and 460 FT.LBS. of Torque. That's Big Block power in a small block size & weight for about $5200. For a few G's more, you could purchase a 427 CID Small Block from a few different reputable, well-known shops. Now that would be a lot of fun! You could actually paint it up and detail it to look very similar to the original engine but you'd have that iconic "427 Vette" that you'd get to puff your chest and say when someone asks you what you have at home or under the hood!

[Dave Rifkin]

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I think it'd be neat to put the original engine on an engine stand and detail it on there for safekeeping and a possible future sale with the car. In the meantime, I really like that GM ZZ383 Crate Engine that's rated at 425 HP and 460 FT.LBS. of Torque. That's Big Block power in a small block size & weight for about $5200. For a few G's more, you could purchase a 427 CID Small Block from a few different reputable, well-known shops. Now that would be a lot of fun! You could actually paint it up and detail it to look very similar to the original engine but you'd have that iconic "427 Vette" that you'd get to puff your chest and say when someone asks you what you have at home or under the hood!

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Yea, I was thinking about the ZZ383 but, I have read that it has the fast burn heads which present some sort of problem when trying to locate proper headers due to the exhaust port shape or something.

While having a 427 small block would be a dream come true for me I am not in a position to spend that kind of money on a motor. In fact I am wondering if I am jumping the gun by looking at a new motor right now. Maybe I should spend that money on other areas first and then think about the motor.

This is all kind of new to me; I have done a few cars before but, I was much younger and didn't really plan things out and, as a result, wound up with a car that had areas I would change. This time I want to do things in the proper order and put my money to use where it's needed most.

Hell if i had the money and space I'd take the body off the frame and do a complete restoration but, I have neither.

[olredalert]

-----I recently had two 383 boat motors built for one of my Donzis. 416hp and 466 torque. I named them the twins . Remember, these are boat motors meant to run at about 5000RPM and provide as much torque as possible in a broad range. I didnt care about the horsepower that much. Just 9to1 compression with mid 90s GM aluminum heads, cheap GM alum manifolds, 750cfm Holleys, and fairly mild roller cams. You dont need a tremendous amount of high-tech stuff, just the right stuff! A well built 383 will give you the most bang for your buck!!! ......Bill S

[Dave Rifkin]

[ QUOTE ]
-----I recently had two 383 boat motors built for one of my Donzis. 416hp and 466 torque. I named them the twins . Remember, these are boat motors meant to run at about 5000RPM and provide as much torque as possible in a broad range. I didnt care about the horsepower that much. Just 9to1 compression with mid 90s GM aluminum heads, cheap GM alum manifolds, 750cfm Holleys, and fairly mild roller cams. You dont need a tremendous amount of high-tech stuff, just the right stuff! A well built 383 will give you the most bang for your buck!!! ......Bill S

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Bill any rough idea how much a nicely built 383 would cost to have built? I am not looking to make this car a street terror, I just want it to have some balls.

[olredalert]

------Dave,,,Honestly, no! It can vary so much. These boat motors had quite a bit of extra work done in longevity areas as I want them to live for many seasons. Boat motors run at (sometimes) high RPMs for long periods and need very good balancing just for starters. A good 383 doesnt have a lot of crazy stuff internally, however so they can be built and built well for much less than, say, a small block 427. There are guys on the board that can give you a better ballpark area than me.........Bill S

[Dave Rifkin]

BTW, I used to have a 1986 red and honey Minx but, got rid of it since I drove it like a maniac and was going to hurt someone if I kept it. I love the old classic Donzi's, Magnums and Cigarettes, they have so much more personality than today's modern boats.

[olredalert]

-----Dave,,,In that case you would love my 24 DONZI Spitfire. 24 feet and 832 horsies!!! Rarest of the rare as we figure there were only about 15 made. Should do about 75/80 when dialed in . The muscle car of boats .......Bill S

[olredalert]

------Dave,,,I would still put together a stout 383 and store your original. What happens when you build up the numbers match motor and then puke it??? As well, after your time is up with the Vette you can reinstall your original and go for the bucks with a fresh detail, all the while still having the 383 sitting around for another project or for sale. I dont know,,,It seems like a win-win to me. .......Bill S

[TwoBryans]

[ QUOTE ]
BTW, I used to have a 1986 red and honey Minx but, got rid of it since I drove it like a maniac and was going to hurt someone if I kept it. I love the old classic Donzi's, Magnums and Cigarettes, they have so much more personality than today's modern boats.

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Dave,

First off, let me say best of luck with your tranformation and that I would love to see photos of your car before and after. I have always loved the 68-72 last of the Chrome bumper Vettes and have had a few that were lots of fun over the years and am looking fowward to another at some point. Preferably a big block 4 speed a/c car(getting too old not to have a/c).

Additionally, since we are on the topic of boats, I realize mine does not have the character of the older boats, but she sure is lots of fun! Nothing like grabbing 3 friends and gear and hitting the water at a cool 100mph with a blown 572 Big Block Chevy! I'm guessing you have figured out that I am partial to Big Blocks by now. Not that I have anything at all against small blocks as I have a bunch of them too, but there is just something about a Big Block that always gets me going. Here's some pics of my dingy for your viewing pleasure.







Have a great day everyone!