Crate motor vs. rebuilding DZ 302...?

[COPO427]

What I would do and I know how rare the 302's are since I owned a '68 Z/28. I would sent the 302 out for a rebuild and when completed, set it aside. In the meantime, I'd have several options:
1. GM crate 383
2. GM crate ZZ4 with fast burn heads
3. GM 2006 427 small block vette engine (lots of extra cash)

and have fun with the Z/28 and not worrying about destroying the original 302. The value of the car will still be there. If you ever decide to sell the Z/28, then you swap in the 302. Done.

[musclecarjohn]

I did put the car up in the air today and removed the driveshaft but other than that,I didn't get much done.I'm thinking about running an aluminum one...any ideas?I moved out of a storage rental I had into my garage I had my El Camino in which I just sold.

Anyway...long story short...many more magazines! I unloaded some good ones and you know how this slows the process down.

Those holes on the side of the pan are starting to look a little "lower" on the pan than I previously first though.But to answer a previous question,I spun this motor over with the ignition and it sounded like it always did...spins freely,not bound.

I am leaning more towards a crate motor after listening to everyone here and giving it some thought.This would enable me to get on the road sooner with a hi-tech motor and I could bag the DZ for future attention.

That is starting to sound smart...even to me.

[Xplantdad]

That's the ticket John...have a blast!

[SuperNovaSS]

John,You should change your location to Foggy Monterey penninsula!

[markjohnson]

I wouldn't worry about an aluminum driveshaft. Sure, they look neat but the the cost per benefit is not very beneficial. They end up being so thick-walled to match the strength of .083 DOM steel tubing that it's just not worth it. Also the U-joint cups like to gall up in the weld yokes. Spend your money wisely elsewhere, like towards one of those brand new M-22 Muncies after the pain you're going to inflict upon your current M-21 with a new high HP/torque motor!

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
I wouldn't worry about an aluminum driveshaft. Sure, they look neat but the the cost per benefit is not very beneficial. They end up being so thick-walled to match the strength of .083 DOM steel tubing that it's just not worth it. Also the U-joint cups like to gall up in the weld yokes. Spend your money wisely elsewhere, like towards one of those brand new M-22 Muncies after the pain you're going to inflict upon your current M-21 with a new high HP/torque motor!

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the advice on that one Mark,I'll have to do more research I guess.

Jason,

Hey,we got SOME sun in Marina yesterday!

[indyjps]

ever consider a 377 or an even larger big bore short stroke engine, it would rev like the 302. swap out the trans if its correct to the car or the crate motor may eat it up too.

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
ever consider a 377 or an even larger big bore short stroke engine, it would rev like the 302. swap out the trans if its correct to the car or the crate motor may eat it up too.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have considered that route as well.I'm hoping my M-21 will be strong enough to withstand the wrath of the crate motor.I may even send it out to have it re-freshened.

[musclecarjohn]

Well guys,pulled the motor out today and it's basically toast.Broke two rods and the cam in several places.It had already been sleeved in the number 1 cylinder.No failure there though.The bottom of the cylinder walls got pretty chewed up and the crank journels are junk.

So much for building that motor,huh?

My buddies and I are arguing whether to have a 302 built or just buy a high-hp 383 stroker.It would cost me the same either way.At this point,I'm thinking of just shelving the 302 idea for now and just picking up the phone.

383/550hp $6699

What do you all think...again?

[Mr. T]

What's your Z's buildate?

http://www.camaros.net/classifieds/s...t=8&page=1