Crate motor vs. rebuilding DZ 302...?

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
John, When you restored the car didn't you redo the motor? I am hard pressed to believe that a good machine shop/engine builder can't get you running in a few weeks to a month. If the car is that nice, just rebuild. If you feel the need to go fast, Do what Darren did buy a 72 or whatever camaro that needs some TLC work with a BB for little money and go drag racing! No matching anything. I would keep the 02 in your car. JMO Sam

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Sam,

Bought the car used of course and the motor ran fine.Just checked the compression and everything was in specs.No leaks and didn't use any oil.Just added roller rockers (Comp Cams chrome-moly 1.5 ratio)and a Proform mechanical secondary 750 cfm race carb and only ran it for about 15 minutes in this configuration.About 6200rpm,it decided it didn't want to run anymore and exploded.I have revved this motor well in excess of 7-grand without any problems.

Shouldn't have happen at 6200,I'll tell you that.

[Salvatore]

I agree it should not of blown. Maybe a bad cam from the factory? Might have a warranty issue there?

[Stuart Adams]

If that is the original motor, take it out if your driving it!!! You will blow it up again eventually doing 6-7 grand on the tac alot. You got a lead foot man, which is cool, but honestly it will blow up again from the sounds it. Not worth the risk IMO, because if hot rodding the car is what ya like (me too), then get a better/faster motor and drive it like you stole it.

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
If that is the original motor, take it out if your driving it!!! You will blow it up again eventually doing 6-7 grand on the tac alot. You got a lead foot man, which is cool, but honestly it will blow up again from the sounds it. Not worth the risk IMO, because if hot rodding the car is what ya like (me too), then get a better/faster motor and drive it like you stole it.

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A crate motor is starting to make more sense everyday,let me tell you.And since that $$$ is burning a hole in my pocket,picking up the phone and charging it to your card is TOO easy to do...

[Stuart Adams]

Good idea.

[musclecarjohn]

That's how I'm leaning...

[Pacecarjeff]

Why does it have to be a crate motor?

Why not find a correct chevrolet block, and build a radical 383.
You could make it look "exactly stock" on the outside, and only you would know.

Use your manifolds, carb, and all the dressing.
Set your original block aside for when you need it.

That is what I would do.
A real Z/28 deserves a "real" engine.

I hate when I see new engines in old cars.
Just my opinion

[musclecarjohn]

Jeff,

I have thought going the ZZ383 route.The crate motors I am looking at would look identical to what I have now only with new & improved internals.My intake,carb & exhaust,roller-cam,trick rods and crank on the inside.I'd paint the aluminum heads orange too.

Period correct on the outside...downright nasty on the inside....that's the plan!