Sad day but new possibilities

[coloradoformula]

Hey all, it's been a while since I've last posted. I could use some good advice and I knew you guys could help. Last week was spring break for CSU students so me and a couple of buddies went down to South Padre Island in my bird. Everything was going great until I noticed a serious drop in power. I pulled over popped the hood open and found that my exhaust manifold was cherry red! I checked the oil to find that it was short 2.5 quarts of oil and there was a serious leak. Turns our my catalytic converter plugged up preventing the exhaust from flowing, increasing compression enough to basically blow gaskets through out the engine. So basically my engine is shot. Now I get two choices 1. buy a new car (I do not want to do this) 2. replace the engine (of course it has to be something better). So I'm thinking get a new engine, but what kind? I was talking to a guy at work about this and he suggested a GM crate ZZ383 which according to him is a 350 block that should work in my car. Would this engine even fit? What are my other options? Thanks. Shaun

[soCalTA]

First off ... how much cash you got to play with?

[coloradoformula]

I'm thinking 4-5g's including new clutch which I assume will be required for the added power. I think I could get a used ZZ383 for about 3g's.

[TraceZ]

I'm thinking 4-5g's including new clutch which I assume will be required for the added power. I think I could get a used ZZ383 for about 3g's.

the ZZ383 will not fit.

It is a gen1 motor, pre-LTx architecture.

You'll need a LT1 or LT4 replacement.

[MN6WS6]

I'd just get yours rebuilt, if possible. You have to tear it down anyway, so you might as well have it mic'ed to see if it's within tolerances for boring and just how much damage it did to the motor. You're probably going to need heads, but still, you'd save money by rebuilding what you have, and you could go big. 5g's ought to get you a 383 LT1, maybe even a 396 if you work the money right, with some nice heads and end up with a good 450+ HP motor on pump gas.

[TraceZ]

I'd just get yours rebuilt, if possible. You have to tear it down anyway, so you might as well have it mic'ed to see if it's within tolerances for boring and just how much damage it did to the motor. You're probably going to need heads, but still, you'd save money by rebuilding what you have, and you could go big. 5g's ought to get you a 383 LT1, maybe even a 396 if you work the money right, with some nice heads and end up with a good 450+ HP motor on pump gas.

Agreed.

Tear it down, inspect it well and get it rebuilt a little bigger if you want to. Do you have another car to drive in the meanwhile?

[Joe 1320]

I would take the current engine and upgrade it to LT4 specs and then some.......

[coloradoformula]

Fortunatly, I have a very nice 4 person family with 5 cars. Thanks for your help guys.

[coloradoformula]

Hey all, one more quick question. I found a possible transplant canidate. A brand new LT1 crate motor. The block casting # is 10125327. Will this engine work with my 94 computer? Or will I have to get it retuned?

[TraceZ]

Hey all, one more quick question. I found a possible transplant canidate. A brand new LT1 crate motor. The block casting # is 10125327. Will this engine work with my 94 computer? Or will I have to get it retuned?

The casting number you list is the standard LT1 casting. It will fit in your car directly, no modifications.